Piggyback problem solvers
It’s all very well having greener HGVs to deliver ‘the final mile’. But what if they can’t physically reach their destination? Brian Weatherley reports on a solution from French bodybuilder Libner
In a fog about Euro 6? You're not alone
Confused about the emissions benefits of your van’s Euro 6 engine? It’s hardly surprising, given the complexity of the situation and a failure by the government to clear up the uncertainty. Chris Tindall investigates
In or out, fleet operators need help and stability
As we go to press, the UK’s population is poised to cast its vote in what’s widely seen as the most momentous referendum for generations. When you read this, of course, we’ll all be enduring the post-mortem and finger pointing. But, whether in or out of Europe, the future for transport looks as tough as ever.
Supercharged vans
Operations of diesel light commercial vehicles are likely to be increasingly curtailed in many urban areas, and retrofitting electric drivelines may be a solution for some fleets. Richard Simpson reports
TE Legal Update: December 2017
This page is brought to you by specialist transport law firm Backhouse Jones
Green red buses
Some 900 Euro 3 London buses are being converted to near Euro 6 emissions standards, with funding from Transport for London. Steve Banner finds out more.
Greening transport
In his IRTE Conference address, transport minister Andrew Jones told delegates the government recognises the importance of the sector and is investing heavily in a sustainable future. Brian Tinham reports
Hot air and cool heads: the industry needs action
Barely had new London Mayor Sadiq Khan sipped his first coffee than he was announcing his intention to bring forward plans for the ULEZ (ultra low emission zone). It didn’t go down well. Indeed, the industry is reeling at the prospect of unbudgeted and frankly unrealistic costs to accelerate Euro 6 fleet upgrades.
Hot topic: benefitting from low-carbon vehicle ideas for heat and power
As I write this, we in the South East have been experiencing a cold snap. In these conditions, bus operators have a daily challenge: warming up the seating areas. I’m told that on frosty mornings, many drivers switch on the bus and let it idle for 10 minutes – wasting fuel and polluting the neighbourhood air. More to the point, while a diesel bus would still have fuel to spare after that, hybrid electric models may not.
Hybrids and electrics entering adoption phase
Have you noticed the tide turning with electric and hybrid commercial vehicles? It's not just about the growing numbers of operators, public and private, starting to adopt them. Quietly, but inexorably, finance houses are beginning to invest serious money in what they clearly see as a lucrative and hastening future.