Guidance & Support

New heavy goods vehicle (HGV) registrations have fallen for the first time in two years, with a -3.9% decline in Q1 2024, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Despite this, 11,068 new HGVs were registered between January and March, only 449 fewer than the same period in 2023, which had the strongest start to a year since the pandemic.

Demand for tractor units, the largest market sector, fell by -16.7%, and tipper uptake declined by -6.3%. However, curtainsiders saw a 23.1% increase, flat lorries rose by 21.6%, and box vans grew by 20.6%. Regional uptake varied, with the Southwest seeing the largest growth at 11.8% with 994 new HGVs. East Anglia had the largest decline, down -26.4% to 457 units. The Southeast remained the largest investor in new heavy vehicles, with 2,351 registrations, despite a -2.7% decline.

Zero emission vehicle (ZEV) registrations reached 0.5% of overall HGV registrations, up from 0.3% the previous year, marking a 56.3% increase in volume. Growth in ZEV uptake remains limited due to low operator confidence and a cumbersome grant system, which results in fewer than half of all ZEV models being eligible. Additionally, the UK has a shortage of dedicated HGV charging points, with only one truck-specific charging station located at the M61 southbound service station. This lack of infrastructure hampers longer-distance operators from adopting greener vehicles.

Reforming the grant system and implementing a national infrastructure plan would facilitate the switch to zero emission HGVs, potentially reducing CO2 emissions by around 19 million tonnes annually.

Nottingham-based logistics firm Mitchells of Mansfield, part of Palletways UK, has launched the Carbon Co-op initiative to advance its decarbonisation efforts.

Mitchells of Mansfield is part of Palletways UK’s network of over 120 depots, leveraging shared resources to deliver palletised freight efficiently. Palletways Group, known for its IT and operational systems, spans over 450 depots and 20 hubs, providing services across 24 European countries, including the UK.

Partnering with climate action platform Ecologi, the Carbon Co-op allows businesses to offset consignment emissions by paying a small fee based on travel distance. These fees support global climate projects aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Businesses in the Carbon Co-op can track their impact through Ecologi's “virtual forest”, monitoring CO2 avoided, and trees planted.

Managing Director of Mitchells of Mansfield, Richard Montgomery highlighted the initiative's role in helping customers make sustainable choices effortlessly. The firm also runs a monthly Carbon Free Day, offsetting all customers' CO2 emissions at no extra cost. Aiming to become climate positive by 2027, Mitchells of Mansfield has funded 2,000 trees and avoided 532.5 tons of CO2 - equivalent to 409 long-haul flights or 1,321,133 miles driven. Inspired by Palletways UK's efforts, they track progress on Ecologi's virtual forest.

A weight limit zone to prevent heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) from passing through several small villages in North Lincolnshire is now permanent. Since 2022, a trial has restricted vehicles over 7.5 tonnes from traveling through one council ward.

The initiative was prompted by concerns from the Ulceby Road Safety Group, Parish Council, and Ferry ward councillors. Stuart Smith of the Ulceby Road Safety Group celebrated the decision as "absolutely fantastic" and long overdue. Mr. Hannigan told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “It’s been successful beyond our expectations. It was a long campaign to achieve this, but we succeeded.”

The weight-restricted zone in Ferry ward includes Ulceby, Kirmington, Thornton Curtis, Burnham, Croxton, and Wootton. Ferry ward councillor Richard Hannigan praised the trial, noting it had "exceeded expectations" and improved residents' quality of life. Based on feedback from Humberside Police, vehicles exceeding the weight limit will be allowed through only if there are diversion routes, road closures, or roadworks.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA), representing HGV-operating companies, opposed the traffic order. The RHA argued that alternative routes would be more costly and environmentally harmful due to longer travel times.

Cumbria Police recently concluded a five-day road safety initiative, utilising a high-visibility HGV to monitor and enforce driving laws. The operation focused on tackling the "fatal four" major traffic violations often linked to severe and fatal accidents. These violations include speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, not wearing a seatbelt, and impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs.

In collaboration with National Highways, the campaign leveraged the HGV's elevated vantage point to better observe and record traffic offenses. Throughout the duration of the operation, officers documented a total of 31 infractions. These included instances of mobile phone use while driving, speeding, driving under the influence, driving without insurance, careless driving, operating a vehicle without a valid driver's license, and vehicles that lacked proper MOT certification, tax, or were involved in other traffic-related offenses.

Sergeant Jack Stabler from Cumbria Constabulary highlighted the significance of the campaign. He noted that many of the offenses were deliberate actions that compromised the safety of both the perpetrators and other road users. Sergeant Stabler reaffirmed the commitment of the Roads Policing Unit to continue such enforcement measures to enhance road safety across the county.

On April 11th, 2024, Roads Minister Guy Opperman announced proposals designed to attract more young people to careers as bus, coach, and lorry drivers. One key proposal is the lowering of minimum age requirements for bus and coach drivers. Currently, while fully trained drivers aged 18-20 can operate an articulated lorry with no distance limit, those in the same age group driving buses and coaches are restricted to routes of up to 50km.

The Department for Transport (DfT) emphasises that training standards will remain rigorous to ensure road safety. Minister Opperman noted that these changes would help bring young talent into the transport sector, improve job opportunities for school leavers, and alleviate ongoing driver shortages.

