Transport Business Issue 20

The Transport Sector News and Information Magazine

ISSUE 20

TECHNOLOGY

Innovation across all sectors of the rail market at Railtex

Please for turn over t速 e GreenFle e magazin

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Reducing energy consumption in railways through eco-driving and traffic regulation

FUEL MANAGEMENT - The importance of managing the purchase and use of diesel and petrol

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COMMENT

www.transportbusiness.net

The Transport Sector News and Information Magazine

ISSUE 20

TEchNoLoGY Innovation across all sectors of the rail market at Railtex

Please for turn over t® GreenFleee magazin

RESEARch & DEvELopMENT

Reducing energy consumption in railways through eco-driving and traffic regulation

FUEL MANAGEMENT - The importance of managing the purchase and use of diesel and petrol

Investing in the future UK’s Transport Minister has launched a public consultation on the government’s proposal for a high speed rail network. The proposals could transform the way we travel, and bring better connections between different parts of the country, however, with the cost estimated at £32bn and a completion date of 2032-2033 the benefits may be hard to envisage.

Another concept difficult to imagine is sitting behind the wheel drinking coffee and reading the paper, however, this is exactly what the SARTRE team has successfully demonstrated with its platooning system. You don’t believe me? Please turn to page 18 to learn how this innovative technology works.

Also in this issue, we introduce a unique field guide and training programme to promote good road engineering (page 31), and we take a trip to Spain to find out why many of its rail companies have become the main reference points in transport projects worldwide (page 67).

Enjoy the issue.

Sofie Lidefjard, Editor editorial@psigroupltd.co.uk

Transport Business International would like to thank the following organisations for their support

www.transportbusiness.net Transport Business International magazine is published by Public Sector Information Limited. 226 High Road, Loughton Essex IG10 1ET. Telephone +44 (0) 20 8532 0055 www.transportbusiness.net Editor Sofie Lidefjard Production Editor Karl O’Sullivan Production Design Jacqueline Grist Production Controller Reiss Malone Publisher Chris Jones Advertisement Sales Peter George, David Edwards Group Publisher Barry Doyle Reproduction & Print Argent Media

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TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

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CONTENTS

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TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL

18

07 NEWS 11 ITS We look at the In-Time project, focusing on the delivery of multimodal real time traffic and travel information services for drivers and travellers in European cities

18 ROAD SAFETY Platooning may be the new way of travelling on motorways in as little as ten years time according to the SARTRE project, which has announced the first successful demonstration of its technology The International Road Federation is hosting a key international symposium around ‘Providing Infrastructure that improves Road Safety’

25 LIGHTING The Institution of Lighting Professionals argues the case for good street lighting We look at why lighting is so important in transportation facilities

31 ROAD MAINTENANCE We introduce a unique field guide and training programme to promote road engineering with a ‘holistic’ perspective

35 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT Traffex 2011 will feature more exhibitors and visitor attractions than ever before

41 ROAD CHARGING The ASECAP Study and Information Days will discuss how to meet current and future mobility needs

43 FREIGHT/HAULAGE On 10 July, legislation on the fitment of conspicuity markings to large goods vehicles comes into force

45 FLEET MANAGEMENT ACFO discusses why this year must to be about fleet managers optimising the whole business operation

ISSUE 20

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79

We preview The Commercial Vehicle Show – the UK’s biggest road transport event this year

53 FUEL MANAGEMENT With the ever increasing price of oil, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport makes some suggestions for prudent operations

57 TRANSPORT POLICY With the European Commission in the process of finalising its new transport white paper, Kallistratos Dionelis, ASECAP secretary general, looks at policy making and transport agenda

61 SECURITY We preview IFSEC – the world’s leading global annual security event – and International Firex – the UK’s largest dedicated fire safety event The British Security Industry Association explores ways to deter cable thieves

67 TECHNOLOGY We look at why Spanish rail industry has become one of the main reference points in many transport projects worldwide Established in the rail industry’s calendar as the UK‘s only showcase for technological innovation across all sectors of the supply market, Railtex returns in June

74 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Researchers at Spain’s Universidad Pontificia Comillas are analysing energy usage in electrical railway systems in order to improve energy efficiency In times of economic scrutiny there is a compelling case for the transfer of proven technologies and processes that can be readily applied across the rail industry, says TRL

79 RAIL FREIGHT Tony Berkeley, chairman of the Rail Freight Group, discusses rail freight’s role in the future of carbon reduction

82 PRODUCT FINDER

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Anniversary shows rail projects are moving forward US STATES are delivering their first

steps toward achieving the vision for high speed rail in America as the oneyear anniversary approaches of the announcement of US$8 billion (£5bn) in grants for intercity and high speed passenger rail. State departments of transportation, the Federal Railroad Administration, and the freight railroads are working aggressively to expand the country’s passenger rail system, according to new study released by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

States have been given the green light by the FRA to proceed on almost US$4.3 billion worth of projects. 29 states and the District of Columbia have received

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grants from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to modernise passenger rail, according to the study.

“High speed and intercity rail investments give people more travel options and reduce traffic congestion on highways and in the air. They’re also good for America because they’re regional in scope, supporting significant economic development along corridors, sustainable jobs, and more opportunities for US manufacturing,” said John Horsley, AASHTO executive director.

The FRA is expected to approve additional funding for passenger projects in the coming weeks. By law, FRA must approve all Recovery Act projects by 30 September 2012.

Crucial London Overground connection opens early

A VITAL RAIL LINK that will allow

passengers to move swiftly between north London, the City, Docklands and the south of the capital has opened three months ahead of schedule by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.

The 2.1km link between Highbury & Islington station and Dalston means passengers using Victoria line Tube services or National Rail services stopping at Highbury & Islington can now use fast London Overground services to reach the north, east or south of the capital.

Boris Johnson said: “This relatively short stretch of track will link three sides of the city and mean people can

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TRANSPORT BUSINESS NEWS

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scoot around the edges of the capital on fast, reliable rail connections without needing to head into central London.

“Our engineers have performed marvels to complete their work three months early and it will provide a crucial connection for people heading to the Olympic Park next year.”

The link and the recently opened East London route are expected to see 33 million passengers this year.

For the second month in a row London Overground has topped the nation’s rail league tables for punctuality with 96.4 per cent of it trains arriving on time in January.

Image © Transport for London

NEWS IN BRIEF

Scottish £300m rail link opens Scotland’s Transport Minister Keith Brown, pictured between Ron McAulay, director Scotland, Network Rail, and Steve Montgomery, MD, ScotRail, has opened the new £300m Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link, allowing passengers to travel direct from Helensburgh and Milngavie in the west, to Bathgate and Edinburgh in the east.

The minister said: “The completion of the £300 million Scottish Government-funded Airdrie-Bathgate Railway link will now open up new economic and educational opportunities for those living along the 14-mile route; the longest new passenger line in Scotland in over a century.

“Completed on time and on budget, it re-establishes a lostlink between east and west and is testament to the skills of the project team who delivered it.“

Work on new Metrolink begins Construction work on Ashton’s brand new Metrolink line is now officially underway.

The new Metrolink line is due to open in 2014 and will see trams running between Ashton town centre and Manchester City Centre and beyond every six minutes, via Droylsden town centre, Manchester City Stadium and the Manchester Velodrome.

A new Park and Ride site will also be provided.

Reporting unsafe rail crossings made easy US Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has proposed a rule that would make it easier for the public to report unsafe conditions at highwayrail grade crossings. The proposal would require railroads to establish toll-free telephone numbers to allow the public to report malfunctioning highway-rail grade crossing warning signals, disabled vehicles blocking crossings, or any other unsafe conditions at crossings.

“Giving the public the power to report unsafe conditions at a highwayrail grade crossing can save lives,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Under the proposed rule, once the railroad receives a call from the public about a malfunctioning crossing signal or a vehicle stalled on the crossing, train operators in that area would be immediately notified of the unsafe condition in an effort to avoid an accident.

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More miles driven on US roads AMERICANS drove three trillion miles in 2010, the most vehicle miles travelled since 2007 and the third-highest ever recorded, US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced.

“More driving means more wear and tear on our nation’s roads and bridges,” said Secretary LaHood. “This new data further demonstrates why we need to repair the roads and bridges that are the lifeblood of our economy.”

Americans drove 0.7 per cent more, or 20.5 billion additional vehicle miles travelled (VMT), in 2010 than the previous year. Travel increased by 0.6 per cent, or 1.4 billion VMT, in December 2010 compared to the

previous December. This was the tenth consecutive month of increased driving.

With an increase of 11.1 per cent, or 156 million additional miles travelled, Nebraska led the nation with the largest single-state increase that month, and rural driving outpaced urban driving across the country.

“These data are critical to identifying and evaluating patterns of use on America’s road system, which help us to make decisions about investments in critical infrastructure,” said Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez. “Repairing our nation’s roads, bridges and tunnels will help us ensure safety, strengthen the economy and build for the future.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Spain lowers speed limit to save fuel In a key measure to lower Spain’s fuel bill, the government has made a 10km/hour cut in the speed limit on motorways.

Deputy Prime Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba said that this move will increase fuel economy by around 15 per cent. “There is no risk to the supply, but we have an (energy) bill that is going up because of the crisis in North Africa, not just in Libya but also in Egypt,” Rubalcaba said.

The controversial change is part of a series of measures designed to cut consumption by more than 5 per cent, and will remain in place at least until June. The government is also reducing the price of commuter train tickets to encourage use of public transport.

Highway framework brings savings

Drop in crime across London’s public transport THE CHANCE OF BEING A VICTIM of

crime on London’s bus network is at its lowest since records began in 2004/05.

In the last three years overall crime has fallen by 30 per cent on buses (fall of 10,595 crimes) and by 20 per cent on the Tube (fall of 3,305 crimes). During the same period violent crime on buses fell by 19 per cent and by 15 per cent on the Tube and the Croydon Tramlink.

The Mayor Boris Johnson has announced plans for 413 extra warranted officers on public transport as part of an additional £42m funding for policing. He commented: “‘London is one of the safest capitals in the world but we can always do more to ensure people can travel feeling safe and secure. I’m encouraged by these figures but we cannot be complacent.”

The Mayor has also launched The Right Direction – his strategy for

Image © Transport for London improving safety and security on public transport until 2013. It sets out the Mayor’s priorities and focuses on vulnerable groups such as young people, women and older people. The strategy contains a number of priorities to tackle crime and fear of crime on the transport system, including reducing theft and anti-social behaviour and increasing the confidence of older people when travelling in London.

Local authorities in the Midlands are starting to reap the benefits from the Midlands Highway Alliance’s (MHA) new procurement framework, the Medium Schemes Framework (MSF) 1.

13 local authorities across the wider Midlands area, plus the Highways Agency, have signed up to the MSF1 contract, which commenced in May 2010.

Three new major transport schemes in Staffordshire and Leicestershire are currently in progress. It is estimated that the two county councils have already accrued £840,000 of procurement efficiency savings across the three schemes, from using the MSF1.

Over £100 million extra funding to repair potholes Councils in England will be given more than £100 million of extra funding to spend on repairing potholes, Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has announced.

He said: “Millions of motorists across the country have their daily drives ruined by potholes. And the awful winter weather we had this year is only going to make that problem worse.

“That is why we are going to give councils over £100m extra to help carry out much needed repairs to England’s roads.”

The funds will be distributed to English local authorities based on the amount of potholes and condition of roads rather than councils needing to apply for the funding.

TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

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Reading Council look to the future

An upgrade to the UTMC system at J11 of the M4 posed Reading Council’s Traffic Engineering Team a significant challenge, made particularly difficult considering the current Government spending review. The requirement was simple; the new traffic controller needed an IP connection back to the central server at Council offices.

An RS1000 circuit existed and the original intention was to use this to facilitate the connection. However, for the leased line supplier to provide Ethernet rather than serial connectivity, an upgrade program at a substantial capital cost would have been required per circuit plus a secondary not in-significant increase in annual circuit fees. The concern was that if this per circuit capital cost was up-scaled to the required 30 UTMC sites, with the additional corresponding annual fees, the resulting expenditure would have had a large impact on the Council Traffic Budget for Reading Council.

enabling Reading Council to evolve it’s systems, now, and into the future. Reading Council’s UTMC Network Manager, Simon Beasley, was happy with the new partnership, “During the J11 upgrade program IT4A not only provided an extremely cost-effective solution but also facilitated its installation on schedule. We are delighted with the results and are pleased that IT4A are now the preferred supplier for both hardware and its application to Reading Council for our ITS Programs”.

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IT4Automation were approached to help identify a different approach that used their existing serial provision to provide sufficient IP bandwidth for the new UTMC system. This new solution gave a 90% saving on the capital cost of the original Ethernet solution and meant no increase in the annual circuit charges.

Since piloting this solution, Reading Council’s Traffic Engineering Team and IT4A have been reviewing all the communication services in use across the Reading Council traffic infrastructure; specifically looking at ways to reduce costs, increase flexibility and provide a modern networking platform upon which modern UTMC and other ITS services can coexist. The partnership with ITS communication specialist IT4A has proved invaluable in

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EU cities find optimal route Gerald Lamprecht, AustriaTech, explains how changing people’s travel behaviour can help solve the issue of continuously increasing car traffic and its negative environmental impact ll around the globe, cities are struggling with continuously increasing car traffic and the need for road infrastructure, as well as air pollution, noise, CO2 emissions and demand for expensive inner-urban space for parking cars. Growing chronic congestion is negatively affecting the economy, costing time and money.

Road infrastructure can easily be built in the countryside, but when approaching cities urban sprawl as well as political and other considerations hamper the building of new highways; above all in urban and inner city areas there is simply no more space available for additional lanes and parking. So how to solve the growing demand and how to diminish the increasing negative effects? EU cities are trying new solutions and opting for In-Time.

