Guidance & Support

The Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, revealed to the BBC that driverless cars could become a reality on some UK roads by the end of 2026. Harper expressed optimism about the technology, envisioning vehicle owners being able to travel without actively monitoring their journeys by the same timeline.

The government's recent announcement of plans for new legislation to introduce automated driving in the UK underscores the push toward autonomous vehicles. Despite critics expressing concerns about the readiness of the technology and its potential for accidents, Harper emphasized the gradual rollout of autonomous features, leaving the choice to individuals.

Harper highlighted the technology's potential to significantly enhance road safety, reducing accidents caused by driver errors. While the US and China have seen millions of miles covered by fully automated vehicles, the UK has approached the technology with caution.

Current driver-assist technologies are available in some models but require human oversight, emphasising the importance of safety regulations and public acceptance in the evolution of autonomous driving.

Scania's latest biogas engines, introduced at the previous International Motor Show fair in Germany, has revolutionised the market. The effective combination of G25 gearboxes and diesel axles has led to a 5% fuel efficiency improvement for long-haul routes.

Ola Henriksson, Scania Trucks' Senior Product Manager for Renewable Fuels emphasises the efficiency of these biogas engines when paired with Scania's Opti cruise gearbox and new axles, operating near optimal levels. The move to biomethane fuels like Bio-LNG or Bio-CNG is accelerating, driven by the urgent need for decarbonisation in road transport. These fuels can cut CO2 emissions by up to 90%. Scania's biogas engines, suitable for diverse applications, can power a 40-tonne tractor-trailer up to 1,800 km, especially with the high-performance OC13 engine.

Scania's commitment to sustainability is evident in this strategic combination, offering significant CO2 reduction and a viable step toward immediate decarbonisation. The expansion of biogas fuel stations across Europe reflects the rising demand for eco-friendly fuel options.

Built on Scania's reliable 13-litre gas engine, these biogas engines are set for increased market share, meeting future regulations. Henriksson believes the engines' CO2 efficiency, driveability, extended range and quieter operation will appeal to a broader customer base.

Brentwood Borough Council has approved a major development for 112,000 square meters of warehouse space. This is expected to significantly increase traffic on the B186 Warley Street, particularly between the Brentwood Enter site and the Warley Interchange with the A127.

Concerns are rising about the road's capacity to handle a 71% increase in traffic, especially with the expected rise in HGVs. Councillor Phil Mynott highlighted the potential challenges posed by such a traffic surge on a single-lane road. Despite concerns about its impact on the Great Warley conservation area, council consultant Paulette McAllister believes the harm will be manageable.

The Brentwood Enterprise Park, spearheaded by St Modwen, aims to meet about 40% of the region's employment needs for the next decade. The project is expected to create over 2,000 full-time jobs and bring significant economic benefits, including local spending and business rates.

The development includes four warehouses, with the largest covering an area equivalent to 14 football pitches. Plans also involve constructing a new road bridge over the A127 for site access, reconfiguring existing entrances, and adding new access points to improve connectivity with the M25, Junction 29.

With the holiday season fast approaching, police are issuing a cautionary notice to transport and haulage firms about an alarming increase in trailer thefts as criminals target goods for resale on the black market.

In the West Mercia region alone, thefts have surged, with reports jumping from 83 last year to 140 this year. High-value items such as toys, electronics, gourmet foods, and luxury perfumes are particularly vulnerable, as organised crime rings aim to turn a quick profit. Recent incidents include the theft of a trailer carrying £50,000 worth of specialty cheeses and another loaded with essential household items, marking a worrying trend as the holiday season intensifies demand.

Law enforcement officials link these thefts to well-established organised crime groups that operate on the premise of "low-risk, high reward." The ongoing economic challenges, including inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, are believed to be driving the demand for black market goods, inadvertently spurring such thefts. To counteract this wave of freight crime, police are stepping up efforts through initiatives like Operation Yard, which involves heightened police activity in known high-risk zones.