Declan Pang from the Road Haulage Association (RHA) supported the initiatives, pointing out that easing age restrictions could level the playing field between coach and HGV drivers and boost the coach sector.

The government's focus on promoting logistics careers among youth continues with further investments in facilities for HGV drivers and extended training programs, part of a broader strategy to enhance the logistics sector.

Over 300 members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union at Heathrow Airport, representing Border Force officers across terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5, are set to strike for four days from April 29th to May 2nd, just before the May bank holiday weekend. This follows a previously cancelled strike during the Easter holidays aimed at allowing further negotiations with the Home Office.

The strikes are prompted by disagreements over new rosters that could lead to approximately 250 staff members being reassigned from their passport control duties. The union has highlighted concerns that these changes could disproportionately affect disabled workers or those with caring responsibilities.

Fran Heathcote, PCS general secretary, criticised the roster changes, urging the Home Office to retain its experienced personnel. In response, the Home Office expressed disappointment over the planned strike but noted that “The new rosters will align to Heathrow's working patterns with other ports and improve service quality.”

The Home Office also assured that “Keeping our borders secure remains our top priority and we have robust plans in place to minimise any potential disruption.”

Worcestershire's White Logistics is gearing up to test hydrogen-fuelled trucks from Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS) next year as part of the Transition to Zero Programme. This initiative allows haulage companies to use hydrogen fuel cell trucks in their delivery operations and get acquainted with hydrogen refuelling technologies.

Under a memo of understanding with HVS, White Logistics will collaborate on hydrogen electric vehicle technology and infrastructure, sharing operational data. If successful, the company may convert a significant part of its fleet to zero-emission hydrogen-powered HGVs. White Logistics, established over 50 years ago, operates more than 150 delivery vehicles and is committed to reducing its carbon footprint.

CEO Graeme White emphasised the company's effort to adopt cutting-edge, environmentally friendly technologies. John McLeister, HVS' Chief Commercial Officer, praised White Logistics' commitment to decarbonisation, which aligns with their goals to integrate hydrogen fuel cell HGVs into their fleet.

The Transition to Zero programme supports its participants with technology exploration, infrastructure setup, safety guidance, financing options, and training programs, aiming for a smooth adoption of hydrogen FCEV technology in line with sustainability goals.

A recent survey highlights a shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) among UK fleet managers, with many increasing or maintaining their EV fleets. The Future of Transport research, involving 100 fleet managers who oversee more than 100 vehicles each, shows a trend towards full electrification within four years, down from a previously estimated seven years.

The survey found that 86% of managers have upped or maintained their EV count in the last year, with nearly two-thirds planning to expand their EV fleets further after a delay in the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate. Despite the government pushing the ZEV deadline to 2035, managers aim for earlier electrification.

Denise Beedell of Logistics UK praised the accelerated transition to electric fleets and highlighted the logistics sector's commitment to sustainability. However, she pointed out existing barriers, such as the need for better charging infrastructure and more supportive policies, including incentives for electric vans.

Lex Autolease, a fleet management, and financing expert under Lloyds Banking Group, produced the report. Nick Williams, managing director at Lex Autolease, remarked on the proactive steps businesses are taking towards sustainability, enhancing their green credentials and attractiveness to employees.

A recent study has highlighted a significant increase in pothole repairs on local roads across England and Wales, marking the highest activity in eight years. This financial year, it's estimated that around two million potholes will be addressed, a surge of 43% from the 1.4 million repairs conducted in the prior year. This figure represents the most considerable number of repairs since the 2015/16 period, which saw 2.2 million potholes filled.

The report also sheds light on the current state of local roads, with only 47% considered to be in good condition. Another 36% were deemed adequate, and 17% were classified as poor. Despite an average increase of 2.3% in highway maintenance budgets for the 2023/24 financial year, the cost to clear the backlog of needed road repairs has escalated to a record £16.3 billion, marking a 16% increase from last year's £14.0 billion.

On average, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and vans incur repair costs of £575.74 and £246.87, respectively, adversely affecting the supply chain due to vehicle downtime. In response, the government announced in October 2023 an allocation of £8.3 billion over the next 11 years specifically for pothole repairs in England, reallocating funds from the halted HS2 project extension north of Birmingham as part of the Network North strategy.

In an innovative effort to address reckless driving, Lincolnshire is set to equip 100 HGVs and coaches with dashcams as part of Operation Journey, a £45,000 initiative aimed at enhancing road safety. Captured footage of driving violations will be submitted to Lincolnshire Police's website, potentially leading to enforcement actions by the police.

The primary goal of this initiative is to reduce the incidents of fatalities and serious injuries on Lincolnshire's roads, with a focus on high-risk travel routes. The project is funded by the government, facilitated through Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones, and includes additional resources for the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership to analyse the submitted video evidence.

Lincolnshire Police's previous strategies have included the use of unmarked HGVs to detect and deter unsafe driving behaviours. Commissioner Marc Jones emphasises that the intention behind Operation Journey is to promote safer driving practices and prevent accidents, rather than simply issuing fines. Depending on its effectiveness, there's potential for expanding the program to include other motorists and even the general public.