A

A NEW ERA In April 2009 a pilot project called In-Time started. The aim of In-Time, running for three years and co-funded by the European Commission, is to help travellers change their travel behaviour, switching from the car to alternative means of transport, and thereby decreasing the energy consumption and other negative effects of car use.

After the end of the project phase In-Time shall become self-sufficient.

The approach taken by In-Time is to make travellers aware of the existing alternatives to car traffic, such as bus, tram, tube or commuter trains, by providing them with multimodal realtime traffic information and journey routing, so they can choose from different options according to various definable criteria and get guided to their destinations without getting lost when using novel transport means.

For the cities, this approach is very attractive, since up to now they could only reach travellers by traffic management measures. Those measures, by their nature, always direct masses of people and don’t apply to the needs of the individual travellers.

Furthermore, they often apply to only one means of transport and neither do they cover the whole transportation chain, nor give further real-time information and journey routing outside the affected area or section of the network, leaving people stranded at the end of diversions or at the mercy of route and time table changes.

In-Time as a multimodal real-time traveller information and journey

routing service closes the gap between general traffic management and information-poor decisions of the individual traveller, who in reality have to react to changing conditions.

By giving them accurate real-time information and fully supporting them on their journeys, In-Time helps them find the optimal route and the best combination of different means of transport, saving time and energy.

Moreover, In-Time takes a holistic approach, including hitherto non-existing services for pedestrians and cyclists, giving detailed information on cycle lanes and pedestrian paths, as well as cycle hire schemes where available. And on top of these static and real-time services other services can be implemented like weather information, special freight services, tourist services and other services defined and tailor-made for each city or region, depending on their specific requirements. Even flight information for seamless far-distance journeys can be included in the In-Time package.

The following example shows how far In-Time can go in the future, and what the benefits are for the traveller: A business traveller is going to preplan his trip from his home in Munich to the office of a partner company in Florence. He logs onto the website of his Traffic Information Service Provider TISP and requests the following information: (in technical terms he needs: static road traffic information, dynamic road traffic information, static parking information, static public transport information, walking information, static flight information): • The way to the office of his partner in Florence by entering origin (home address) and destination (address of partner’s office in Florence) and modes of transport (car, airplane, public transport, walking) • Dynamic road traffic information (e.g. for road maintenance works ahead) by entering the day of planned journey and time of planned journey • Static parking information on Munich airport so as to park as close as possible to the departure terminal, as well as for the costs and operating times • Static public transport information for Florence for getting from the airport to the office: origin destination (airport to address of office), date and time of departure from airport, and interchanges • Walking information for walking from the public transport stop to the office.

The business traveller gets the

required information from his TISP. On the day of the journey he switches on his navigational device when leaving his home on the outskirts of Munich and requires support from his TISP on his way to the airport. Using his navigational device, he is provided with the following dynamic and add-on services, in addition to the mandatory core services he used for pre-planning his trip: • Dynamic Road Traffic Routing Information • Dynamic Public Transport Information • Dynamic Public Transport Journey Routing • Dynamic Parking Information • Dynamic Walking Planning • Dynamic Cycling Planning (a service which he is not going to require on this trip) • Dynamic Weather Information • Dynamic Flight Information His navigational device guides the traveller through the streets to the motorway on the fastest route available. Once set off on his journey, he also receives dynamic road traffic information: his TISP sends event triggered information that the highway ahead is congested, caused by an accident.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE The navigational device offers an alternative route that guides the traveller to the next exit, where he leaves the highway and follows the advice of his navigational device, guiding him on the fastest route to the airport. Additionally, the dynamic weather information warns him that on a specific section of the route difficult driving conditions may be expected due to the early morning late autumn conditions with icy road surfaces. Therefore, he drives rather carefully, even when being a bit late.

He travels through some villages, losing time there due to speed restrictions, and he travels carefully on the intersections, which are marked by the weather service with “icy road surface” warnings.

He arrives at the airport, still having a small time buffer left. His device recognises he reached the end of the car journey and requires the static parking information. Switching to the parking information, his TISP provides him with the closest parking bay to his departure terminal.

When parking the car, he gets an update on his flight by the dynamic flight information that his flight will be 20 minutes late. He goes to the checkin and has a nice breakfast (not yet provided by In-Time) before passing security and boarding his flight.

Due to the delayed start of the flight he arrives in Florence 20 minutes

TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

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INTERFACE SOFTWARE The connection and “translator” between the test sites and the different TISPs, asking for and taking services from the different RDSSs, is the so-called In-Time Interface. It has to transfer requests from TISPs to the single RDSSs, and it translates the answers (i.e. services) from the single RDSSs into a common format and forwards it to the TISPs. The In-Time Interface is an open standardised software that allows not only access to the six current test sites, but also is constructed to give access to and translating and forwarding answers from every further city linking to In-Time, independent from the data formats used in these cities.

This makes the In-Time Interface an interface that can be used Europe-wide and even globally, since it guarantees the accessibility of all different data formats in different cities and the translation of these formats into a unique language understood by all different TISPs. However, the In-Time Interface can only forward, of course, answers to those requests, which must be answered by the cities’ RDSSs behind the interface. Since each city has different services and within these services different levels, the danger of too many different levels of services or too little content has to be avoided. Therefore, the project defined a minimum standard of services that must be fulfilled by cities in order to become an In-Time City.

This minimum level comprises all static services on road, parking spaces, public transport and walking. A complete routing from door to door generated on the basis of these services must be available for all means of transport. The higher

levels of service comprise dynamic information and constant up-dates, and on top of this cities can create their own specific services for freight traffic, tourists, big events and so on.

The six test sites, which are running one year field test services to their test users, are also doing additional assessments on the environmental impact of In-Time. It can be expected that test users, who may predominantly use their car currently, will switch to other modes of transport as those modes become more accessible. Furthermore, if they do travel by car, it can be expected that due to the constantly updated information on congestion and free parking spaces, the best route with the most efficient energy consumption will be chosen.

This powerful tool is already raising a lot of interest from many cities and regions in Europe. Therefore, the In-Time project has put together a follower package, which can be taken for free by follower cities and TISPs in order to spread In-Time across Europe and beyond. This package contains the specifications of the In-Time Interface and describes how to adapt it for follower cities’ RDSSs and TISPs. The package will soon be available on www.in-time-project.eu In-Time is, therefore, on the way to become a standardised and open solution for cities that want to actively involve their citizens in helping to lower emissions from transport and support the shift to alternative transport modes. Likewise, In-Time is on the way to become a business model for TISPs, providing their customers with up-to-date services on their navigational device or smart phone from wherever they travel.

To become a test user in one of the In-Time cities, visit the website.

Gerald Lamprecht works as project manager in the Unit ITS deployment at AustriaTech. For the In-Time project he is responsible for the project coordination.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.in-time-project.eu

TRAFFIC

THE

late, missing his bus connection to the city centre. After checking out he requests information from his TISP on the next connection by public transport from the Florence airport to the stop closest to the office of his partner company. His TISP provides him with the start times of the next services as well as the name of the interchange stop, and with real-time departure information about the connecting bus to the office.

The TISP also provides him with information on a re-routing of the connecting bus because of an unexpected road closure due to a leaking water pipe in the area of the office of his partner company. His TISP sends information about the replacement stop the traveller shall use to get to the office of his partner. Arriving at the stop named by the TISP, the walking information takes over and guides the traveller to the office of the partner, where the service terminates.

This example shows the full potential of In-Time.

To reach this, In-Time services must be filled with all relevant contents from all cities and made live by constantly updating these different contents.

This is what the In-Time test sites committed themselves to. Each of them has set up a so-called Regional Data and Service Server (RDSS), collecting the different data from the various transport network and service operators (different road administrations, public transport operators etc.) and processing them into services and routings.

The In-Time test sites are very different from each other, reflecting the variety of cities in Europe in terms of geographical, climatic, economic and cultural characteristics not to mention size, structure, architectonics and topography and of course differing transport policy and transport networks. The six test sites are Oslo (Norway), Munich (Germany), Vienna and its surrounding regions (Austria), Brno (Czech Republic), Florence (Italy) and Bucharest (Romania).

It’s not only these different characteristics which make the cities an interesting test field for In-Time, since the test phase, having started in February this year and lasting one year, shall give results on changes in travel behaviour and the environmental impact of these changes for each of these different cities, but also the different data sources and formats, differing from RDSS to RDSS, which were to be made consumable and readable for different TISPs, which made In-Time a challenging, but also future-oriented project.

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TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

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Westermo connects traffic warning system in Denmark Westermo, market leader in industrial data communications, is chosen to connect traffic warning system for Danish road network hroughout the busy Danish road network there are a number of advanced traffic management solutions that keep the traffic moving freely and above all safely. The Danish Ministry of Traffic has the ultimate responsibility for the roads in Denmark, but many of the safety and automation solutions are designed and installed by companies like Swarco, a global provider of traffic automation solutions.

To cope with increasing traffic load as well as making the roads a safer environment, we need to put our faith in technology. Westermo provides specially designed data communications equipment for these kinds of critical applications where the operating conditions often are severe.

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IMPROVING SAFETY In Denmark, Swarco has specialised in smart solutions for traffic and infrastructure, and is now considered the market leader for intelligent transport systems. Installations can be found all over Denmark on roads, railways and in car parks, some of which have equipment from Westermo to provide the data communications.

A specially designed solution has been installed to improve the safety at several multi-lane highway entries where serious accidents had occurred in the past. Despite numerous warning signs, there were still occasions where drivers made a wrong turn when entering the highway and ended up driving into the oncoming traffic, particularly at night or in bad weather. Now, a system has been developed to help guide drivers onto the correct lane if possible. At sites where it is not possible to change lanes, the flashing lights will get the driver’s attention who then hopefully stops the car. This system has been installed in seven different locations and has already been put to the test on several occasions.

A sensor in the road at the beginning of the highway entry triggers an alarm if a car passes it from the wrong direction. Emergency warning lights in the road are immediately activated and start flashing to notify the “wrong turners” that they are driving in the wrong direction. When the system activates, an alarm could be sent via e-mail and SMS to the control centre where the situation can be monitored with traffic surveillance cameras.

A cabinet at the side of the road

holds the control system. A Swarco designed controller manages all the local control. For remote connectivity, Swarco has chosen the Westermo MRD-310 industrial 3G router. The transparent 3G router provides easy remote access to the controller over a secure IPsec encrypted VPN tunnel.

Using the HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access) protocol, the downlink capacity is up to 7.2 Mbit/s allowing high bandwidth devices like video recorders to be used on the system.

LIFE SAVING TECHNOLOGY Over a seven month period on the seven sites, four cases of wrong turns have been reported. In three of the cases the vehicles changed lane when the warning system activated and in the final case the situation could be immediately monitored and action taken to minimise the risk to the road users. The seven installations are being tested until 2013, but with these positive outcomes and potentially lives saved, it is likely that this solution will be deployed at many more sites in Denmark.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: +46 (0)16 428000 Web: www.westermo.com E-mail: carl.debruin@westermo.se

TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

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EFKON PROVIDES INNOVATIVE ITS AND TOLLING SOLUTIONS

Customized Turnkey Solutions for your Business EFKON is one of the worldwide leading providers of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Electronic Toll Collection (ETC), enforcement, toll operations and traffic telematic solutions. EFKON has significant know-how on all major electronic tolling technologies and provides customized turnkey solutions. With headquarters in Austria, EFKON’s activities are worldwide, with important references from Asia, Europe and Africa. Subsidiaries and joint ventures are in Germany, Austria, Ireland, Bulgaria, Romania, Malaysia, South Africa, India and Pakistan.

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EFKON Group is awarded major contract in South Africa EFKON Group, one of the worldwide leading companies in intelligent transportation and tolling solutions, announces that its subsidiary Tollink has been awarded a contract to install and thereafter operate an intelligent transportation system on freeways in South Africa he South African National Road Agency (SANRAL) will introduce an intelligent transportation system (ITS) for freeways, whereby technologies will be used to manage traffic, and to provide road users with information about traffic conditions on a real time basis. EFKON Group, one of the worldwide leading companies in intelligent transportation systems and tolling solutions, has announced that its subsidiary Tollink has been awarded a contract to install and thereafter operate an intelligent transportation system on freeways in South Africa for five years. It is the largest ITS project in this emerging country to date and will launch services for road users in 2012.

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BIG SUCCESS Tollink, located in Pretoria, South Africa, is a specialist company in tolling solutions and leader of the Teti consortium, which has been awarded this contract. The contract value for this project is worth approx. €85 million.

“This contract is a big success for our team in South Africa. With this project, the EFKON Group will strengthen its

position as a leading provider of ITS solutions,” says Dr. Raimund Pammer, founder and CTO of EFKON AG.

REDUCED DELAYS, IMPROVED SAFETY

The focus of this new intelligent transportation system is to optimise the use of civil infrastructure. This implies reduced delays and improved safety on freeways. The use of special cameras and traffic sensors will allow the observation of traffic conditions and identification of any potentially dangerous situations that may occur (such as debris on a roadway or unsafe working conditions at a work zone). The use of traveller information dissemination technologies such as variable message signs, SMS messages, e-mail messages and a website will be offered. The purpose of these technologies is to warn travellers as quickly as possible, and in doing so reduce the delay that the travellers might have experienced without prior knowledge.

EFKON AG, a subsidiary of European construction company STRABAG SE, is one of the worldwide leading providers of ITS, Electronic Toll Collection (ETC), enforcement and

traffic telematic solutions. EFKON has significant know-how on all major electronic tolling technologies and provides customised turnkey solutions.

