18 minute read
Court Report
Missed Tacho Download Deadline
A County Armagh operator was convicted at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court and fined a total of £1000 after DVA enforcement officers stopped a 2 axle Scania, in combination with a 3 axle trailer in the Larne area.
During an examination of the vehicle, an analysis of the tachograph unit identified that the number of days since the previous download of the vehicle was 247 calendar days. A vehicle must be downloaded every 90 days. The download deadline had therefore been missed by 157 days. The enforcement officer further identified that the vehicle had been driven without a driver card being used which is an offence.
No Driver Card Inserted
A fine of £600 was imposed on a County Tyrone operator who was convicted at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court after DVA Enforcement Officers stopped a 3+3axle articulated heavy goods vehicle in the Larne area.
During an examination of the vehicle, an analysis of the tachograph unit identified the operator has failed to download the data within the prescribed time limit. It was further noted that the vehicle had been driven the previous day whilst no driver card was inserted in the recording equipment.
Convicted of Multiple Offences
A County Tyrone operator has been convicted at Belfast Magistrates’ Court of a multiple tachograph offences and fined a total of £1800.
The Driver and Vehicle Agency instigated an in-depth tachograph investigation with the operator. The investigation involved all tachograph data from the vehicle units in the fleet together with the driver cards of any driver who drove the vehicles during the control period. The offences included failure to produce driver card data, two occasions where a driver was permitted to exceed the daily driving limit, two occasions where the driver was permitted to fail to take their daily rest, three occasions where the driver was allowed to drive without taking a break after four and half hours driving and one occasion where the driver failed to take his weekly rest.
Investigation Leads to Fines
Fines totalling £1,500 have been imposed on a County Armagh operator convicted at Belfast Magistrates’ Court after the Driver and Vehicle Agency instigated an in-depth tachograph investigation with the operator.
The investigation involved all tachograph data from the vehicle units in the fleet together with the driver cards of any driver who drove the vehicles during the control period. The offences identified were failure to download the relevant data, failure to use the recording equipment, two occasions of causing/permitting a driver to fail to take their daily rest, once occasion of permitting a driver to exceed their daily driving limit, failing to provide data from a vehicle unit, two instances of failing to provide data from a driver’s card, failure to download the relevant data and failing to organise the driver’s work.
Had No Current Road Levy in Force
A Republic of Ireland haulage driver has been convicted of two offences at Belfast Magistrates court and fined a total of £585.
The convictions arose when DVA Enforcement Officers observed a Volvo 3 axle articulated lorry and curtain sided trailer which was redirected to the DVA Weighbridge at Loughbrickland. When subsequent checks were carried out it was noted that the vehicle had no current road levy in force for the journey within Northern Ireland. During further examination of the tachograph unit, it was identified the driver had failed to take a daily rest of 11 hours.
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MERCEDES-BENZ ACTROS DELIVERS ON SAFETY & COMFORT
It may look on the outside much like the model it has replaced, but the new Mercedes-Benz Actros has lots of new internal features, not least upgraded safety equipment, and as Export & Freight’s Phil Eaglestone reports driver comfort levels have also been increased.
We picked up the new 44 tonne top-ofthe-range 2563 GigaSpace Actros from MBNI’s dealership at Mallusk and headed north, taking in different road conditions on what has become a traditional ‘test’ route for us - up to Garvagh and Limavady, and along the north coast before heading back down on to the M2. While it still retains its impressive sight out on the open road, it was in the GigaSpace cab that this new Actros really captured our attention. In these days of continuing skills shortages and on-the-road challenges, especially on long haul operations, drivers rightly demand a working environment of the highest level, a fact that clearly hasn’t been lost on Mercedes-Benz. Powered by the manufacturer’s biggest engine, the 15.6-litre OM473, with its 625 bhp output, delivering 3000 Nm of torque, the Actros easily took everything in its stride, offering a smooth and assured performance along the test route, aided and abetted, of course, by the 12-speed Powershift 3 automatic gearbox. Any driver lucky enough to get his or her hands on this new Actros will certainly be ’made up’ with everything it has to offer, like the innovative Multimedia Cockpit which features a high-resolution 10.25-inch colour display that replaces the conventional instrument cluster. It provides a clear display of all driving and vehicle information and is supplemented by a Multi-Touch Display in the same size in the instrument panel on the right. The multifunction leather steering wheel with Touch Control buttons makes life a lot easier for the driver; a diverse range of vehicle systems and functions can be operated and information called up by swiping and pressing the Touch Control buttons.