The repercussions of these thefts ripple through the supply chain, causing reputational damage to carriers, increased insurance premiums, and shortages on supermarket shelves, ultimately leading to higher prices for consumers. The police's approach aims to safeguard the supply chain and prevent the trickle-down effects that impacts customers and businesses alike.

Amazon, the world’s biggest retail giant, has unveiled plans to enter the online car sales market, with the service set to launch in 2024 and exclusively for customers in the United States. While there's no confirmation of Amazon extending this service to Europe or the UK yet, the initial offering in the USA will feature a limited selection of Hyundai vehicles sourced from local suppliers.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Hyundai, emphasising their shared commitment to enhancing customer experiences. Jassy stated, "Our broad, strategic partnership should revolutionise the online vehicle purchasing process and seamlessly integrate Alexa into Hyundai vehicles for entertainment, shopping, smart home control, and calendar management."

This innovative partnership aims to empower drivers to manage their smart homes remotely, such as adjusting thermostat settings, ensuring security by checking door locks, and controlling smart lighting and Alexa routines all whilst being on the go.

The collaboration underscores Amazon and Hyundai's vision of revolutionising the digital car-buying experience, making it more seamless for consumers. Notably, this move aligns with recent industry trends, as seen with Porsche integrating Google Maps and Google Assistance into its vehicles, joining General Motors, Renault and Ford in leveraging embedded technologies.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in a significant move, has undertaken a ministerial reshuffle, indicating a strategic shift in his Cabinet's lineup.

In this reshuffle, James Cleverly has been appointed as the new Home Secretary, but in a surprising turn of events, former Prime Minister David Cameron has been brought back into the forefront of government affairs, assuming the role of Foreign Secretary.

Within the Department for Transport (DfT), several key ministerial positions have been filled following the departure and promotion of previous officeholders. The reshuffle was prompted by Jesse Norman’s resignation as the Decarbonisation and Technology Minister, the transition of Baroness Vere of Norbiton from her role as the Aviation and Maritime Minister, and Richard Holden's elevation from his position as Roads Minister.

Responding to these changes, the DfT has announced the appointment of Guy Opperman MP as the new Parliamentary Under Secretary of State. In his role, Opperman will oversee Roads and Local Transport, bringing fresh leadership to these vital areas as the UK continues to develop its transport infrastructure and seeks to enhance local connectivity.

Anthony Browne MP steps in as the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Aviation, Decarbonisation, and Technology. This role is particularly significant given the increasing focus on sustainable transport and the integration of innovative technologies in aviation and broader transport sectors.

Lastly, Lord Davies of Gower MP has been appointed as the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport in the Lords. His portfolio includes Maritime and other areas, positioning him at the forefront of overseeing the UK's maritime sector and other critical transport modalities.

The UK is poised to become a global leader in the self-driving vehicle market, projected to be worth £42 billion, following the introduction of new laws focusing on safety and innovation. The Automated Vehicles (AV) Bill, announced during the King’s Speech on November 7th, aims to create one of the world’s most comprehensive legal frameworks for autonomous vehicles.

Ben Garratt, Deputy Director of Public Affairs at Logistics UK, highlights the Bill's role in safely advancing the commercial development of self-driving vehicles. This advancement is seen as a transformative opportunity for the logistics sector to lead in innovation and public education on the benefits of autonomous technology.

Garratt urges continued collaboration among government, investors, tech companies, and the logistics industry to trial and deploy these vehicles. This collaboration is crucial for developing business cases and reducing technology costs. A strong regulatory environment, alongside a solid business case for investment in autonomy, is essential for sector growth.

The Bill also aims to facilitate advanced trials of self-driving vehicles, even those without a driver, a step seen as key to demonstrating leadership in cutting-edge technologies.