With headquarters in Graz, Austria, EFKON’s activities are worldwide, with important references from Asia, Europe and Africa. Branches and joint ventures are placed in Germany, Austria, Ireland, Bulgaria, Romania, Malaysia, South Africa, India and Pakistan.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: +43 316 6990-0 Fax: +43 316 6990-600 E-mail: office@efkon.com Web: www.efkon.com

TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

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ROAD SAFETY

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Platooning ahead Platooning may be the new way of travelling on motorways in as little as ten years time with the SARTRE project announcing its first successful demonstration. Anthony Smith reports ust under half way through its three year programme of work, the European collaborative research project SARTRE – which stands for Safe Road Trains for the Environment – aims to develop and demonstrate road train technologies that will enable improvements in traffic flow and faster journey times, offering greater comfort to drivers, reducing accidents and improving fuel consumption, hence lowering CO2 emissions.

In landmark tests carried out in late December 2010 at the Volvo Proving Ground close to Gothenburg in Sweden, the SARTRE team for the first time successfully demonstrated its platooning technology based on a single lead and following vehicle.

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UNIQUE APPROACH The approach being taken by the SARTRE consortium is to develop a comprehensive platooning system contained entirely within the participating vehicles and without the requirement for any external road-side infrastructure. This is a fundamentally different approach from the many previous attempts at developing road train technologies going back over many decades; these past approaches have relied upon road-side modules for communication, location and control of platooned vehicles.

“The SARTRE project brings together a unique mix of technologies,

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TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

skills and expertise from European industry and academia, with the aim of encouraging the development of safe and environmentally effective platooning,” explains Tom Robinson, SARTRE project coordinator, of Ricardo UK Ltd. “By developing and implementing the technology at a vehicle level, SARTRE aims to realise the potentially very significant safety and environmental benefits of road trains without the need to invest in expensive changes to road infrastructure.”

With road space increasingly at a premium on the crowded highways of Europe, and with public sector spending already being squeezed across member states, a system such as this, which would enable platoons to be operated safely and effectively without the need for infrastructural investment could be extremely attractive to highways authorities as we well as drivers.

If successful, the benefits from SARTRE are expected to be significant. The estimated fuel consumption saving for high speed highway operation of road trains is in the region of 20 per cent depending on vehicle spacing and geometry. Safety benefits would arise from the reduction in accidents caused by driver action and driver fatigue, and the effective utilisation of existing road capacity would also be increased – offering a potential reduction in journey times. For users of the technology the practical attractions of a smoother, more predicable and lower-cost journey

and the opportunity of additional free time will be considerable.

In the first year of the programme, SARTRE focused on the concept development, which has seen the seven-partner consortium investigate the basic principles of a feasible platooning system. Issues investigated have included usage cases, human factors and behaviours associated with platooning, core system parameters, and specification of prototype architecture and modes of application.

TRAINED DRIVER The concept of platooning, as envisaged by the SARTRE project, involves a convoy of vehicles where a trained professional driver in a lead vehicle guides a line of other vehicles. The system is designed to be able to accommodate a range of different vehicle types including cars, trucks and long-distance coaches, and is intended to be able to operate within a mixed traffic environment alongside conventional vehicles.

Drivers of SARTRE-equipped vehicles would be alerted via a human machine interface (HMI) to the presence and destination of nearby platoons and would be able to request access.

Once control has been handed over to the platoon, the joining vehicle would be driven autonomously under the supervision and control of the lead vehicle driver. Each car or truck within the platoon continuously and automatically measures distance, speed and direction and adjusts to the vehicle in front. All vehicles are totally independent and can leave the procession at any time by resuming control via their own HMI. But, once in the platoon, drivers can relax and do other things while the platoon proceeds towards its long-haul destination.

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www.transportbusiness.net The SARTRE system under development involves the use of cameras and radar systems for relative position sensing, GPS for absolute positioning, and automotive standard 802.11p Wi-Fi modules for inter-vehicle communications.

TANGIBLE BENEFITS This form of platooning has the potential to deliver very tangible benefits to the participating drivers.

Apart from the obvious advantage of freeing time for other activities through the automation of the driving process, the much shorter gap between vehicles would have benefits in terms of fuel savings thanks to reduced aerodynamic drag. In addition to making better use of the available road space, congestion would also be reduced through the avoidance of ‘ghost’ traffic jams where driver reaction time delays cause a ripple effect upon traffic flow. This is possible because the platoon control system is able to react much faster than human drivers would be able to; something that also potentially enhances safety for participating vehicles.

Before moving to vehicle tests in month 13, the SARTRE project team carried out extensive simulator-based work so that human factors in the implementation of road train technology could be thoroughly investigated. A sample group of men and women of varying ages and driving experience were tested using a simulator providing a 120-degree forward field of view via two LCD screens through which a total length of 18 km of virtual motorway could be driven. The simulator incorporated a steering wheel with force feedback, realistic manual/automatic transmission controls and a haptic seat installation; the combination provided a highly realistic virtual driving environment.

This simulator-based work has enabled the team to assess in detail the response of drivers both while participating in road trains and while driving independently in an environment in which road trains are operating. Key findings from the human factors study included assessments of the acceptable distance between vehicles and the acceptable length of a platoon (by both platoon and other drivers). In this respect it appeared that the level of acceptable platoon length was in excess of the prototype system under development, with those taking part in the study considering platoons of up to 15 cars to be acceptable, whereas the SARTRE project is developing a prototype platoon of no more than five.

In parallel with the simulator-based work, other members of the team spent much of the first year and a half of the project working on the development and testing of the on-board systems for the first SARTRE equipped vehicles.

In addition to the optical and radar sensors incorporated in both lead and following vehicles, the necessary

communications and control systems architecture needed to be defined, developed and tested. To prepare for the first multi-vehicle tests, a Volvoowned truck was equipped as a platoon lead vehicle, with an S60 sedan fitted as a participating vehicle to be driven autonomously as a following vehicle.

Having defined the overall architecture and technical specification of the system and developed the various on-board modules, the first live vehicle tests carried out in late December 2010 provided the first opportunity for testing outside the environment of the simulator.

“We were very pleased to see that the various systems work so well together already the first time,” said Eric Coelingh, engineering specialist at Volvo Cars. “After all, the systems come from seven SARTRE member companies in four countries.”

The challenge of these first tests of the platooning system was further compounded by the severe weather facing much of northern Europe at this time, with sub-zero temperatures and snow coverage.

“The winter weather provided some extra testing of cameras and communication equipment,” observed Coelingh.

“We focused these first tests on the control and sensor system, and we also spent some time evaluating the first iteration of the HMI,” added Tom Robinson of Ricardo. “Issues such as longitudinal and lateral string stability have been assessed. The two-vehicle platoon was driven at up to 40 km/h with a gap size of 10m. Both ‘join’ and ‘leave’ manoeuvres were also tested. The initial programme of testing was very successful and we gathered sufficient information to enable further development of the SARTRE system to continue.”

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT With the first live vehicle tests already completed, SARTRE technology development is now well underway.

Based on the work carried out to date, the project’s participants – which in addition to Ricardo include Applus+Idiada and Tecnalia of Spain, Institut für Kraftfahrzeuge Aachen (IKA) of Germany, and Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Technology and SP Technical Research Institute, of Sweden – believe that it is sufficiently mature to be able to go into production in just a few years.

However, what may take considerably longer is public acceptance and legislative requirements. Regarding the former, the project team is already compiling a considerable knowledge base of experience built up firstly on the simulator and now on live vehicle testing. From this work the team believe that, given commercial availability of the system and appropriate lead driver and user training, these hurdles may well be overcome much in the same way that public acceptance of

fly-by-wire commercial aircraft or autonomous guided vehicles is these days taken for granted. Yet, of the two, legislation is perhaps a slightly greater obstacle as compliance with existing regulations such as the Vienna convention and the requirement for new regulations specifically relating to platoons might well be required at member state level across the entire EU. NEXT STEPS Following these successful first tests, the next steps for the SARTRE project team are to develop and prove the system operation working at higher speeds, and with shorter gaps. Later in 2011 they expect also to start extending testing of multiple following vehicles, and also alternative ‘join’ and ‘leave’ manoeuvres. This will include, for example, the ability for vehicles to enter and leave the platoon from the side with the appropriate intervehicle gaps being opened up and closed automatically as necessary to enable the manoeuvre to take place.

“The first following-vehicle tests were a major milestone for what is a very important European research programme,” said Tom Robinson.

“Platooning offers drivers the opportunity to utilise their time more effectively while at the same time helping society and industry to address safety, environment and congestion challenges. With the combined skills of its participating companies, SARTRE is making tangible progress towards the realisation of safe and effective road train technology.”

As development is completed in the early part of 2012, the consortium expects to be able to demonstrate a fully functioning implementation of SARTRE to stakeholders including the automotive industry, highways authorities, European government agencies, and the public.

The SARTRE project is led by Ricardo and part-funded by the European Commission under the Framework 7 programme.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.sartre-project.eu

TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

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IRF Symposium 'Providing Infrastructure that improves Road Safety' Participate in the launch of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety and IRF Symposium.

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10 - 11 May 2011 Bucharest, Romania

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ROAD SAFETY

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Providing infrastructure to improve road safety IRF hosts major international symposium to mark the launch of UN Decade of Action for Road Safety y way of first committed response to the UN General Assembly resolution declaring a Decade of Action for Road Safety from 2011 to 2020, IRF will be convening a key international Symposium in Bucharest, Romania, 10-11 May, around the theme ‘Providing Infrastructure that improves Road Safety’.

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ACTION PLAN In keeping with the express call on the part of the UN General Assembly to road safety stakeholders, calling on them to set out their lead strategies for the decade, the Symposium – scheduled to coincide with the IRF General Assembly on 9 May – will close with the formal signature of an Action Plan encapsulating the recommendations of the assembled industry and road sector representatives.

The high-level and authoritative nature of the Symposium is reflected in the official endorsement of the Romanian Government as well as the World Bank, the Global Road Safety Partnership and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

It will take the form of an intensive, two-day interactive gathering, built around six sessions addressing key themes, including: • Forgiving roads • Road user issues: mega-trucks • High-quality safety products • Managing road infrastructure performance • Sharing regional experience • Meeting regional road safety targets A dynamic set up is foreseen, designed to enable delegates from the audience to ask the speakers questions and actively engage in discussions. Examples of breakthrough infrastructure measures to improve road safety will be provided by experts from around the world.

Some sessions will comprise introductory presentations by renowned practitioners, researchers and/or policy-makers. Others will take the form of open exchanges of views between industry experts, moderated by media professionals.

In addition, the awards ceremony for the new Innovation Award for Road Transport in Developing Countries (InARoaD) will take place during a Gala Dinner on 10 May. This will be followed on 11 May by the official

ceremony for the IRF launch of the UN Decade of Action, which will take place in a spectacular public setting in central Bucharest in the presence of Romanian dignitaries.

The invaluable co-organisational support of the Romanian SEARCH Corporation will ensure prominent media coverage for the Symposium, as well as keynote events to mark the launch.

INTERNATIONAL SPONSORS Key international gold sponsors already include Kapsch, Colas and ICT. A comprehensive range of sponsorship packages are available for other industry leaders and organisations wishing to associate themselves actively with this landmark initiative, which will be convened at the Novotel situated in the heart of Bucharest.

Known as ‘Little Paris’ in the early 20th century because of its famous

tree-lined boulevards, Bucharest has a rich history and architectural heritage. It is now a thriving, modern metropolis, offering a diverse and increasingly vibrant cultural life.

It is the ideal location for road safety experts from around the world to gather, identify and commit to actions that ensure that the challenging road safety targets set by the UN Decade of Action may be met by 2020.

Given the landmark nature of this meeting and its prominence on this year’s international calendar, delegates are advised to book early, and allow ample time for the completion of visa formalities etc. In view of the expected demand, a special online registration facility has been set up in the ‘events’ section of the IRF website.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For detailed information regarding programme and registration, visit the IRF Geneva website at www.irfnet.ch Alternatively, contact Maria Novikov by e-mail at mnovikov@irfnet.org or by phone on +41 22 3060260.

TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

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LIGHTING

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Switching off our street lights Nigel Parry of the Institution of Lighting Professionals argues the case for good street lighting, and explains what effect switching them off could have in terms of safety he budget cuts that the coalition government has introduced, combined with its Carbon Reduction Commitment and associated tax on carbon-based energy consumption, have re-ignited the zeal of accountants and local authority managers to make easy savings by switching off our street lights. Although the UK Government is keen to make financial savings it is very conscious of the potential of switching lights off and at the start of September last year Louise Ellman MP, a member of the Commons Transport Select Committee, was quoted as saying: “I am extremely concerned that financial pressures are leading to steps which can jeopardise people’s lives and increase the number of injuries.”

These money-saving initiatives take no account of the known benefits that good lighting brings to the community. These include: 1. Reduction in street crime and the fear of crime – helps the authority meet its requirements under the Crime and Disorder Act 2. Reduction in the number and severity of night-time road accidents, by up to 30 per cent 3. Helps emergency services carry out their roles after dark – providing sufficient illumination to work safely and effectively 4. Increases evening activity through: a. Confident use of public transport b. Freedom to walk the streets after dark safely

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c. Access to evening work, educational and leisure activities.

Good public lighting is essential in allowing life to continue after dark and allows people to go out without the fear of being attacked or run over due to lack of visibility.

IMPLICATIONS OF SWITCH-OFF Various highway authorities have started switching off street lights to save money. Buckinghamshire, for example, has blacked out areas and has seen a number of accidents in these non lit places. The coroner investigating a fatality in one such area has directly linked the lack of lighting with the accident “as the driver had no chance to see the lady crossing the road without any street lights operating”.