MIRRORCAM
Noticeably absent were the conventional external rearview mirrors, replaced by the much more efficient and safe MirrorCam system. It wasn’t the first time we had encountered MirrorCam, and it certainly won’t be the last as it is increasingly becoming a standard feature, especially on Mercedes-Benz Actros and Arocs trucks. Not only do the digital rearview mirrors have a futuristic look, they also reduce fuel consumption thanks to their aerodynamically refined design. Even more importantly, the system has a lot more to offer in terms of safety than conventional main and wide-angle mirrors. We found that it made overtaking, manoeuvring and cornering that much less stressful, giving us a sense of being in full control at all times. The MirrorCam system incorporates two cameras, one each mounted on the left and right side of the roof frame. To protect them from getting damaged, they are hinged so that they can be folded forward or backward. There are two portrait-format display monitors mounted on the A-pillars in the driver’s cab, and operating elements are fitted in the door module as well as on the Multi-Touch-Display. In addition, there is a switch on the passenger side to turn on MirrorCam when the engine is turned off, and optionally also another one in the bunk. The images recorded by the cameras are sent to the two 15.2-inch monitors with a resolution of 720×1,920 pixels. As with a conventional mirror setup, the image on the monitors is split into a main and a wide angle area. All in all, the system is a very clever invention that may initially take time to adopt to, but well worth it in the end.
OTHER SAFETY FEATURES
The Actros bristles with lots of other driver safety features to make the working day less challenging and more enjoyable. While it is true that digital assistants don’t relieve the driver of responsibility, they do offer that extra peace of mind and boost confidence on the road. Take Active Brake Assist 5, for example. It will help drivers in certain situations by initiating a full application of the brakes if stationary and moving objects are detected. It can also initiate a partial or full application of the brakes in response to moving pedestrians being detected – thus reducing the consequences of an accident or completely preventing one from happening in the first place. Stability Control Assist identifies situations such as skidding or swerving and counteracts them with braking intervention, as far as is physically possible. This can prevent dangerous driving situations, thus enhancing safety. Lane Keeping Assist continuously monitors the distance between the sides of the vehicle and the lane markings and can warn the driver when the vehicle is unintentionally drifting out of its lane, while the new traffic sign assistance system recognises certain traffic signs in real time and displays the two most important signs in the instrument cluster which can also help enhance safety and driving comfort. Other standard features include Keyless Go with Remote Central Locking and Light Check functions; Tyre Pressure Monitoring and Electronic Handbrake.
PLENTY OF ROOM
It would be remiss of us not to mention the GigaSpace cab which will certainly appeal to the long distance driver. The width and the considerable 2.13 m floor-to-ceiling height between the seats make it the largest and most comfortable Actros cab around and optimally suited for the space requirement for a two-person team. The generous interior and stowage space affords both driver and co-driver great freedom of movement and numerous stowage options, not forgetting the luxury bunk bed with Premium Comfort mattress, together with under the bed drawers and a pull-out fridge underneath. Oh yes, the Actros also comes as standard with an integrated radio infotainment system and includes a Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling. What more could a driver want? Well, there is more, but space doesn’t permit us to cover it in any detail so it is best to take a test drive for yourself; you won’t be disappointed.
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• Differentiates between stationary and moving objects • Data such as vehicle speed, wheel position and the speed and direction of a VRU feeds an algorithm to calculate the risk of a collision • System in constant operation below 20mph/32kmh, with or without the indicators activated • Detection area extends up to 2.5m from side of vehicle • Designed and developed by Brigade
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You’re safer with us DP World Reveals Arrival of First Ever All-Electric Terminal Tractor at British Port
DP World has announced the arrival of the first ever all-electric terminal tractor at a British port in a significant step forward in greening the UK logistics sector.
