Government Infrastructure Plan – Warehousing Cambridge – Swannells

admin Latest news March 29, 2016warehousing camr, warehousing huntingdon

A newly-announced Government plan for national infrastructure has been welcomed by the freight industry as well as the Freight Transport Association (FTA). The National Infrastructure Delivery Plan has been called a co-ordinated and comprehensive approach to future infrastructure planning.

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The newly-announced plan, which was released last Wednesday, has brought together all of the Government’s infrastructure plans for the next five years. One of the plans that the government has committed to is the construction of a Northern Powerhouse, which would connect major towns and cities in the north. The plan highlights more than £425 billion of planned investment in 600 major projects over the next five years.

The FTA’s Director of Policy, Karen Dee, had this to say about the new plan:
“The Government is right to put so much emphasis on infrastructure – these networks are crucial to delivering economic growth. Transport improvements represent a large proportion of the projects, which is vital for a trading nation that relies on the movement of goods and services.”

The plan includes a a major road and rail investment package including £15 billion to support Highways England in transforming the Strategic Road Network and support the biggest rail modernisation since the Victorian times.

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Miss Dee later continued to say: “Given the unprecedented levels of Government and private sector funds being made available, it is essential to ensure efficient and effective delivery of projects. The National Infrastructure Delivery Plan is a welcome development as it presents a co-ordinated and comprehensive view of what needs to be delivered over the next few years and establishes a process for identifying what comes next.”

If you would like to see the full government plan, just click here.

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Civil Penalties Scheme Reviewed – Swannells – Haulage Companies in Cambridgeshire

admin Latest news March 14, 2016haulage companies in cambridgeshire 0 Comment

The civil enalties scheme is to be reviewed by the government. The scheme raised £6.6m in fines last year, punishing truck drivers who were carrying illegal immigrants. The plans to improve the scheme have been welcomed by the FTA

The government are working with the freight industry in order to put a stop to illegal immigration and the FTA is pleased to see that. Currently, HGV drivers that are caught with illegal immigrants on-board their vehicles are fined up to £2,000 per person. In the summer of 2015, it was estimated that around 40 illegal immigrants were entering Dover a day.

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The Home Office has said that it will now use the civil penalty to improve the behaviours of the careless and the reckless. The civil penalty regime will be strengthened so that the codes of practices underline the need for all drivers to show that they have the correct security measures – with potential penalties if they don’t.

When speaking about the plans to improve the civil penalties scheme, the FTA’s Manager of Road Freight Enforcement, Chris Yarsley, had this to say:

“FTA is pleased to see the Government working with our industry in an effort to try and combat illegal immigration. Following the mass migration in to the EU over the past year we welcome the opportunity to revise the charging regime so that it incentivises operators to better secure their vehicles and could offer possible benefits for those who go further than the required minimum.”

He continued:

“The levels of penalties have not been amended for over 10 years and vehicle security technologies have improved immensely so it is now time to look at the entirety of the scheme.”

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The FTA have been involved in discussions with the government for some time now and they are in regular contact with the Border Force to try and keep constant communication between both sides.

Last summer, around 40 illegal immigrants were attempting to enter the UK and many of these were from the ‘Jungle Camp’ in Calais. More than 3,600 were picked up by the Home Office between July and September 2015.

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Clearing Calais – Warehousing Huntingdon – Swannells Transport

admin Latest news February 29, 2016warehousing huntingdon 0 Comment

After responding to a court ruling in favour of the French government’s plan to clear part of the migrant camp in Calais the Freight Transport Association (FTA) has called it a ‘step in the right direction’.

The camp, which has been called a ‘Jungle’ is set to be cleared after a court in France stated that eviction of the camp was legal.

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The camp is called home by around 5,000 migrants, the majority of which are reportedly looking to reach Britain by crossing the Channel. Members of the FTA have reported an increase in violence and unrest with migrants attacking lorries and drivers on a daily basis. Many drivers are now being told to avoid stopping in areas on the approach to the port and Eurotunnel.

The problems started back in the summer of 2015, where migrants where arriving in mass numbers at the French port looking to get across the Channel.

FTA’s Head of European Policy – Pauline Bastidon, had this to say about the decision: “FTA welcomes the decision to start clearing the Jungle camp in Calais. We appreciate the need for careful consideration – as the clearance of the camp could be seen as violating the fundamental rights of the migrants. However, considerations should also be given to the rights of our members to go about their work without fear of violence or intimidation.

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She continued to say “Disruption caused in part by migrant activity last year cost the UK freight industry an estimated £750,000 a day, and we do not want to see that situation repeated. £89 billion worth of UK trade passes through the port every year so it’s crucial that a solution is found as a matter of urgency.”

The progress that has been made in the recent months has been encouraging, with an increase to security the main change including fencing around the Calais area. But the FTA are urging French and UK authorities to complete the secure truck parking facilities and the registration of migrants as a matter of urgency.