Some communities have rebelled against their local authorities and in 2008 a resident of Llangynop, a village in South Wales, paid £295 to have his village lit at night for the winter after Powys Council turned off the street lights to save money. This worked out to around 15 p per lamp per night.

PRISONERS IN OUR HOMES Lack of lighting on our streets at night can have dramatic effect on society, particularly on age groups at either end of the spectrum. Not just the elderly but the young as well can feel like prisoners in their own homes,

too afraid to go out after dark.

A recent report by children’s charity PLAN UK highlighted that 91 per cent of 13-18 year old girls said better street lighting would make a big difference to feeling safe on the streets. The charity’s CEO Marie Staunton said that issues such as poor street lighting needed to be tackled (and not switched off).

An extract from the Police Road Death Investigation Manual clearly identifies the responsibility of the local authority: “When a collision has occurred and highway involvement is alleged then the highway authority should be able to show that it took reasonable measures to ensure that the safety of road user was not compromised.”

Associated issues for switching off include: • Speed limit signs will require new signage • Will CCTV cameras work at night with no lighting?

• Labelling of area to confirm the lights aren’t supposed to work • Photo cell change to part night costs £21 • Installation of road studs (cats eyes) approx 111/km @ £20 each =£2,220 (on motorways and high speed roads – Traffic Signs Manual) • Effect on energy rates – reducing night time low rate usage can impact on authorities’ overall energy tariff by increasing percentage of daytime use. Energy suppliers are reviewing use of variable rates and as the energy saved during midnight until 6am is at a lower tariff cost savings won’t be fully realised.

Furthermore, we have to take into account accident costs. If we take

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LIGHTING

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the comparatively dark shadows that can cause further problems.

Another key design component is control of glare, and the last 20 or so years have seen the introduction of street lamps that have excellent control of the light, only directing it where required with minimal glare. This has resulted in a dramatic drop in the orange glows over our urban conurbations and improvement to the night sky.

TECHNOLOGY

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NON MOTORWAY

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Serious

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Slight

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£21,790

£25,680

the Highways Agency’s example of switching off from midnight to 5.30am on the motorway and major roads, we can see that the energy saving will be around 50 per cent. Dimming the same lights to 50 per cent power for the same time, thereby reducing the light levels but importantly keeping the uniformity of the street lighting, which is a key factor to reducing glare, would reduce the energy cost by 25 per cent but with no risk to road users.

A recent survey carried out by the Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP) indicates that the average UK street lamp is 70 watt with an annual energy bill of just £30.

With the cost of accidents being roughly 10 to 1 from fatal to slight (see table), therefore one fatality could pay for an entire county’s street lights to be kept on for a year.

Additional costs for permanent switch off include the removal of electrical supply at £400 per lamp, and the removal of equipment at £85 per lamp.

RELIGHTING SCHEME Good lighting provides many benefits as mentioned at the start of this article, and those benefits may be most noticeable during the peak times in winter. However, good lighting is just as important to the police and other emergency services every night of the year when responding to emergencies or simply deterring criminal activity.

Some recent evidence of this can be found in a recently completed private

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TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

finance initiative (PFI) relighting scheme in Wakefield, which has provided some interesting results.

The borough has substantially relit its highway network during the last five years and the new lighting: • helped reduce vehicle collision and damage by 50 per cent – 143 (2004) to 69 (2008) • helped reduce vehicle crime by 62 per cent between 2004-2008 • helped reduce night time accidents, with overall accidents down by 31 per cent, and night time fatalities down from 9 in 2004 to 0 in 2009.

SAVE COSTS WITH LIGHTS ON The UK has always been at the forefront when it comes to efficient lighting sources and we are still leaders of lighting initiatives.

All UK roads are lit to a British Standard, which sets differing light levels for different road types.

Interpretation of the guidance has led to some areas being lit to higher levels than are needed. Therefore a review carried out by the local authority lighting professional of the appropriate lighting standards as part of a lighting policy is recommended to see if light levels could be lower.

It has long been recognised that a quality measure of a lighting scheme is its uniformity level, and a road with good uniformity could be lit to a lower level and still appear as bright to aid visibility. Switching off every other lamp or one in three street lights wrecks the uniformity and provides

The UK was the first country in the world to recognise the implications of mesopic vision and the benefits of white light. In 2003 we changed our national codes to allow a drop of a whole lighting class if white lights were used on residential roads. Further research has concluded this could be applied to traffic routes and the next BS update may reflect this option.

Central management systems are now available to allow control of every lighting point in an authority. This is a viable cost option that will not only save money through dimming but also ensure that the lighting system is always working at its most efficient. It could provide information so that we never see a light out on the street because they are replaced before they fail.

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), street lights capable of actually lighting the streets to the correct level, have been available for a while now and recently we have seen large versions capable of lighting main traffic routes come to market. As with any new technology the items are expensive but as development continues, we will see the light output rise year upon year and the prices of the core LEDs themselves will start to drop significantly. The USA Department of Energy forecasts that LED chips may halve by 2015 and could drop to 1/25th of current prices by 2020.

What we need is essentially the right light in the right place at the right time.

This can be achieved by employing a competent lighting professional so an authority can look to achieve the optimum solution for their road network and customers. Solutions such as the use of energy efficient equipment, the correct application of lighting levels and dimming measures can assist with this. However, this kind of work must be undertaken in line with the appropriate standards and for example the switching off of every other light is not a viable option.

The ILP is not saying don’t switch lights off but this must be seen as a last resort, and if followed other road safety measures such as improved signing must be employed.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.theilp.org.uk

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

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Your road map to successful LED lighting LED lighting is quickly becoming established as the most effective and efficient technology for lighting streets, roads and highways. Abacus presents its range of LEDs which combine energy efficient solutions with robust manufacturing to offer truly sustainable lighting hether you are lighting pathways, residential streets, main traffic routes, or highways then our LEDs could deliver significant savings in energy usage, whilst delivering improved lighting performance.

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WHY LEDs? • Instant bright white light • Greater energy efficiency saves on running costs and reduces carbon footprint • Longer lifespan – saving on replacement costs • Low maintenance, so less workload and less whole life costs • Less heat emitted and no UV, so safer for pedestrians Each Abacus LED product has been conceived to fulfil a given purpose, with informed thought given to specification, materials and maintenance, as well as function and aesthetics. They are durable dependable and directional – and of course we’ve made sure they

as well as being suitable for perimeters, pathways, and general area lighting.

Over 90 per cent of Lightblade’s components are recyclable. It is also highly energy efficient and incorporates dimming and the latest lighting control technology to make sure you can intelligently control your lighting at all times.

Technically it’s second to none with IP65 rating to protect from water ingress, 5-step lantern adjustment, individual lens optics, CREE LED chips and protective cover for the cooling fins.

And starting at 9.5kg it’s amongst the lightest LED road lanterns on the market.

LOW LEVEL LED LIGHTING When there is a need to accompany roadway lighting in pedestrianised areas or car parks, LEDs can still be specified and using our Quartz® Bollard LED you can gain real savings. It offers a 60-80 per cent wattage reduction in

Each Abacus LED product has been conceived to fulfil a given purpose, with informed thought given to specification, materials and maintenance, as well as function and aesthetics are as energy efficient as possible.

The range covers everything from sturdy anti-vandal LED bollards to area & roadway lanterns. The icon of our range is the Lightblade LED. FUTURE-PROOF LIGHTING Lightblade LED is a totally new concept in road and area lighting. It is based on a ‘plug and play’ LED module, which can easily be upgraded or replaced – making it truly future-proof. As it’s cleverly designed and impeccably built, the lantern body is robust enough to match the longer life span you can gain from the LED modules. This module is the basis of future Abacus products too, so you can rest assured that your lighting won’t be phased out of the market in a few years time.

It comes in 100W and 150W versions, so it is suitable for all classifications of highways and roads, from S to ME class,

comparison to non-LED bollards and has 90 per cent light output efficiency.

It’s an uncompromisingly tough bollard, so the structure can last as long as the light source, critical in vandal-prone applications. It offers the latest in LED technology and optical control – using a louvre-based system for reduced glare at driver and pedestrian height. The bollard emits a focused white light which can be distributed in axial, symmetric and asymmetric beam patterns. The various distributions ensure that you get the light in exactly the area that’s right for your scheme, with reduced wastage and spill.

The shaft is vandal resistant, and made from CHS steel, with a 5mm polycarbonate head, anti-vandal screws and powder coated finish (fusion silver or black).

If it’s impact you want to create then the Quartz® Bollard LED offers colour and branding opportunities too. The louvre edge can be banded with a colour film to enhance branding or act as a navigational

aid in almost any colour you choose.

And the best thing is it doesn’t affect the bollard’s crisp white light.

Branding or key messages can be added too, and because of the low-glare light source they can be easily read.

LEDs from Abacus offer a real saving in energy and in money, helping to reduce your carbon footprint and enable you to perform against budget. Whole life cost is reduced thanks to longevity and less maintenance. We can prove it too – simply ask for a payback calculation for your scheme to see how much you could save. For a truly energy efficient, high performance and future-proof LED lighting solution then the Abacus range could have the answer you’re looking for.

FOR MORE INFORMATION If you need assistance with specifying LED lighting then talk to us on +44 (0)1623 518 333 e-mail sales@abacuslighting.com or visit our website for more information www.abacuslighting.com

TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

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LIGHTING

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Lighting the way to your next destination Dave Ellis of OSRAM, looks at why lighting is so important in transportation facilities and discusses the latest solutions available to provide optimum lighting conditions

solutions that last longer and use less energy than their predecessors. This reduces overhead costs by lowering energy bills and maintenance costs.

Outside the main areas, some departure gates are only used at certain times during the day. To optimise efficiency in these parts of the building, flight data can be combined with building management systems to trigger the heating and lighting systems to go on prior to the gate being used.

When a gate is not in use, these systems would switch off to reap savings.

TRAIN STATIONS

hen you are on the move, lighting plays a key role in guiding you to your destination. Whether you are moving through an airport, train station or bus terminal, the lighting scheme must be carefully specified to create a safe, fluid environment.

Travel is an experience. Whether it is for business or pleasure, the people travelling through airports and train stations have a clear purpose and the lighting used can enhance the experience for them. For business travel, people generally want fast, efficient movement so well lit spaces and clear signage is the order of the day. For those travelling for pleasure, a more relaxed environment is required. This is where shops, bars and restaurants can look at playing with their lighting schemes to create unique designs that draw customers in.

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ESSENTIAL ASPECTS When you are specifying the lighting scheme for a transportation facility there are a few different aspects that must be taken into account. Firstly, it is essential that the lighting is welcoming and creates a bright and airy space. Secondly, health and safety considerations must be taken into account due to the volume of people moving around these spaces on

any given day. This means the lighting must be adequate and all signage should be illuminated very clearly to move people around safely and efficiently.

Aside from using efficient, high performance lighting solutions for general illumination, dynamic lighting should be used for other applications to bring the building to life. Whether this is flood lighting the exterior of a terminal or station to highlight it as a landmark in the surrounding area, or creating mood lighting in its shops and restaurants, colour changing lighting schemes can play a big part.

AIRPORTS The main areas of most airports will need to be lit 24/7 which can be a significant drain on resources if light is not used sensibly. Where large windows are in place, natural daylight can be harnessed by installing sensors that measure the amount of daylight entering the building and only supplement this with artificial daylight when the light drops below a predefined level.

When artificial light is required, the latest lighting solutions are extremely efficient. From metal halide lamps, to T5 triphosphor fluorescent tubes and the latest LED luminaires for general lighting applications, you can achieve optimum building illumination using

At any train station, the platforms must be well illuminated to allow people to board and disembark their train safely. As these platforms are exposed to weather conditions that can range from sweltering heat at the height of summer to freezing condition in the winter, the lighting here should be carefully considered.

There are T5 CONSTANT fluorescent tubes that have been engineered to withstand a wider than usual temperature range. In extreme temperatures, these tubes operate to their maximum efficiency so you can rest assured that passengers are not being left in the dark because the weather conditions have caused lamp failure.

With transportation facilities, we are often talking about very large structures that are hard to manage. When it comes to the lighting scheme, there are easy-touse feedback systems available that let you know when a lamp has failed so that it can be replaced quickly. With these systems, you can monitor the status of every single light point from a central location which simplifies one aspect of the facilities management process.

When you are on the move, you need the lighting to guide you around the building and get you to the right platform or departure gate without incident. By installing the latest lighting solutions, transportation hubs can optimise their lighting schemes while reducing their overhead costs so there is no reason not to make the switch. Whether you are rushing through on your way to a meeting or looking for a place to relax and unwind as you head off on holiday, the lighting in transportation facilities plays a huge part in setting the right tone to get you to your destination.

Written by Dave Ellis, national sales manager – Specification at OSRAM

TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

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Keeping Our Roads Flowing Ringway Jacobs is a fully integrated highway services provider able to offer an extensive range of services that include highways and transport activities such as: • Asset Management • Routine and Cyclical Maintenance • Design and Construction of Projects • Network management including streetworks coordination • Network Operations including asset inspection • Accident investigation • UTMC scheme development, build and maintain • Highways and Transportation Policy • Development Control Activity • Road Safety and Sustainable Travel Education and Promotion Our high profile clients include: • Transport for London • Buckinghamshire County Council • London Borough of Newham • London Borough of Tower Hamlets • London Borough of Hackney • London Borough of Waltham Forest Contact us at www.ringwayjacobs.com for further information

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Calculates Ordnance Survey GB Easting and Northing Grid References for each site test.