The Terberg YT203-EV terminal tractor which is entering service at London Gateway (pictured) will primarily be used for transporting goods the two mile distance from the quayside to a distribution facility at the adjacent logistics park, a prime example of the trend towards port-centric logistics. DP World plans to make its entire fleet of 11 terminal tractors at London Gateway all-electric in the near future. Ernst Schulze, UK Chief Executive at DP World, said: “We are delighted that Britain’s first all-electric terminal tractor is now in service at London Gateway port, as we continue to play our part in improving local air quality and helping the UK meet its target of delivering the Net Zero 2050 policy. “We have a clear responsibility to reduce the impact of our operations and to offer customers solutions that support their own sustainability journeys. The close proximity of London Gateway to Europe’s largest consumer market gives us a natural advantage, while our investment in rail interconnectivity at both our hubs eases congestion on the roads, with the emphasis on rail across both our UK ports taking 300,000 trucks off the roads each year.” Earlier, DP World announced that its container terminal at Southampton had become the first in Britain to eliminate fossil diesel from its operations entirely. By transitioning to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) net carbon dioxide emissions have been cut by more than 80 per cent. Maha AlQattan, Group Chief People & Sustainability Officer, said: “We believe in protecting our people and our planet through world-class environmental standards and are delighted that our UK operation is at the forefront of this drive. Our sustainability strategy ‘Our World, Our Future’ is woven into everything we do supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals across safety, climate change, security, community engagement, people development, ethics and wellbeing.” The first all-electric terminal tractor at a British port is one part of DP World’s commitment to improving and expanding the nation’s trading infrastructure in the most sustainable way possible. The £300m sum which it is investing to build the new fourth berth at London Gateway - which could be 100 per cent electric when it is completed in 2024 - builds on the £2bn investment DP World has made in Britain over the last decade.
DFDS Acquires Lucey Transport Logistics Limited in Ireland
DFDS has entered into an agreement to acquire Dublinbased Lucey Transport Logistics Ltd. This further strengthens DFDS’ logistics offering and allows DFDS to offer more comprehensive domestic and international solutions.
DFDS is continuing to invest in the Irish market by acquiring 100% of the share capital of Lucey Transport Logistics Limited. This follows DFDS’ opening of a freight ferry route between Rosslare and Dunkirk in the beginning of 2021. DFDS will benefit from Lucey’s Irish transport and logistics network, which will strengthen its customer offering in the region. In addition, by combining Lucey’s domestic offering with DFDS’ European route network, the Danish ferry and logistics company will be able to offer Lucey’s existing customers from the FMCG and packaging sectors access to international transport services. Executive Vice President and Head of Logistics Division, Niklas Andersson says: “The acquisition of Lucey Transport Logistics Ltd greatly enhances our Irish domestic offerings and complements our existing international solutions. We now offer more comprehensive supply chain solutions in the region underpinned by a network covering the entire island of Ireland.” Kevin Lucey, CEO Lucey Transport Logistics Ltd, adds ‘’ We are delighted DFDS recognises that Lucey Transport Logistics is a highly successful business and a leading provider of logistics services on the Island of Ireland. We are proud of the company’s great family history and our loyal customers and dedicated employees. It gives me great satisfaction to know DFDS will continue to grow and expand the business, providing exciting opportunities for our colleagues, in one of the largest logistics companies in Northern Europe. The Lucey family will continue to manage and expand their commercial property portfolio.” Under the terms of the agreement, DFDS will now operate a distribution centre in Dublin and regional depots in key locations across Ireland. In addition, DFDS will take over Lucey Transport Logistics Ltd substantial trucking operations and their 400 trailers. The transaction is subject to competition clearance.
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MAN builds battery factory in Nuremberg
From the beginning of 2025, MAN Truck & Bus will manufacture high-voltage batteries for electric trucks and buses in large-scale production at its Nuremberg site.