The logistics sector's innovation journey is supported by a network of respected organisations, including CCAV, the Law Commission, DVSA, Innovate UK, Connected Places Catapult, and Zenzic. Autonomous commercial vehicles have a wide range of applications, from long-haul trunking and city deliveries to postal services, refuse collection, and quarry operations.

JCB has reached a significant milestone in embracing hydrogen as a fuel source by installing a hydrogen engine in a Mercedes Sprinter van. This swift conversion, completed within two weeks, reflects JCB's commitment to championing hydrogen-powered solutions. Anthony Bamford, JCB Chairman and a pivotal figure in the hydrogen engine initiative, was among the first to test the upgraded van.

In a prior initiative, JCB retrofitted a 7.5-tonne Mercedes truck with a hydrogen engine. Chairman Bamford underscored the simplicity of converting existing vans, dispelling the notion that hydrogen power is exclusive to construction and agriculture.

With the collaborative efforts of 150 British engineers, JCB has manufactured over 70 hydrogen engines. These cutting-edge engines are now integrated into prototype JCB machines. The conversion of the Sprinter, formerly diesel-powered, serves as a demonstration of JCB's dedication to fostering a cleaner environment through hydrogen usage.

Unlike battery-powered vehicles that necessitate hours for recharging, hydrogen-powered vehicles can refuel within minutes. This transition to hydrogen not only benefits the environment but also aligns with goals for reducing emissions.

In a groundbreaking move last year, JCB introduced a mobile hydrogen refuelling solution, simplifying on-site refuelling for machines. The production of JCB's advanced hydrogen engines takes place at JCB Power Systems in Derbyshire, contributing to the company's strides in creating more sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.

SNAP, the digital marketplace for the haulage industry, highlights a critical issue in the sector. The combination of increased demand for online deliveries and a shortage of new drivers has created a precarious situation.

Data reveals that more than half (55%) of truck drivers fall within the 50-64 age bracket, with the UK's average driver age standing at 53. This means that a significant portion of drivers will likely retire in the coming decade, further worsening the shortage issue.

The surge in demand is attributed to the increase in online shopping and food deliveries, with 2023 witnessing 39.2 million meal deliveries and 24.2 million grocery deliveries in the UK. These figures are projected to grow to 50.6 million and 31.2 million, respectively, by 2027.

To address the growing demand for drivers, the UK government introduced various measures, including relaxing late-night delivery restrictions, adding 4,700 HGV drivers to the visa scheme, launching apprenticeships, training programmes, and reviewing HGV parking and facilities.

Richard Owen-Hughes, Group Marketing Director at Driver Hire, emphasises the urgency of attracting young and diverse talent to the industry. With most drivers approaching retirement, initiatives like the Skills Bootcamp Programme are crucial in making a career as a professional HGV driver more accessible.

In the UK, The Department for Transport recently engaged the public in a consultation seeking their opinions on potential changes to the driver's license regime. One of the proposed changes under consideration is allowing individuals who have passed their car driving test to operate vehicles weighing up to 7.5 tonnes, a significant increase from the current limit.

Results from the consultation revealed that a substantial majority, 69% of respondents favoured this change. However, there were also concerns about safety, with some respondents highlighting the notable differences in size and weight between these larger vehicles and standard cars, which could potentially lead to an increased risk of accidents.

Furthermore, 89% of respondents supported the idea of imposing an age restriction on individuals gaining the new entitlement upon passing a Category B driving test. There was also a consensus among respondents that there should be a minimum period that drivers must hold a standard car license before being permitted to drive a C1 vehicle, although opinions varied on the specific duration of this waiting period.

Advocates of the proposal believe that it could have a positive impact, potentially helping to address driver shortages and enhancing transport efficiency. However, some respondents expressed concerns about possible consequences, including anticipated increases in insurance premiums and additional training costs.

Currently, the Department for Transport is carefully reviewing the feedback and comments gathered during the consultation, and decisions about which changes to implement will be made in due course.