ROAD MAINTENANCE

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Engineering best practices for low-volume roads Gordon R. Keller, geotechnical engineer, US Forest Service, introduces a unique field guide and training programme to promote road engineering with a holistic perspective

An example of a poorly drained road

ow-volume roads have long been known to contribute to substantial erosion and sediment production, as well as create other problems such as channel modifications or slope instability. 60-70 per cent of the roads in most countries are rural and often unsurfaced or with only a gravel surfacing. Roads are a basic part of rural infrastructure and needed for development and access to critical areas such as schools and clinics, as well as movement of goods and services, etc.

Roads are also relatively expensive. Thus, design and maintenance practices should be used that help prolong the useful life of the road and minimise problems. Roads Best Management Practices, or BMPs, have been drawn up and are particularly useful for developing long-term, costeffective designs for roads – designs that incorporate mitigation measures to minimise adverse environmental impacts, protect water quality, minimise the need for maintenance and make roads more resistant to the impacts of storms.

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GOOD ROAD ENGINEERING Good road engineering today involves a blend of three basic components: 1. Application of Basic Engineering and Design Concepts: including good planning and location; drainage analysis; good road surface drainage; proper use and installation of culverts, fords and bridges; building stable slopes and use of slope stabilisation measures; proper use of roadway materials; and appropriate road maintenance.

2. Environmental Awareness and

Application of Practical Environmental Mitigation Measures: such as erosion and sediment control; water quality protection; fish passages and wildlife crossings; and invasive species control.

3. Use of Appropriate, Innovative Technologies: to facilitate work and make it more cost-effective, such as GIS mapping; use of geosynthetics; trenchless technology; mechanically stabilised earth structures; biotechnical erosion control and slope stabilisation measures; and simple in-situ site characterisation tools. Many useful references exist today to help promote and guide road work in an environmentally friendly and technically sound manner.

THE FOREST SERVICE OF THE US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has an extensive low-volume road system across the United States, and operates in a very environmentally conscious world.

Thus, it has developed many useful design techniques and mitigations, and has presented Roads Engineering Best Practices training to numerous agencies and groups worldwide – introducing the subjects of road engineering and environmental protection with a holistic perspective.

Much of this information has been summarised in a recent publication, ‘Low-Volume Roads Engineering Best Management Practice Field Guide’, written by G. Keller and J. Sherar. It is currently available in English, Spanish and Portuguese and this technically based and environmentally conscious training for low-volume roads is unique.

Courses have typically been from two to five days long, and ideally include time in the field evaluating local roads.

Some of the key objectives of Roads BMPs are to: • Produce a safe, cost-effective, environmentally friendly and practical road design that meets the needs of the users • Protect water quality and reduce sediment into water bodies • Avoid land use conflicts • Protect sensitive areas and reduce ecosystem impacts • Maintain natural channels, flows and passage for aquatic organisms • Minimise ground and drainage channel disturbance • Control road surface water and stabilise the roadbed driving surface (see lack of water control and measures to control and prevent the concentration of water in Figure 1) • Control erosion and protect exposed soil areas • Implement slope stabilisation measures where needed • Avoid problematic areas • Stormproof and extend the useful life of the road.

STORM DAMAGE REPAIRS Millions of dollars are spent annually in the US and other countries on storm damage repairs. Most of this work is to repair existing roads and transportation facilities, many of which are not well designed or maintained. Agencies cannot afford to build roads to be 100 per cent storm resistant, or stormproof. They can, however, make them more storm resistant, and measures can be taken to reduce the risk of storm damage from any given event, particularly through the application of Roads Best Management Practices.

Storm damage risk reduction measures include many maintenance, drainage improvement and structural items.

Roadway surface drainage structures, such as ditches, cross-drains and rolling dips need to be clean, properly armoured and properly spaced to prevent concentration of water. Drainage crossing structures, such as bridges, fords and culverts, need to have adequate capacity; or at least be clear of debris, well-armoured, scour resistant and functioning properly. Trash racks can be added. Marginally stable road cuts and fills can be stabilised with retaining structures, drainage and modified slopes, and reinforced with vegetation or soil bio-engineering treatments, etc. (see figure 2).

Since low-volume or rural roads are

TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

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ROAD MAINTENANCE

www.transportbusiness.net

very much needed, but expensive, it is important to build roads in a manner that minimises their long-term cost and that maximises their usefulness, while limiting negative environmental impacts. The application of BMPs helps to achieve those goals. The Low-Volume Roads Engineering Best Management Practice Field Guide is available at the following Forest Service International Programs website www.fs.fed.us/global/topic/welcome.htm#8 The above article is extracted from Volume 1 of the recently published IRF Bulletin on Rural Transport. A second volume on the same theme will be available in spring of this year and both complement the earlier companion Bulletin devoted to Urban Mobility. All volumes may be freely downloaded in PDF format from the www.irfnet.org website.

Throughout the years, the IRF Bulletins have proven a great success in bringing the work and experiences of IRF members and other specialists around key themes to the attention of leading international stakeholders.

The next in this lively and informative series will be devoted to the Environment.

The call for contributions for this issue is now open. Articles should be around 500-1,500 words in length and should include illustrations and photographs.

They may be submitted through the IRF Geneva office. For more information visit www.irfnet.org or e-mail info@irfnet.org FOR MORE INFORMATION Gordon Keller, geotechnical engineer E-mail: gkeller@fs.fed.us

ABOUT IRF These pages feature materials made available courtesy of the Geneva Programme Centre of the International Road Federation (IRF). The content and views expressed are solely the responsibility of the authors, however, and do not necessarily reflect the position or policies of IRF. IRF is a leading non-profit membership organisation linking the global community of road professionals, the private sector, financial institutions, government agencies, national road associations, advocacy groups and key international and non-governmental organisations to promote roads that are safe and economically viable as well as socially and environmentally friendly.

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TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

Figure 1: Measures used to drain a roadway surface, such as an inslope, outslope, or crown section, and use of a rolling grade to minimise water concentration

Figure 2: Slope stability solutions using a variety of slope stabilisation measures including buttresses, flatter slopes, drainage, use of vegetation, and fills compacted with layer placement

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Fix pot-holes faster.... to last longer Unique polymer technology for instant, permanent repair of road surfaces is now available in the UK, under licence from its U.S. producers. the system is used in the ice belt of Canada and throughout North America - and by U.S. military in challenging environments such as Iraq and Afghanistan - for roads, runways, ramps and expansion joints.

It takes less time to fix and lasts much longer.

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• One-part process with advanced polymer adhesive - no mixing, heating or priming - and no hole preparation • Use in wet or dry conditions and any temperature from -40°C to +75°C • No curing time - drive over immediately • Meets HAPAS requirements (other ‘instant’ systems only meet standards when used with expensive primers) • Suitable for concrete and masonry as well as asphalt • Non-toxic, non-caustic with excellent resistance to fuel, oils, de-icers and salt • A 20-year track record of effective, economical use

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TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Invaluable insight and innovative solutions Traffex celebrates its 25th anniversary with more exhibitors showcasing the latest traffic management solutions, and visitor attractions than ever before, including 36 free seminar sessions his year, Traffex takes place against a backdrop of cuts and considerable changes in government transport policy. Returning to the NEC Birmingham 29-31 March, the event will see a wide range of exhibitors showcasing the latest developments, as well as host a free seminar programme, organised in partnership with ITS UK, The Highways Agency, Department for Transport and The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation, covering a wide range of topics and offering insights from the transport industry’s leading experts.

Professor Eric Sampson CBE, Ambassador for ITS UK, stresses the importance of hearing the latest thinking at the event: “Transport professionals have always been noted for their skill at finding clever solutions to problems in order to deliver faster construction, an innovative system design, a more cost-effective contract, or elegant but robust engineering. In the current economic climate the increasing demand for more for less is stretching teams in all areas and ideas are being sought from every quarter.

“That’s why it’s essential to visit Traffex. You’ll hear the latest thinking, see the latest products, discuss problems with fellow experts, learn how someone elsewhere has approached the problem currently on your plate – and all under one roof.

Local authority transport specialists and particularly councillors have a special invitation to visit ITS United Kingdom’s stand to learn what intelligent transport systems can now do efficiently and are already delivering across the country.”

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PARTNERS Bill Butler, Traffex 2011 event director, comments: “We have been able to secure influential companies as partners, which reinforces the importance of Traffex to the industry. Having partners, rather than traditional sponsors, offers companies the opportunity to build a longer term relationship with the private and public sector attendees in the run up to Traffex rather than focusing on just

TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

35

It is an interesting time for road safety. The impact of budget cuts is now starting to be felt.

Early retirement or voluntary redundancy will lead to loss of expertise and knowledge.

The ending of ring-fencing will mean that road safety has to compete with child protection or adult social care. Reductions in policing will result in fewer breath-tests and less enforcement.

What will the new Localism mean for road safety? How important is improving safety to communities? Where do road engineering measures come in terms of community priorities?

Two key initiatives will become important in the coming months.

The first is the publication by the government of the new strategic framework for road safety. This is likely to set out the different

responsibilities of national and local government, of professional bodies, of road user groups and of civil society for improving safety on our roads.

The second is the launch of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety in May. This aims to reduce the death toll arising from road traffic around the world, most notably in developing countries.

This is an important initiative in which Great Britain can play its part, offering leadership and expertise to the rest of the world.

The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (www.pacts.org.uk) acts as a link between the professional and political worlds. We seek to persuade MPs and Peers to act on evidence and best practice.

If you share our aims to protect human life, please contact us for details of membership.

PACTS, Clutha House, 10 Storey’s Gate, London SW1P 3AY. www.pacts.org.uk

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TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

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the three open days of the exhibition.”

Visitors will have access to the leading authorities on transport from around the world and the opportunity to learn about the future of transport, key developments, cutting-edge transport technology and pressing matters faced by transport users and planners today, such as: • MFS2 (Manual for Streets 2) • Traffic Signs Policy Review • Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO): Amendments and changes to regulations – what will they mean to you?

• CIHT Awards Winners • Review of the National Guidance Framework from The Highways Agency • Information now and in the future • UTMC – what’s next?

• Embrace Life – a case study from the Sussex County Council • Shared Space • The Travel Information Highway (TIH) Steve Norris, President of ITS UK, highlights the importance of companies learning and sharing information: “The 2010 EU Directive on ITS sets a minimum interoperability standard for traffic and travel information. If the UK gets this right it should open the door to British companies being able to compete throughout the EU on better terms than at present. If

we get it wrong – or worse still don’t act quickly enough to tie down these complex technical and commercial issues – commercial information providers in the UK could see their businesses suffer as the public sector competes with free products from abroad.”

WHAT NOT TO MISS Traffex will offer visitors an opportunity to meet UK and international exhibitors from the transport, parking and street design industries showcasing their latest products and services on the 24,000sqm exhibition floor space. Let’s look at some of these.

The event will see the launch of Truvelo’s D-Cam L, a dual capacity speed and red light camera. The versatile product can be used as a speed camera alone, or be deployed at a red light intersection where it will monitor red light offences and act as a speed camera during the green and amber phases. It digitally signs, encrypts and stores two images for a red light offence and one image for speed offence.

Event partner Mouchel will showcase a broad range of recent developments in enforcement technology products, including a new street management product, which has been designed to build and improve upon the operational functionality offered by the market

leading Integrated Civil Processing System. Attendees will have the opportunity to view key applications and discuss work on additional functionality and potential user benefits with a number of the experts involved in the design programme.

Gardasoft Vision manufactures the VTR range of high-powered LED strobe lights for ANPR based applications.

At Traffex, Gardasoft will release the next generation VTR lights that offer a 3X increase in light output, making much more light available for demanding ANPR applications.

ICEE will be exhibiting its new range of secure equipment enclosures used extensively as part of the highways and private network infrastructures.

New solutions include a 699 cabinet and renewable energy applications, which use solar and wind to power the enclosures components.

Klaruw will highlight the road safety, environmental and cost saving benefits of its controllable any-weather pavement retexturing machines, including four new prototypes. Its machines provide unparalleled sensitivity of control to allow retexturing in any weather of virtually any type or age of road surface before more expensive treatments are necessary.

Radarlux will introduce its new generation of speed displays, including

TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

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TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

www.transportbusiness.net

Visitors will have access to the leading authorities on transport from around the world and the opportunity to learn about the future of transport, key developments, cutting-edge transport technology and pressing matters faced by transport users and planners today a new colour LED matrix display, which offers the driver positive or negative feedback according to the vehicle’s speed. Also on show is the TEMPODIS 280, which is now fitted with removable SD card, allowing data storage of 40 million records.

In addition to new innovations, such as ANPR camera Sicore and average speed enforcement system SafeZone, event partner Siemens will have financial experts available to discuss making best use of public resources and exploring opportunities to access sensible, flexible and innovative asset financing options.

The Consultancy Services team will also be on hand to talk about a range of services including junction design, modelling and simulation, on street validation, and asset management.

AGD Systems will be showing its extensive range of power efficient products, many of them supported

by important Elexon codes for local deployment. New developments include Janu5 MRWL, which can provide information wirelessly up to 550 metres in urban and inter-urban environments.

Biral will showcase its roadside weather sensors to switch traffic warning signs and update intelligent traffic systems when snow, rain, drizzle or fog are causing potentially dangerous driving conditions.

With robust, high-grade powder coated aluminium construction they are designed for use on all types of roads in all climates.

OPPORTUNITIES

Daniel Isichei, director of Communications at the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation, comments: “The Traffex exhibition attracts thousands of visitors and is an event CIHT is in full support of. It provides a great opportunity for suppliers and their clients

to meet, share knowledge and promote best practice, as well as providing attendees with the environment to network with transportation professionals. CIHT is pleased to be working alongside ITS UK on putting together the event’s seminar programme, which will include an afternoon session focusing on sharing best practice from CIHT Award winners and a lunchtime session to provide information on professional qualifications. CIHT along with our magazine Transportation Professional will be providing an area for attendees to meet with our editorial team and provide Institution staff to discuss personal development, skills and qualifications issues.”