To this end, the company will invest around €100 million over the next five years at the tradition-rich production site for combustion engines. Production capacities will be expanded to over 100,000 batteries per year. The investments in the development of battery production will secure 350 jobs with a promising future. This important investment decision was made in close cooperation between the company and the employee representatives and with the active support of Bavarian politicians. The decision gives Nuremberg’s traditional location a clear perspective for the future. Initially, the batteries, which along with the engines form the heart of electric commercial vehicle drives, will be manufactured manually at the MAN plant in Nuremberg in a small series production for about two and a half years. Construction of large-scale production is scheduled to start in mid-2023 and to be completed by the end of 2024. MAN is thus laying the foundations for the largescale industrialisation of electric drive systems for trucks and buses. The commercial vehicle manufacturer is receiving support from the Bavarian State Government, which has promised a contribution of around 30 million euros to energy research and technology funding for the period 2023 to 2027, provided that the funding and budgetary requirements are met. These funds will be used to conduct research in battery assembly, cell chemistry and development, battery safety, and ultimately battery recycling to ensure the sustainability of the propulsion mode. Alexander Vlaskamp, Chairman of the Executive Board of MAN Truck & Bus SE, says: “We are now starting to industrialise electromobility and continue on our path to climateneutral mobility in commercial vehicles. It is a groundbreaking location and investment decision for the next decades. “At the same time, it is part of MAN’s transformation into a provider of sustainable transport solutions. This now paves the way for a commercial vehicle e-cluster ‘made in Bavaria’, consisting of the production of e-trucks at MAN in Munich, battery production in Nuremberg, research & development at both locations and excellent cooperation with the respective colleges, universities and institutes. “With our investment decision, we are securing around 350 jobs at the Nuremberg site and hundreds if not thousands of jobs in Germany. Such important decisions can only be made in close cooperation with all parties involved from the employer and employee sides as well as politics.”
Alexander Vlaskamp, CEO MAN Truck & Bus, Markus Wansch, Chairman of the Works Council at MAN’s Nuremberg site, Dr Markus Soder, Minister President of the State of Bavaria, Ulrich Zimmer, Senior Vice President Production Powetrain, Marcus Konig, Lord Mayor of the City of Nuremberg, and Amo Puls, Chief Human Resources Officer and Labor Director at MAN Truck & Bus.
NI Chamber President Calls For Return of Stormont
The President of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) has called for the return of an NI Executive - with politicians “focusing on what they can agree on - rather than on what divides them.”
Addressing almost 500 guests from business and politics at the NI Chamber Annual President’s Lunch at Belfast City Hall, NI Chamber President Gillian McAuley said: “Businesses are at the heart of social progress, innovation, decarbonisation and supporting thriving nations. When we talk to our members and the various political representatives, there is a great deal of commonality in terms of the issues that need to be addressed. It is therefore vital we have an Executive up and running, focusing on what they can agree on, rather than on what divides them – and businesses will respond. “Right now, almost two months after the Assembly election, we should be in the optimistic early days of a new administration, discussing a Programme for Government; a multi-year budget that prioritises the economy whilst transforming health and education, and reaching an agreement on the NI Protocol - ironing out its problems and maximising its potential. Instead politics here is once again in abeyance. It is extremely frustrating and to the detriment of all the people who live here.” Outlining the priorities for her term as President, she continued: “NI Chamber and our members have identified three pillars for growth on which an NI Executive and businesses could collaborate with immediate effect in order to build a better future for the region. These are: unlocking Northern Ireland’s potential in the UK, Europe and around the world to deliver international and regional growth; skilling up for a green, digital and inclusive economy and securing a clean and green future for Northern Ireland.” Attendees at the Annual Lunch also heard from award-winning actor, director and writer, Adrian Dunbar during a Q&A session hosted by the BBC’s Tara Mills. The NI Chamber Annual President’s lunch was sponsored by Communications Partner BT, along with supporting sponsors Cleaver Fulton Rankin, Fujitsu, GMcG Chartered Accountants and Dell Technology. Speaking at the event, Paul Murnaghan, Director for BT’s Enterprise business in Northern Ireland, said: “As we look to the future, BT remains as committed to supporting local businesses and the public sector. Our ongoing digital skills programme and our new digital marketing tools continue to help businesses here to get better positioned for recovery and growth following the pandemic. “As one of Northern Ireland’s largest investors and employers, we will continue to play a pivotal role in the economic support and recovery of our economy here. We’re investing locally in people, innovation and our networks and our multi-million-pound refurbishment of Riverside Tower will be complete at the end of this year. I’m also pleased to say that we’re continuing to develop and deliver 5G led innovations with our partners and customers.”