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Cycle proposals must consider all road users – Warehousing Cambridge

admin Latest news February 16, 2016warehousing cambridge

The Mayor of London’s proposals for major new bike routes across the capital must consider the impact on all road users says the Freight Transport Association (FTA).

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Consultation began last week on a package of cycling, pedestrian and road improvements design to reflect the fact that cycling in central London has trebled over the last 15 years and the number of people who cycle around London will soon overtake the amount of people who drive in London.

Among the latest proposals are plans to allow cyclists to travel on segregated tracks or low-traffic roads from Acton and Swiss Cottage to central London, Elephant and Castle and Canary Wharf.

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The FTA supports the principle of safe bike route that would be segregated from traffic – both to improve safety for cyclists and to encourage car users to switch to bikes, however this must take in to consideration the needs of all road users.

Natalie Chapman, FTA’s Head of Policy for London, had this to say about the proposals: “These schemes must be well thought out so they not only serve London today, but for decades to come.

“We are already seeing massive delays on Lower Thames Street due to the construction of the East-West Cycle Superhighway. This is resulting in some companies putting more vans and lorries on London’s roads to deliver the same quantity of goods, either to comply with the maximum shifts required under EU Drivers’ Hours rules or to maintain customer service levels.

“This is not good for emissions, congestion, transport costs or indeed safety. And this is not a temporary situation – the loss of capacity will be permanent.”

The new cycling schemes currently under condtruction were rushed through and the FTA is calling on the next Mayor of London to work with the freight industry and the businesses it serves to ensure that future schemes are better planned for the benefit of all road users.

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Road Tunnels to Ease Congestion – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

admin Latest news February 5, 2016haulage companies in huntingdon

Two major road tunnels across London could significantly ease congestion, London’s mayor Boris Johnson has said as he unveiled plans to send more traffic underground.

Transport for London (TfL) could also seek to ease traffic flow more locally smaller ‘flyunders’ and mini-tunnels.

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The mayor said the first tunnel, the Northern Cross City Corridor, could be opened in 20 years and be funded by toll charges. The 18kmtunnel would run from west to east, linking west the A40 at Park Royal to the A12 at Hackney Wick. A second 25km tunnel could be developed to the south from the A4 in Chiswick to the A13 in Beckton. The tunnels could cut congestion in central London by 20%, Johnson claimed.

TfL planners will now carry out detailed feasibility studies into the two routes, which have superseded Johnson’s previous vision for an orbital tunnel, although that is said to still be a possibility.

More tunnels?

City planner have announced that they are also examining nine other potential sites for smaller tunnels and flyunders, which would move stretches of busy roads underground and create new space on the surface for parks and homes. By removing the physical barrier to pedestrians, the flyunders would be expected to regenerate the surrounding area. Possible locations include parts of the A13 in Barking and the A3 in Tolworth.

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With the capital’s population predicted to grow by almost 20% to 10.3 million by 2030, Johnson and TfL are also considering revising road charging to manage traffic. Goods traffic in particular could face new restrictions, including bans or higher charges on freight vehicles at certain times of the day.

Johnson said: “London is booming and, as our great capital thrives, our ambitions for the veins and arteries that keep our city alive must grow with it.

“Around eight of every 10 journeys in London are made using our roads – whether by car, taxi, motorbike, bus, cycle, foot or freight – which is why it is vital that we think big. We must deliver long-term solutions that will not just make the most of the space we have for road users but bring environmental and amenity improvements to local areas.”

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Operators prosecuted over SLS rules – Warehousing in Huntingdon

admin Latest news January 25, 2016Warehousing in Huntingdon

Two companies that refused to obey London’s Safer Lorry Scheme (SLS) by using vehicles not fitted with the correct safety equipment have been prosecuted and fined.

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D&R Grab Hire and What A Load of Rubbish were stopped by officers and found to be in breach of the Safer Lorry Scheme regulation order by not having VI mirrors or side-guards fitted to their vehicles.

On 9th December, both of the companies appeared at City of London Magistrates and were fine £500 each, they were also made to pay court costs of £235 each.

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Steve Burton, Transport for London’s (TfL) director of enforcement and on-street operations, said: “These non-compliant operators represent a small minority on our streets, we hope these prosecutions send out a clear message that we will continue to protect and secure our roads and push for the toughest penalties for anyone caught operating unlawfully.”

The SLS is relatively new and only launched in September 2015 and ensures that vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes entering the capital are fitted with side-guards and Class V and VI mirrors. These safety precautions help protect cyclists from being dragged under the wheels in the event of a collision and to give the driver a better view of cyclists and pedestrians.

Tfl said that since the start of the SLS, 5,610 vehicles have been targeted and stopped, with 269 of those identified as non-compliant.