Traffex will once again run alongside Parkex, Europe’s largest dedicated parking exhibition, and Street Design, the leading event for urban design in the public realm. The three shows will offer visitors an opportunity to meet over 400 exhibitors from the transport, parking and street design industries showcasing their latest products and services. Registration to attend the combined Traffex, Parkex and Street Design event is now open.

FOR MORE INFORMATION To secure your free pass, visit www.traffex.com

Vehicle Engineering Consultancy – specialist technical advice on all public transportation related issues

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ASED IN CRAWLEY, West Sussex, Vehicle Engineering Consultancy offers expertise in the transport industry throughout Greater London, including bus engineer, bus design, transport engineer, and vehicle engineer. Vehicle Engineering Consultancy provides specialist technical advice on all public transportation related issues. We take pride in our ability to identify, anticipate and deliver practical solutions.

To ensure that we maintain a comprehensive and up to date range of skills, we are committed to ongoing training for our experienced, dedicated and professionally qualified staff.

With over 60 years experience Vehicle Engineering Consultancy is an excellent choice, run by Colin H Curtis, a chartered engineer with an OBE for Services to the Bus Transport Industry, and provides a forward thinking, fresh and flexible approach.

Before joining Brighton Technical College on an Engineering Degree Course in 1944, Colin had already spent a period as a vacation student with the Brighton Hove & District Omnibus Co Limited at Conway

Street, Hove in 1946 and then moved on in 1947 to London Transport as a general technical assistant in the Development Section at Chiswick.

Gradually moving up the ladder all within the same department, he gained experience in the running and development of buses. Much of this work was directed to the next design of bus for London, known at the time as the IM (integrally mounted) later to become the famous Routemaster.

Four prototypes were built of which RM1 and 2 were assembled at Chiswick. Extensive testing was carried out at Fighting Vehicles at Cobham and the vehicles were then put into

service. This demanded extensive support, which continued all the time the vehicles were in service.

After about 18 months in service, the design was cleared for production.

Colin maintained membership on various committees such as the joint AEC/LT, LM/LT technical and later chairman the PTE Engineers Sub Committee. 1981 saw his appointment as technical engineering manager and later that year as vehicle engineering manager (London Buses).

1988 saw his retirement and set up of his own company Vehicle Engineering Consultancy, offering advice on issues such as the deign of buses to meet operational needs meeting current legal requirements, accident and failure investigations, reference to manufacturer and police investigations, maintenance procedures are provided.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Address: 126 Three Bridges Road Crawley, West Sussex RH10 1JP Tel: 01293 531729 Fax: 01293 553734 Web: www.busengineering consultancy.co.uk

TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

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THEENDLESSLY VARIABLE MESSAGESIGN

The PEGASUS Urban Variable Message Sign is a new kind of VMS, offering a range of flexible matrix displays with a choice of mounting configurations.

The power efficient and environmentally friendly Pegasus sign takes advantage of improvements in LED technology performance, reliability, and message setting capabilities flowing from the latest generation of high resolution motorway sign designs.

Three variants offer different matrix areas suitable for the display of four lines of text with character heights of 160mm, 100mm, and 50mm. The two larger format signs employ a dual-coloured, amber and red matrix; the 50mm version is a singlecolour amber sign. All offer high resolution which can display simultaneous text and pictogram information.

The slim and attractive design is well suited to today’s urban streetscape and the flexible mounting options, for either landscape or portrait fixing, ranged left, right or centred, can work around the most demanding space restrictions.

In fact, the installation options are almost as variable as the messaging capability.

Variable Message Signs Limited, Monkton Business Park, Mill Lane, Hebburn, Tyne & Wear, NE31 2JZ, UK T +44 (0)191 423 7070 F +44 (0)191 423 7071 E traffic@vmslimited.co.uk W www.vmslimited.co.uk

ROAD CHARGING

www.transportbusiness.net

Tolled infrastructures for safe, smart and clean transport Policy makers, industry, NGOs and professional organisations will take part in ASECAP’s Study and Information Days, discussing current and future road mobility needs he clock is ticking toward the next ASECAP Study and Information Days. After Krakow and Oslo, it is the European capital Brussels that will host the 2011 edition of the annual congress of the European tolled motorway operators, on 29-31 May. The conference will open a fruitful dialogue between road transport experts and EU institutions, especially during a dedicated working lunch in the European Parliament itself: an excellent opportunity to gain a good insight into the EU decision-making process.

The event will again gather about 250 delegates, all involved in the tolling and infrastructure industry at European level, as well as key decision makers greatly influencing the EU transport scene.

Major topics currently on the table of the EU institutions will be raised such as the European Commission’s White Paper on Transport, the Eurovignette Directive and the European Electronic Tolling Service (EETS). Moreover, besides political discussions, the ASECAP Days will also allow technical exchanges by highlighting about 30 best practices applied on European road infrastructures by the tolled motorway operators, members of ASECAP. The ASECAP Days 2011 will therefore cover absolutely all the aspects of tolling and road infrastructure, in order to keep improving the network in accordance with a safe, smart and clean perspective.

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POLITICAL SESSIONS The discussions on Monday 30 May will mainly target political exchanges, inviting all the institutions around the table: Members of the European Parliament (MEP) B. Simpson (chairman of the Transport and Tourism Committee) and S. El Khadraoui (rapporteur on the revision of the Eurovignette Directive) amongst others, S. Schmidt (head of the Land transport policy unit) speaking on behalf of the European Commission, will be joined by representatives of the European Investment Bank and of the European GNSS Supervisory Authority (GSA).

These key decision makers will exchange views on concession schemes

and Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) with presidents of national tolled motorway concessionaires, members of the ASECAP network.

The highlight of the first political day will be the gathering at the European Parliament’s premises for a strategic debate on the role of concessionaires and tolling in shaping the future EU transport policies.

TECHNICAL DISCUSSIONS The technical discussions will take place on the second day of the congress, Tuesday 31 May, the morning meeting being entirely dedicated to interactive

in Europe, while the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) will expose the US perspective.

ELECTRIC TOLLING Finally, ASECAP also scheduled another much needed discussion about the deployment of a European Electronic Tolling Service (EETS). Before closing the conference, this session will give the floor to all the major actors involved at different stages in the implementation of the European legislation concerned.

It also follows the previous ASECAP initiatives aiming to set up a platform of exchange of information on the subject.

The event will again gather about 250 delegates, all involved in the tolling and infrastructure industry at European level, as well as key decision makers greatly influencing the EU transport scene. Major topics currently on the table of the EU institutions will be raised such as the European Commission’s White Paper on Transport, the Eurovignette Directive and the European Electronic Tolling Service (EETS) sessions on best practices in road safety, intelligent transport systems, sustainability, services such as truck parkings, and new technologies.

Through 30 presentations, ASECAP members will demonstrate that they have the best tools to effectively manage and finance motorways throughout the European Union, having applied successful concession models since more than 40 years.

These interactive sessions are also designed to give the opportunity to the audience to discuss with the panelists and hear comments from key institutional players such as MEP A. Jensen – a good way to optimise the exchange of best practices and learn a great deal from the experts of the tolled motorway operators.

In the afternoon, ASECAP will present a complete overview of the latest developments in the tolling industry

With such an information packed programme, the ASECAP annual congress promises to bring two days of hard work and extensive learning.

The event also offers a valuable occasion to meet road transport experts and EU decision makers. It is an opportunity not only to get to know the panelists but also the rest of the delegates, to further develop valuable professional relations, and gain insiders’ details from the road sector.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.asecapdays.com

TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

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The future of transport!

TimoCom brings together the most important players in the road transport market: Yourselves!

No matter whether you are a shipper, freight forwarder or haulier: with our European platforms TC Truck & Cargo® - the European market leading freight and vehicle exchanges, and TC eBid® the online transport tendering platform, you will find the right business partner at the right time.

Try us and soon you will also be saying: “My TimoCom. My advantage.”

Further information at www.timocom.com or calling 008000 8466266 (toll-free hotline service when using a landline).

FREIGHT/HAULAGE

www.transportbusiness.net

Making sure you’re seen On 10 July, legislation on the fitment of conspicuity markings to large goods vehicles comes into force. If you’re unsure what this will mean for you, help is at hand esearch by the Department for Transport estimates the potential to prevent 76 killed and serious injury accidents per year if all goods vehicles were fitted with conspicuity markings. From 10 July this year the requirement for heavy goods vehicles and their trailers to be fitted with these reflective markings will be introduced, making it easier to spot the vehicles in the dark.

In order to assist with the legal requirements, the Freight Transport Association has published a guide providing details of legislation regarding conspicuity markings and guidance on how to comply with the marking requirements, including examples of various vehicle body types and designs. Initially published for FTA’s members last November, the guide has now been endorsed by the Department for Transport and will be issued to the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) for their own guidance and procedures, and is being made available to the industry in general.

Andy Mair, FTA’s head of Engineering Policy, said: “With so many different vehicle body types in use, we thought it was necessary to publish a standard, easy-to-follow set of guidelines which can be used by FTA members, the Department for Transport and their agencies and the industry in general to make the implementation of the new guidelines more straightforward for everybody.”

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marker boards, VOSA examiners will carry out checks to confirm the following compliance requirements.

• The lowest edge of the markings is between 250mm to 1,500mm from the ground. If 1,500mm is not practicable this can be increased to 2,500mm • The maximum height is as high as practicable but no lower than 400mm from the upper extremity of vehicle/trailer • The conspicuity markings must not come within 200mm of a mandatory stop lamp • The vertical aspects of the conspicuity markings should be as close to the edge of the vehicle/trailer as practicable • The rear conspicuity markings shall be red or yellow • The width of the conspicuity marking should be no less than 50mm and no more than 60mm VOSA will include side and rear conspicuity marking in the annual test from 1 January 2012 and roadside checks from the same date. While it will expect all vehicles within the scope of the requirement to be marked, it recognises that derogations will apply in many cases.

However, where fitted, VOSA will expect marking to be in good condition and correctly positioned.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.fta.co.uk

REGULATION REQUIREMENTS Conspicuity markings illuminate the outline of a vehicle at night by reflection from the headlights of vehicles following behind, and have the potential to prevent many fatal and serious injury accidents per year.

The regulations require a full contour marking in a suitable reflective material on the vehicle’s rear, i.e. horizontal and vertical markings to outline the shape of the vehicle, and partial contour markings on the side. Partial contour markings consist of a horizontal line showing the length of the vehicle and ‘tick’ marks showing the upper corners of the vehicle. However, where the shape, structure, design or operational requirements make it impossible to install the mandatory contour marking, a line marking is acceptable.

Tractor units are exempt from the requirements.

The FTA guide covers a wide range of areas including: optionally-fitted conspicuity markings; who the rules apply to; marking requirements; derogations; conspicuity marking material requirements; and guidance on applying conspicuity markings to various vehicle and body types.

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VOSA has issued instructions on enforcement action if vehicles or trailers are presented for test or encountered at roadside where rear marker plates are missing from vehicle/trailer types where they are normally required, and conspicuity markings are fitted in their place. Until the mandatory date of 10 July, VOSA will only carry out checks on conspicuity markings where vehicles are encountered with no rear marker plates fitted.

VOSA examiners will check that rear marker plates are fitted to vehicles that normally require them to be fitted (vehicles over 7,500kg and trailers over 3,500kg). If no rear marker plates are fitted, but the vehicle or trailer is instead fitted with rear conspicuity markings conforming to the requirements of UN ECE Regulation 48, then this will be acceptable and the vehicle/trailer will pass the check.

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www.transportbusiness.net

FLEET MANAGEMENT

The key to success

your neighbours, but yours. Every business has its own pattern of annual mileages, its own mix of long and short journeys, a blend of pure transport fulfilment and remuneration through With the budget on the horizon, Stewart Whyte of ACFO and private use. It is becoming clearer that Fleet Audits, discusses why this year needs to be about fleet we are moving away from the one size managers optimising the whole business operation fits all approach, to something much more sophisticated and efficient. he conventional view of “fleet” All of these factors should be examined Until recently most change was centred has changed significantly in by all businesses from time to time to around getting the vehicles cheaper recent years, with many new ensure that exposure to cost risk as well (whether through purchase price or options to be considered. In fact, one as on-road risk is minimised. leasing rates). Now, smarter fleets of the biggest changes has been the All of this is set in the are re-examining the wider For the trend to consider business mobility context of the pretty dire picture to see where bigger latest transport as the corporate objective, rather economic situation facing changes and cost savings than the vehicle-centric ways that most countries but the can be achieved. There news, events and used to be the limit of the market.

UK in particular. With the are options to outsource features please visit In general, end-user businesses budget due 23 May, we vehicle provision to the www.transport now seek full solutions to the issues can’t say for certain what employees, through cash business.net of moving employees and goods lies in store, but lower tax allowances or highly around, rather than on whether to bills on the status quo are formulated schemes. have petrol or diesel cars. The fleet unlikely to be delivered.

Conversely, there is also supply chain has sophisticated beyond Therefore, 2011 needs to a move to in-source vehicle belief with most products and services be about optimising the whole provision through salary sacrifice based wholly or partly on tax issues: operation and many businesses have arrangements – often by extending in every sense the government’s been doing just that over recent months. the scheme to all employees and not focus on CO2 from transport has just those who need a company car. produced quite spectacular results.

