Test Owner
Amazon to Begin Vehicle Sales in 2024
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.
Cabinet Reshuffle: New Transport Ministers Appointed by Prime Minister – Essential Updates
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.
Automated Vehicles Bill Heralded as a Potential Game-Changer for the Industry
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 Takes the Lead in Hydrogen Power Transition with Mercedes Sprinter
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.
Haulage Industry Faces Shortage as Demand for Online Deliveries Soars
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.
Upcoming Alterations to Driving Licenses Could Significantly Affect British Motorists
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.
‘Myopic agency caps risk NHS catastrophe’ – REC
Centrally-imposed restrictions on the amount that NHS trusts can pay for temporary doctors and nurses risks understaffed wards and patient safety, new research from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) shows.
Responding to a survey conducted in March, 63 per cent of healthcare recruitment agencies said they expect locum doctors and agency nurses on their books to focus on the private sector in response to the latest pay cap, which came into effect on 1 April. A third (31 per cent) said that candidates will leave the profession altogether. Just 3 per cent said they expect candidates to take up permanent role in the NHS.
Demand for temporary staff from NHS trusts has increased since the caps were imposed. In June 2015, a third of healthcare recruiters (33 per cent) said they received more than 100 requests for staff per week from each NHS trust they work with. The latest data shows that almost half of healthcare recruitment firms (47 per cent) are now receiving more than 100 requests to fill shifts every week from each NHS trust they supply.
Nine in ten recruitment firms (87 per cent) said that since the first cap was enforced in November 2015 they have found it more difficult to fill temporary NHS vacancies.
Eight in ten (79 per cent) healthcare recruitment agencies said they work with NHS trusts which are routinely breaching the caps. This is supported by data released recently by the MSI Group showing that 96 per cent of trusts have exceeded the agency pay caps.
REC chief executive Kevin Green says:
“Everyone knows that efficiencies have to be made in the NHS, but rather than a considered plan to improve staffing we’ve seen a policy which is myopic and ill-conceived.
“At a time when demand for temporary staff to fill gaps is increasing, locum doctors and agency nurses who have provided a lifeline to the NHS are having their pay cut to such an extent they are choosing to work outside of the public sector or leave the profession altogether.
“All the evidence suggests the cap is exacerbating the skills shortage crisis rather than alleviating it, and NHS Improvement has so far failed to produce evidence to the contrary. We believe that shifts are going unfilled in hospitals across England as the Department of Health instructs hospitals to put finance before patient safety.
“How many doctors and nurses have left agency work in favour of permanent roles? Are there fewer staff on wards since November? What has the impact of the cap been on performance within the NHS? These are questions that NHS Improvement needs to answer.”
NHS spend on agency staff accounted for 2.9% of the NHS's overall annual expenditure in 2014/15.
In March 2016, the House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts found that “the NHS will not solve the problem of reliance on agency staff until it solves its wider workforce planning issues.”
On average, how many requests for staff do you get from each trust you supply into on a weekly basis?
Jun-15 Jan-16 Mar-16
Total respondents 64 92 73
0-50 42% 48% 32%
50-100 25% 17% 21%
100-200 11% 16% 23%
200 + 22% 19% 24%
4. In March 2016 the REC polled member agencies that supply healthcare professionals during a live webinar and via an online survey:
Since the new cap on individual staff pay and agency fees was introduced in November 2015, finding agency healthcare professionals willing to fill temporary vacancies within NHS trusts been:
Total respondents: 77
a) Easier 1%
b) More difficult 87%
c) About the same, no easier and no more difficult 12%
Are you working with at least one NHS trusts that is routinely breaching the current caps?
Total respondents: 67
Yes 79%
No 21%
What effect do you believe a 55% cap in April will have on the behaviour of your candidates? (Select all that apply)
Total respondents: 73
They will leave our books and become a permanent NHS employee 3%
They will become bank staff 11%
They will seek out work in the private sector via an agency 63%
They will leave the profession all together 31%
Road Haulage Association reacts to pothole fund announcement
Commenting, chief executive Richard Burnett said: “This money, and the fact that the pothole crisis was acknowledged in the Budget, is welcome. But so many local roads are in such a dreadful condition that much more money will be needed, and soon. Britain is afflicted by a pothole plague that is causing needless damage and congestion which is hurting car drivers, hauliers and the economy as well as the safety of vulnerable road users, especially cyclists.” - See more at: https://www.rha.uk.net/news/press-releases/2016-04-april/road-haulage-association-reacts-to-pothole-fund-an#sthash.TRg5hmNM.dpuf
FTA offers free briefing for shippers on new container rules
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) is helping shippers get to grips with new global regulations for verifying container weights with a free one-hour briefing session in London this month.
The briefing is open to all shippers, both FTA members and non- members, and will cover all aspects of the new rules that come into force on 1 July including the latest information from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the ports sector.
The session follows a members-only British Shippers’ Council meeting and will take place on 14 April. Topics to be covered include:
• Guidance from MCA on the shipper accreditation scheme • FTA consultancy service • Latest intelligence on ports’ offer to shippers • Q&A session
Amendments to the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention require packed shipping containers to have a verified gross mass (VGM) before they can be loaded on a ship for export. The amendments were adopted by the IMO (International Maritime Organization) to enhance maritime safety and reduce the dangers to container ships, their crews and all those involved throughout the supply chain.
Alex Veitch, FTA’s Head of Global Policy, said: “With the deadline for container weight verification requirements fast approaching, it is important for shippers to check whether they are affected. This FTA briefing will provide shippers with all the information they need to ensure compliance, and will show how FTA can support them.”
The briefing takes place on Thursday 14 April from 1330-1430, immediately after the British Shippers’ Council meeting, and is for shippers only. Spaces are limited - please contact Sue Darrington by email at sdarrington@fta.co.uk to reserve a place.
ATE joins FTA Van Excellence
ATE (UK) Ltd has become a Van Excellence scheme recognised partner, joining over 40 other organisations that have been recognised as supplying valuable products and services to van operators.
Mark Cartwright, FTA Head of Vans, said: “We are delighted to announce that ATE has joined Van Excellence as a recognised partner. The FTA-led scheme is extending its reach and provides best practice recommendations which lead to safety improvements and cost reduction. ATE’s products certainly support the safe and compliant operation of van fleets.”
Since its launch in 2010, Van Excellence has established itself as the industry standard for light fleet operators across all sectors. The scheme promotes high standards and now has more than 100 accredited commercial vehicle operators, covering 125,000 vehicles, and has established itself as the voice and benchmark of professional LCV fleet managers.
The Van Excellence Code was agreed by operators acting as a Governance Group and requires systems to be in place to check vehicle roadworthiness, driver entitlement, load security and other safety aspects. The standard exceeds the minimum requirements of the current law, selecting and adapting the requirements of O-licensing normally applied to trucks for the van sector.