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Supermarket Diesel Cuts Is Good News For Industry

admin Latest news, Uncategorized January 11, 2016FTA

The news that supermarkets have been cutting their prices on petrol has been a relief for everyone, today four of the UK’s leading supermarkets have revealed that they will be reducing the price of diesel as well which has been described as ‘good news for the industry’ by the Freight Transport Association (FTA).

The price of diesel at the pumps will be below £1 a litre for the first time since 2009! Todays cuts reflect the further falls in oil price, which is at its lowest for 11 years, UK Brent crude oil is currently trading at just below $38 (£26) per barrel, which is 35% less than what it was trading at last year.

Why is it good news for the industry?

For major hauling companies running costs of vehicles represents around a third of annual operating costs, therefore if fuel prices continue to fall, so will the operating costs of the company meaning that the net profit of the company can increase profits, allowing the industry to boom. The industry is already growing, a recent report showed that the number of active limited companies in the industry has increased from 21,245 to 28,510, thats a staggering 34% in just 11 months.

FTA’s members have reported that the high price of fuel is their number one concern; being bad for businesses, hauliers and road users, and can have a devastating impact on their customers and ultimately everyone through the prices on the shelves. And the FTA Deputy Chief Executive James Hookham had this to say about the cuts “We need to see the wider fuel market become more responsive to ever lower oil prices. Today’s announcement by leading supermarkets is good news for commercial vehicle operators.”

Who is the real winner?

Mr Hookham added: “Never forget that at £1 per litre – 60p is fuel duty and about 16p will be VAT, so the biggest winner is the Chancellor. We need to see the Government helping businesses at these uncertain times with a further reduction in fuel duty in the Budget this March.”

Members of the FTA can take advantage of the cuts further by using the FTA Fuel Card – designed to allow users to benefit from large cost savings through discounted fuel prices and interest-free credit

Brand new £3million logistics academy to open in Liverpool

admin Latest news November 16, 2015haulage companies in huntingdon, logistics, warehousing companies in huntingdon

A bid to build a brand new £3million specialist logistics academy has just been given the go ahead as part of the £232million Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Deal in Liverpool City Region. The £3million academy is supported by logistic businesses including Stobart Group, Wincanton, Stena Line and the Chartered Institute of Transport and Logistics.

The Proposal

The proposal for the academy was developed collaboratively by St. Helens College and Knowsley Community College.

The academy is set to open in 2016, will combine the expertise of St. Helens College and Knowsley Community College, as well as employers in the sector. The main focus of the academy will be to “prepare both young people and adults for a career in the growing supply chain industry” as well as attracting fresh talent from around the UK and updating skills within the industry.

Investment in a logistics academy

Robert Hough, chair of Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership said: “The Superport initiative is a key growth sector for the city region and the provision of high quality training for current and prospective logistic employees is a key priority going forward. Investment in a logistics academy creates a vital and important new asset for the city region and another reason for logistics businesses to invest here.”

What will the academy offer?

With the logistics industry going through many changes, the academy will offer support from employers, who will work alongside both, St. Helens College and Knowsley Community College to tackle the changes that are happening in the sector. According to Knowsley Community College, the academy will act as a “one stop shop for transport, distribution and supply chain management.”

Driver Drones – What’s the latest

admin Latest news October 21, 2015driver drones

We’re shifting into an interesting era in the world of work. With automation taking care of many labor tasks that used to make up whole industries, the employment market has shifted a lot more to creative jobs, writing, and anything that seemingly can’t be automated.

Technology continues to remove the human element

It seems reasonable to assume that technology will keep on removing the need for the human element in a lot more professions, and that driving will be automated at some point.

Human’s being replaced by technology has been forecast for some time. Back in 1930 Lord Maynard Keynes coined the phrase “Technological Unemployment”, and recently Stephen Hawking expanded this to say “robots with artificial intelligence could take over the world in the next 100 years.” Even from Hawking this seems a bit of a far-fetched and apocalyptic scenario, better pitched to a television production company than the public. But with Apple reportedly developing a driverless car, it seems likely that driving jobs could be eradicated one day in the near future.

Research points to empowering your drivers

Assuming there isn’t an army of driver robots ready to take over your fleet of vehicles just yet, it’s worth taking a look at how to encourage the best out of your working driving fleet. Employers tend lean toward the instructive with their employees, but a lot of research points to empowering your drivers with the knowledge they need to improve to ensure a happy and productive working fleet. If you offer incentives based on driving efficiency and encourage some healthy competition in certain fields that would help improve your fleet then you’ll be heading in the right direction.

It’s a long way off, but the days of driverless vehicles are in sight

If you’re a professional driver, don’t go and panic just yet! It’s fair to say that the shift to fully automated vehicles is still a long way off. Technology is expensive to develop and usually more difficult to implement. Until it makes sense for owners of large vehicle fleets, it’s unlikely to impact the professional driving community much. Change is a natural thing though, and the days of driverless vehicles are definitely in sight…

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