DEMAND FOR BUSINESS MOBILITY Many other issues have developed – GREY FLEET like the whole question of managing Given the current market and the on-road risks in light of the big increase range of choice, the place to start The increase in attention to the grey in awareness of the health and safety is not with the vehicles – but with a fleet – employees using their own cars in aspects of employees using the roads, clear picture of what the demand for exchange for a mileage reimbursement the rising costs of insurance, the business mobility actually is in your – has shown that there is in fact a tightening of funding and many others. operation. Not your competitors, not whole spectrum of potential solutions

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TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

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DESIGNERS & MANUFACTURERS OF TRAFFIC DATA COLLECTION, MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT SYSTEMS

HI-TRAC BLUE

TRAFFIC IMPACT ANALYSIS SYSTEM The HI-TRAC BLUE Traffic Impact Analysis System uses Bluetooth signals to derive Traffic Journey Time information as well as Traffic Movements (Origin and Destination).

Bluetooth is an open wireless technology standard using the 2.4– 2.485 GHz unlicensed spectrum for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices.

The HI-TRAC BLUE reads the MAC address of Bluetooth devices that are passing the system. Bluetooth devices include mobile phones, PDA’s, hand-free kits, GPS onboard units, laptops, etc.

The HI-TRAC BLUE provides “Invisible detection” for the owner of the detected Bluetooth device. The detection process is unnoticeable for the owner.

The device information collected by the HI-TRAC BLUE cannot be associated with the device’s owner, whose privacy and user information is guaranteed.

The received Bluetooth MAC Addresses are truncated and then fully encrypted before transmission.

It is expected that by 2013 two out of every three new cars will offer Bluetooth connectivity.

APPLICATIONS Journey travel times for short and long distance

Origin and destination traffic matrix

Measurements of the time taken to pass-through toll plaza

Statistical information

Traffic management applications

WWW.TDCSYSTEMS.CO.UK - TRAFFIC DATA COLLECTION, MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT SYSTEMS

FLEET MANAGEMENT

www.transportbusiness.net to meet different requirements. There are many opportunities to examine the options – as well as tax and fleet consultants, many leasing companies now offer analysis and comparisons to help the overall optimisation process.

One of the problems of these comparisons has been the assumptions made about the tax-free mileage allowances – the AMAP scheme – which is often taken as a benchmark level for costing. The HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) system allows payments of up to 40 pence per business mile (up to 10,000 business miles in the tax year, with any mileage over 10,000 in the year payable at 25 pence per business mile) to be tax and NI free for employer and employee. Many schemes have been set up on the assumption that these will continue at their current rates for some time to come.

This cannot be guaranteed at all, however. On the one hand these rates are unchanged since 2002, and so many elements have altered significantly that change might seem long overdue.

On the other hand there is a simplicity and they do tend to reward use of smaller/cleaner cars, while not fully meeting the costs of large, higherperformance models. Business mileage patterns have been changing and there are rumours of HMRC re-evaluating this particular tax-free scheme.

FUEL COST For all methods, the cost of fuel – petrol and diesel – is a cause for concern.

Forecourt prices have increased by well over 15 per cent in the last year alone. With the current instability in a range of North African countries there is a real fear that open-market prices of crude oil will spiral upwards.

Of course the costs of petrol and diesel have been on a relatively consistent upwards trend in recent years and most fleets have recognised the need to look at saving money. But in reality, many have stopped after that first look. Where a business has never had a fuel management policy, it can be a daunting prospect to try to tighten up on expenses claims and look more closely on the amounts being spent – and what mileages are being delivered.

Although the real life fuel consumption is unlikely to match the test results, most models have seen a big increase in fuel economy (as a function of lower CO2). However, it is very clear that this is just not being matched by the actual outcome – drivers may be trying to exploit all the additional performance or failing to change their driving habits to use the higher gears whenever possible.

In some of the latest models, many drivers are known to be switching off the stop-start function – which is a major part of the improvements package.

Yet cutting the fuel bill through good

management is a basic in improving the overall cost profile of business mobility.

There is little point in investing in new technologies if the results do not, in fact, justify the investment. There are many ways to improvement but they have one thing in common – the direction and leadership from the top to improve the recording, monitoring and reporting of business fuel.

MONITORING USE Advances in on-board telematics have provided options to help this situation.

It is now common and cost-effective to install monitoring equipment that will capture both distances travelled and fuel used – the basics of fuel management.

And of course the conventional fuel card still has a highly valuable role to play in tracking volumes, costs and mileages – provided drivers understand that they do have to complete the reports.

Where a recognisable fleet option

continued to make penetration into the fleet market, but again needs to be selected where its characteristics suit the operation environment (generally urban/stop-start conditions).

2011 will see the arrival on many new all-electric models, rangeextended models where the internal combustion engine becomes little more than an on-board generator, and diesel hybrids. These new and developed technologies offer big opportunities – but in their right place.

They are not first choice for extensive motorway driving, for example.

WINTER WEATHER As well as the poor economic outlook, the weather has not been kind to business travellers. Snow in January and December 2010 caused a great deal of disruption to travel plans, and destroyed effective productivity for these periods.

One of the big questions to engage

End-user businesses now seek full solutions to the issues of moving employees and goods around, rather than on whether to have petrol or diesel cars The fleet supply chain has sophisticated beyond belief with most products and services based wholly or partly on tax issues: in every sense the government’s focus on CO2 from transport has produced quite spectacular results is in place, one aspect in particular has emerged – the concern over total operating costs, rather than the simple list or invoice price. The difference between a low-CO2 model and a comparable choice with poorer emissions profile is now highly visible, through differential Vehicle Excise Duty, different levels of driver tax and employer’s NI – and of course the fuel bills.

2011 is therefore a year to review the whole picture, and consider how to reduce costs, CO2 and administration.

This is never an easy or quick option to undertake carefully, as all the factors of all the valid options need to be assessed as part of the exercise.

Failing to make sure that every cost type is included can only give a wrong result – not just for the start, but for the fleet lives of all the cars under the sub-optimal arrangements.

ALTERNATIVE FUELS The market has continued to focus on petrol and diesel as the main fuels. The big alternative fuels of a few years ago (LPG, CNG, highconcentration bio-fuels) have tended to become niche products with true benefits to fleets limited to specific circumstances. Hybrid power has

the fleet market was the value – or otherwise – of snow tyres, more correctly termed cold-weather tyres.

Their objective is to provide increased grip on light snow and ice, allowing progress to be maintained when other vehicles are struggling. When the road is blocked by abandoned vehicles, of course, they offer no benefits at all.

Some of the suggested solutions include cars and vans being provided with a duplicate set of wheels with the cold weather tyres so that they can be changed on a seasonal basis.

That can be expensive and difficult (where do you store the set that’s not in use). Another solution is to use “snow socks” – a sort of lightweight version of snow-chains. These are of course much cheaper and require no storage.

Why consider a policy on these now? Stocks are not huge and by the time the next major snow-storm or cold weather spell comes along, everyone will be after them.

In this area, as in every facet of good business mobility management, planning ahead really is the key to success.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.acfo.org

TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

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BobTail® ‘The Next Step in LockBolt Evolution’

A permanent, mechanically locked fastener Unlike conventional nuts and bolts, they will not work loose, even during extreme vibration Pintail-less design eliminates material waste, reduces installation noise & improves corrosion resistance

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FLEET MANAGEMENT

www.transportbusiness.net

The place to see and be seen The Commercial Vehicle Show returns to the NEC Birmingham as the only specialist road transport exhibition in the UK he Commercial Vehicle Show will be the UK’s biggest road transport event this year and a multimillion£ shop window for the road transport business. It opens on Tuesday 12 April at the NEC near Birmingham and closes on Thursday 14 April. The Show, with its associated Workshop exhibition, is also one of the biggest business-to-business events of its type – and entry is free.

The organisers expect some 350 exhibitors and around 15,000 visitors for the three-day event. While the transport industry still has problems, there are encouraging signs that the recession is easing and the CV Show, together with Workshop 2011, offer a chance to make the most of the recovery opportunities.

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PRODUCTS & SERVICES The Show has attracted truck makers like DAF, Hino, MAN and Mercedes-Benz as well as van makers Citroën, Fiat, Ford, Isuzu, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Tata, Smith Electric Vehicles and Volkswagen,

among a huge line-up of firms offering supporting products and services.

The range of products and services on offer is enormous. As you would expect, there are vans, trucks and trailers and a wide range of bodywork, varying from straightforward box bodies through to enormously complex specialist kit.

Van, truck, trailer makers, bodybuilders and a huge range of supporting businesses for operators and workshops will show products and services that help firms cope better with increasingly aggressive competition in the wake of the recession. Many firms have delayed investments in new hardware or software and the two shows offer a great shop window.

The vehicles are almost the tip of an iceberg. They are what everyone thinks about when you say “CV Show” but there is a truly huge variety of supporting products and services on show. These range through asset management, finance, training, legal services to workshop management systems. The CV Show’s website lists over

100 product categories, with examples spread through the Show’s two halls.

For three days the CV Show will be the focus of the industry, with exhibitors using it as the main platform to launch lots of new products and services.

NEW LAUNCHES New products at the CV Show will include EyeDrive’s collision avoidance systems, Zenloc’s award-winning locking solutions for commercial vehicles, and Allen Developments will launch a system that enables drivers to couple and uncouple artics from ground level. Bevan Group will launch its bodywork aftercare service and Imexpart will launch a new extension to its CaptiveX range of truck parts.

Another exhibitor, Carnation Designs will use its stand to launch its genisys system – a fully customisable, easyto-integrate solution for control of auxiliary electronics and related power management in virtually any vehicle.

Major tyre makers and tyre service firms will be also at the Show, with ATS Euromaster, Bridgestone, Direct Tyre Management and Michelin featuring a wide range of their tyres

TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

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Steve lorry 255 x86:Steve lorry 255 x 86

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www.transportbusiness.net for fork lift trucks through to road-going tyres for the biggest commercial vehicles, as well as tyre management solutions.

MAINTENANCE & REPAIR Workshop 2011 will run alongside the CV Show. This is the only national shop window for the UK car and commercial vehicle maintenance and repair business in 2011.

“For people engaged in the vital maintenance and repair of vehicles, including many IRTE members, there will be plenty to see in the packed Workshop section of the show in Hall 4, so if you are looking for the latest in maintenance methods, Workshop should be your first port of call,” said the SOE’s chief executive, Nick Jones.

Confirmed exhibitors for Workshop include Gemco, Jubilee, Maha, NGK Texa, Unipart GES, V-Tech and Würth. Joining them at Workshop for the first time will be Draper, Somers, SPX, Stertil and Valeo, these global firms selling successfully on world markets.

EFFICIENCY SAVINGS The CV Show is one of the biggest business-to-business event of its type. For three days it will deliver genuine face-to-face contact between operators, vehicle makers and the huge range of support services that help to keep the nation’s van, truck, trailer, bus, coach and car fleet on the road and earning money.

Those vehicles effectively deliver the UK’s economy and will play a crucial part in its recovery. “The haulage industry has always been an accurate barometer for the economy and the major van and truck makers’ decision to exhibit at this year’s Show was a positive development in difficult times,” said the Road Haulage Association’s chief executive, Geoff Dunning.

Transport operators and contractors face particular pressures as spending cuts bite, so they stand to gain from the huge range of cost-saving systems on show. These vary from sophisticated route planning and telematics software through to entire fleet management packages and of course, the latest in van, truck and bodywork technology. Using the right technology to support or run a vehicle can make a big difference to the bottom line. Fuel costs are painful now and the trend will inevitably take them higher, so the range of fuel saving systems, from driver training and monitoring through to tyre pressure and axle weight monitoring should all prove worth a look.

VISITORS The two shows attract a huge number of people from all areas of the industry. Fleet engineers, transport, fleet or logistics managers, owners, managing dierctors and other senior people from every sector of the UK road transport business will all come to the NEC. They aim to meet suppliers, find out what’s new within the industry, discuss deals and talk serious business.

The event is the biggest single sourcing opportunity for the UK road transport, logistics and distribution industries; its three-year absence has been deeply felt across all these related sectors. This year, well over 350 exhibitors offer vehicles, bodywork, maintenance and a huge range of support services.

Supporting sectors see the event as a basis for their marketing plans. For visitors, the Show puts everything in one place, under one roof and guarantees truly productive time away from the office environment. If you want a new van, truck, satellite tracking and navigation system or a new deal on maintenance or insurance, you’re more likely to find it at the CV Show than anywhere else. And Workshop is the place to find the latest and most efficient workshop equipment to help keep the wheels turning.

SAVE FUEL, SAVE CASH Going green is a recurring theme too and one that all the industries represented at the event take very seriously.

Cutting emissions, particularly for the road transport business, is all about using less fuel, so the save fuel, save cash and save the planet approach works at every level.

“Vans and trucks are by far the most efficient way to move goods in the UK. For instance, the nation’s truck fleet moves five times as much freight now as it did 50 years ago, but there are no more trucks on the road now than there were then. That is an enormous testimony to the growing efficiency of trucks and their operators and a great contribution to environmental protection,” said Paul Everitt, chief executive of the SMMT.

ONLINE INFORMATION If you go to the Show websites www.cvshow.com or www.workshopshow.co.uk you’ll find all the latest news on exhibitors and their plans and, importantly, you’ll also find the links to the visitor registration system. This will give you free entry to both events and your ticket will also get you a £2 discount on breakfast at many of the on site restaurants.

Once you’ve registered, the system will send you a confirmation, unique reference number and a bar-coded voucher that you can print and take with you to collect your ticket when you arrive.

In simple terms, the people that keep the UK logistics machine running see the CV Show and Workshop as a vital part of their calendars. Anyone who is anyone in the business will be there. You should be too.

The Show’s website carries all information about the event, its exhibitors with their stand numbers and how to get to the NEC, as well as all the latest news. The CV Show at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, will be open from 08:30 to 17:30 on Tuesday 12 to Thursday 14 April inclusive.

The Commercial Vehicle Show is owned by the CV Show LLP, comprising the Road Haulage Association, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and IRTE Services Ltd, the trading company of the SOE (Society of Operations Engineers).

