Guidance & Support

The UK hit a notable milestone with the registration of its millionth electric vehicle (EV) last month, despite a notable decrease in sales, indicating a mixed picture for the nation's net zero ambitions. Sales to individual consumers dropped by 25% in January 2024, part of a wider 16% fall in all new car sales to private customers, as reported by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Calls have intensified for government incentives, such as halving VAT on EVs, to drive consumer adoption. Over 20,000 battery electric vehicles were registered in January 2024, a 20% year-on-year increase, predominantly driven by fleet purchases, which saw a demand surge of over 40%. EVs comprised 14.7% of all new car sales in the UK for January, underscoring a growing but still insufficient market penetration to meet environmental targets.

The SMMT emphasises the need for supportive policies to expedite EV adoption, including electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), which are vital for reducing transport emissions. The higher upfront cost of EVs, including HGVs, remains a barrier, despite their lower running costs. Last year, the government's decision to delay the ban on new petrol and diesel car sales to 2035 drew mixed reactions, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in the transition to electric mobility.

Despite a decrease in private car registrations, overall new car market growth in January was buoyed by a significant increase in fleet sales, which now represent over 60% of all new car registrations. This reflects a shift towards more sustainable vehicle options in the UK's journey towards net zero emissions.

HGVC has been reappointed to lead the Government’s extended Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving, aimed at training thousands in England to become HGV drivers over the next two years. The program, initially launched in December 2021 and extended to February 2026, includes an additional £50 million in funding.

The initiative focuses on helping employers upskill their staff to address the driver shortage. HGVC aim to primarily assist drivers in obtaining Category C and Category C+E lorry licences.

Since its launch, HGVC has trained around 1,800 drivers, with many securing jobs with starting salaries up to £40,000. The training programs have attracted a diverse group of trainees, including a higher representation of women and ethnic minorities compared to the overall UK HGV driving sector. The extended Skills Bootcamps will be available from February 2024, targeting businesses looking to upskill existing staff. Training is accessible at 60 locations nationwide.

James Clifford, CEO of HGVC, praised the initiative as a critical step in addressing the long-term driver shortage and highlighted the opportunity it presents for employers to upskill their staff with government support. The Skills Bootcamps form part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee, with a total commitment of £257 million for various Skills Bootcamps.

Young drivers in the UK are grappling with record-high car insurance costs, with some premiums reaching nearly £3,000. Data from confused.com shows a significant rise in insurance rates for 17-20 year olds, increasing by over £1,000 since last year. The overall average increase in car insurance is 58% compared to last January.

Steve Dukes, CEO of confused.com, links the rise to increased claims post Covid, higher prices for second hand cars, and increased repair costs. The demand for used cars spiked during the pandemic due to a shortage of computer chips and manufacturing materials, leading to a 31% price increase in March 2022 as reported by the Office for National Statistics.

Average insurance premiums for all drivers have climbed by £366 to £995, with 17-year-olds now paying around £2,877 and 18-year-olds facing an average of £3,162. Strategies to mitigate costs include adding experienced drivers to the policy.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) recognises the steep costs but suggests there are ways to reduce them. They stress the necessity of having insurance coverage and advise those struggling to consult their insurers. The ABI points out that insurance costs correlate with risk levels, and younger drivers typically have higher claim costs.

Developer Chancerygate has proposed the construction of a 59,500 sq. ft Grade A Urban Logistics and industrial space in Clayton, East Manchester, named Eastside. This potential development could generate up to 60 jobs. The scheme will feature nine units, varying from 4,000 to 14,000 sq. ft, available for purchase or lease, with an estimated development value of £15m.

Located on a 2.3-acre site, previously home to Walkers Printing facility, Eastside is conveniently situated on Crabtree Lane, less than three miles from Manchester City Centre and close to the M60 motorway. The area already houses a retail development with Aldi, Subway and Greggs.

Adjacent to Manchester City Football Club’s Etihad campus and the forthcoming £365m Co-Op Live entertainment venue, the Eastside project aligns with the Eastlands Regeneration Area. Each unit will incorporate environmentally friendly features like electric vehicle charging points and solar panels, aiming for an excellent energy efficiency rating.

Chris Brown, Chancerygate's development director, emphasised the critical need for quality industrial and logistics space for SMEs in East Manchester. He noted the development's strategic location, making it attractive across various sectors and contributing to the area's ongoing large-scale regeneration.

Chancerygate is actively involved in developing approximately 2.65 million sq. ft of urban logistics space across 19 sites from Edinburgh to Chichester.

In the last year, there's been a notable increase in aggressive incidents targeting commercial fleet drivers, both from thieves and the general public. This issue was the focus of a recent event by SureCam and PeopleSafe, where experts in fleet management and safety gathered to discuss strategies for driver and lone worker protection.

Lee Jackson of the Association of Fleet Professionals reported more frequent attacks, especially in high-risk areas such as Greater London with people often targeting vehicles and high-end equipment. Mark Ryder from PeopleSafe also noted a significant rise in road rage incidents, leading to harassment of commercial fleet drivers during their routine duties.

Philip Read, Head of Safety, Health, Risk & Resilience at G4S added: “While serious incidents within our health and patient transport services, as well as elsewhere in the business, are often sporadic, they are on the rise and can represent a significant threat to our drivers and passengers. The safety of our staff and patients is paramount, and with many of our drivers single-crewed and working autonomously, so our challenge is how we address this issue and provide the level of lone worker protection needed?”

The panel focused on the need for cultural and organizational shifts in the fleet sector to improve lone worker safety. They emphasized the importance of risk assessment, understanding threats, and developing effective safety plans. Key strategies identified included sharing experiences, reporting hazards, and conducting safety training.

Global logistics giant DP World is investing £15 million in a new welfare facility for heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers at its Southampton hub, according to reports. The construction of the 7,500 square metre site has commenced, featuring amenities such as a restaurant, cafe, bathrooms, showers and secure parking for over 120 lorries with 24-hour security.

Southampton City Council has approved the project, anticipating benefits such as alleviating residential traffic concerns and reducing transport emissions in the area. DP World acquired a land lease from port operator Associated British Ports earlier in 2023.

Jonathan Scott, DP World Southampton's Head of Engineering, emphasised the importance of investing in the well-being of drivers, stating, "With our £15 million investment in this outstanding new facility for drivers, we are contributing to a crucial part of the supply chain. Recognising the pressure to manage costs, maintain reliability, and improve speed, we understand the significance of taking care of the people on whom supply chains depend.

DP World, committed to investing £1 billion in UK operations over a decade, currently manages logistics and port facilities in 78 countries, handling an estimated 10% of global trade. In September of the same year, the company introduced the Modal Shift Programme in the UK, encouraging cargo owners to reduce carbon emissions by transitioning from road to rail.

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.