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TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

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14/12/2010 16:26

Time to think again.

FUEL MANAGEMENT

www.transportbusiness.net

Liquid black gold With the ever increasing price of oil, the need to manage the purchase and use of diesel and petrol becomes increasingly critical, says the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport y February 2011 the pump price for diesel had reached £1.34 per litre and the bulk price paid by industry in the UK market had reached a staggering 107p per litre.

These bulk prices were over 65 per cent higher than those which triggered the demonstrations and blockades of the fuel crisis of 2000 when many commentators regarded UK industry as being only days away from paralysis before the actions were called off.

Fortunately there seem to be little or no appetite for such actions in 2011. The reality is that UK industry is suffering as a consequence of fuel prices which are amongst the very highest in Europe and the world.

B

FUEL DUTY The rise in duty in January 2011, brought the rate on diesel up to 58.95p per litre, and the total contribution by transport operators to the Exchequer to over £7.3 billion per year. And this to be followed by the promise of a further increase of 1p per litre from April (though at the time of writing there seems to be a hint of a possible concession in the offing from the government).

Clearly the coalition government has a major economic problem on its plate in its need to deal with the financial deficit. And there appears to be a widespread view throughout UK industry that the sooner that problem is dealt with the better, and that there will inevitably be some pain and hardship in the process of achieving that.

However, is the long held practice of charging a heavy tax on commercial vehicle operations the best approach?

After all, the use of diesel to power UK transport could be said to be an operational tax on industry. Certainly commercial vehicles must cover their costs to the maintenance and operation of the roads network. And certainly they must contribute towards the development and construction of new infrastructure. But commercial vehicle operations pay far more than that.

And operational taxes do not apply to other items of industrial production or operation – computers, lathes, electricity, telecommunications etc.

Indeed, the government appears to recognise the issue in its attitude to a lower rate of duty for off road use by vehicles and plants in the construction and agricultural industries. And some fuel duties are rebated for parts of the passenger transport industry. Might

there be the opportunity for a similar approach to commercial vehicles?

EUROPEAN MARKET Little wonder that UK transport operators are finding it tough to compete with, and are losing business to, European rivals who never buy a drop of fuel in the UK. Why would they when they can arrive with a full tank of cheaper continental diesel, carry out their work, and return to Europe to fill up again?

A tax duty which amounts to over 56 per cent of the price of industry’s

Efficient management and record keeping regarding home depot bunkering arrangements and overall fuel card control and analysis are vital in terms of utilising information and controlling consumption.

Clearly, the better the understanding and quality of pricing information and trends, the more efficient a buying operation will be. A crystal ball has not been required in recent months and years as the price of oil on the world market has remorselessly increased. But the market can be volatile – indeed during February this year a small reduction was registered in the midst of pricing turmoil.

A number of price information and advisory services are available, including a service from the Freight Transport Association, and the use of such information forms an important element in both creating operational budgets and, if appropriate, setting haulage rates. Sadly, many operators

UK transport operators are finding it tough to compete with, and are losing business to, European rivals who never buy a drop of fuel in the UK. Why would they when they can arrive with a full tank of cheaper continental diesel, carry out their work, and return to Europe to fill up again? diesel is certainly a heavy burden.

After all, absolutely everything has to be delivered, either to industry or to the consumer. For some time there have been calls for the government establishing a different means of taxing commercial vehicle operation, and decoupling it from the same system that applies to private cars. But, for the moment, such plans seem to be a long way off and the attitude of every commercial vehicle operator must be to manage their use of fuel in the very best way possible. The stuff is now so expensive that its prudent management – or perhaps its wasteful management – can make an enormous difference in the bottom line results of companies operating in an industry which has sadly always suffered from low margins.

Effective and efficient fuel management should apply to almost every aspect of the operation – procurement, vehicle maintenance, routing, scheduling and utilisation, driver behaviour, and security.

PURCHASING POLICY Fuel purchasing policy will clearly differ from company to company dependent on the size of the fleet, the total consumption, the territories and distances involved, and the restocking requirements.

throughout the transport and logistics sector do not always have a firm understanding of their operational costs.

With fuel usually constituting over a third of the costs of running a vehicle it is absolutely essential to understand and, as far as possible, control its costs.

THEFT & SECURITY Sad to say it is not unknown for drivers and other personnel to pilfer fuel either from depot bunkers or from vehicle tanks. With the spiralling cost of fuel it can be anticipated that this problem will get worse before it gets better.

In order to reduce or avoid such experiences operators should consider the use anti-siphoning units, drain locks, fuel meters, anti-theft apparatus, or even diesel dye. Failure to protect against the practice of ‘skimming’ small and undetectable quantities of fuel into personal containers, can result in substantial losses, much of which is avoidable. There are a wide range of products and suppliers offering preventative equipment.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE For road safety reasons the operation of commercial vehicles is very heavily regulated. Fortunately the safety record of lorries and vans is amongst

TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

53

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15/01/2009 09:35:50

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FUEL MANAGEMENT

www.transportbusiness.net the best of all vehicles on UK roads.

Effective vehicle maintenance is paramount and, of course, the terms of the Operators Licence demand a programme of regular inspection and assessment to ensure that vehicles are kept and driven safe and sound.

Such arrangements are not merely box ticking, however. Well maintained vehicles are clearly less likely to be involved in accidents, less likely to suffer from inservice breakdowns, and are also likely to enjoy better rates of fuel consumption.

The lesson is simple – the time and expense required to properly maintain vehicles is more than compensated by efficient operations and fuel savings.

ROUTING & SCHEDULING Smart traffic office routing and scheduling, resulting in maximum vehicle utilisation and minimum empty running, are clearly vital factors in the efficient and economic operation of any logistics enterprise.

The operational demands on a vehicle fleet frequently differ on a day to day basis dependent on customer requirements, locations, price fluctuations, seasonal trends, even weather conditions. Added to which are the complications of pre-set distribution constraints such as time windows and access restrictions.

A large range of software programmes are available designed to support the traffic office by creating route plans and delivery schedules able to maximise fleet utilisation and efficiency.

In addition to improving overall efficiency and reducing vehicle and driver costs, such schemes obviously result in substantial fuel savings.

DRIVERS It is often said that the biggest opportunity available for vehicle operators to cut fuel costs is by reducing the weight of the driver’s foot on the accelerator pedal. There is something in it. It has been estimated that fuel efficient training programmes for drivers have resulted in savings of over ten per cent of fuel costs. This reality must not be ignored.

In the past, after basic training and qualification many lorry drivers have undertaken years of work without any refresher training. This has often resulted in the development of driving habits that can lead to increased maintenance costs and higher than necessary fuel consumption.

Since September 2009 HGV drivers have been obliged to undergo 35 hours of training during a five year period – the Driver CPC. Many in the industry have suggested that eco-driving should be a compulsory element of this process,

but that is not the case at present.

However, although the content of such mandatory training programmes is discretionary, fuel efficient driving is clearly a key ingredient that will feature in the vast majority of cases. And the cost of such training is self funded by the resultant reductions in fuel bills.

Much of the advice offered above is self evident to the professional fleet manager. But, with little sign of any fundamental reduction in either the cost of diesel, or the high duty levels applied to it, then the need to review fuel management and to monitor consumption is obvious.

It is a fact of life that all operations should be analysed and reconsidered at regular intervals. There are real savings to be made by a close examination of what an operation does well, and what it does badly, and with an open mind as to how it can do better.

Whatever the size of operation a saving of ten per cent on a fuel bill will be very substantial – and well worth the time and trouble of an in-house, or even external audit. In 2011 diesel really is liquid gold!

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HE UNPRECEDENTED increase

in the price of petrol and diesel has without doubt made commercial operators very much aware of how they protect and store what has now become a much more valuable asset than could have been imagined only a few years ago. Storing diesel above ground in integrally bunded tanks has been commonplace for many years but with the emotive subject of petrol, safety has been the criterion.

Ledbury Welding & Engineering, an established manufacturer of above ground integrally bunded tanks for diesel, has developed the designs to store bio-diesel and endorses the cleaner emissions initiative AdBlue® Diesel tanks available up to 200,000 litres, Bio-diesel up to 100,000 and AdBlue® to 30,000 not forgetting the smaller lube oil tanks.

LWE has every requirement covered.

Having recognised the rising concern with potential groundwater pollution and having committed to the license some 11 years ago, LWE began manufacturing the USA designed Supervault above ground petrol storage tank. The Supervault

is the only tank in the world to have a four hour fire certification together with a multi hazard accreditation under SwRI 95-03. Two concentric skins of steel create a 360°, 150mm interstitial space filled with a multicellular lightweight insulating concrete giving the Supervault its insulating properties coupled with the strength of concrete. The interstitial space is monitored to protect the integrity of the inner (primary) fuel tank and the outer (secondary containment). The Environmental Agency’s endorsement of above ground petrol storage remains positive, and given the 10 year safety

record in the UK (with over 100 tanks ‘out there’) added to the 30 plus years in the United States, the Supervault has surely proved itself and can boast to be the safest above ground petrol storage tank in the world.

Ledbury Welding & Engineering has developed the Supervault concept further, and is now able to offer a modular filling station – LMFS – for temporary or permanent installations.

This is a logical progression and underlines the Environmental Agency’s initiative of encouraging above ground fuel tanks. The LMFS offers multiple dispensing pumps, multiple products, an unequalled storage capacity and a choice of canopy design. Outdoor payments terminals, camera behavioral monitoring with emergency response completes the unmanned 24/7 operation.

This concept also lends itself to the more remote locations of the UK obviously requiring much smaller tank capacities and just a single dispensing pump.

Whatever the requirement, the LMFS is fully adaptable to its customer’s needs.

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TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

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Hi-Speed Services Ltd are celebrating 25 years this year in offering first class services to all our customers old and new. With a full range of vehicles including Motor cycles, Small vans, Mid size vans, Luton Box, 7.5 ton lorries, 18 ton lorries and Articulated lorries, we cover every vehicle requirement to anywhere in the UK, Europe and Worldwide. Also specialising in security deliveries, using the most enviromental vehicles, I.S.O.accredited, nothing is to much trouble, aswell as offering a next day pallet service for less urgent deliveries saving our customers costs.

Our company has been built around customer service and we will adapt to any situation to make sure you the customer are 100% completely satisfied. The vehicles we operate are chosen for their least CO 2 emissions and we are fully committed to helping the environment as much as possible. With offices based in the South and Midlands, we can react to urgent requests very quickly.

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TRANSPORT POLICY

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Who prepares the white papers?

With the European Commission in the process of finalising its new transport white paper, Kallistratos Dionelis, ASECAP secretary general, looks at policy making and transport agenda he challenge for policy makers is to develop great foresight into the whereabouts of today and of tomorrow. Seeing the future correctly is hard enough, finding the right form and timing of strategic moves is much harder.

The challenges could hardly be tougher in the EU land transport agenda with member states reverting to increasingly nationalist priorities and the recent financial crisis threatening to bring down the pan European transport scenario.

Unless decisive measures can be agreed future pan European transport policy is at risk. The challenges Europe is facing are numerous and call for even stronger and broader cooperation than ever before. So, the long-awaited white paper on the future of EU transport policy comes at a critical time for the European project and we all look forward to real action, to stop using unmeasured words and find a decisive steady hand.

T

VISIONS FOR THE FUTURE It is logical that policy papers contain theoretical visions. In these papers we read: “Mobility and, therefore, the transport policy, affect directly and indirectly the employment having

a significant impact in the EU GDP growth... Transport growth and socio economic growth are correlated....

Humanized mobility and efficient accessibility are the basic transport targets…” Behind big words, the forecasted socioeconomic environment and the targeted European reality demand for immediate and long term changes on the basic economic principles and political strategies. Visions should be quantified and accompanied by a framework of actions guiding the EU machinery to decide not only where to go but what to do in order to go where we want to go. Seeing the future correctly is hard enough; finding the right form and timing of strategic moves is much harder and for this reason EU institutions must define first “where we are” and solve the difficulties of such an assessment, due to the lack of meaningful transport data.

TRANSPORT WHITE PAPER The new transport white paper, the third in nine years, will surprise no-one. We will scrutinise how transport, energy, environment, climate change, CO2 emissions, ageing societies, urbanisation,

unemployment, financial crisis, and austerity measures are mixed in the chapters. It will address the maritime and aviation sectors under global macroeconomic dimension and the land transport under the microeconomic climax. By their nature, European aviation and maritime sectors are both global players, and the European Commission (EC) – clever enough to respect the forces of world sea and air competition – avoids intervening artificially into the game within the small EU yard.

Such a game is too big for Europe and the EC is wise enough to know it.

On the other hand, in the land transport sphere, things appear less dangerous inside the smaller European region, so the EC examines them under European regional microlenses. A sustainable greener transport policy is pursued, and a “co-modality philosophy” will be the basis for an efficient, clean and safe policy using smart pricing as the basic instrument.

Many years ago, the EC’s experts coined the word “modality”. Later they moved to “multi-modality”; recently we talk about “co-modality”.

No-one really knows what exactly co-modality means; whether it is a market obligation or an artificial dogmatic framework masqueraded as policy. I personally translate comodality as the final stage where all the transport modes will act freely in a well regulated and socially friendly market framework. I am not sure the EC experts understand the term in the same way.

The key titles that constitute the foundations of the future orientations in land transport are not a secret. The links of the value chain are simple: designing, financing, building and

TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

57

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TRANSPORT POLICY

www.transportbusiness.net operating a trans European transport network through efficient PPP market schemes. Providing, monitoring and enforcing safety and security to the users; adopting a fair charging for the efficient use of infrastructure including both direct cost and transport externalities; and supporting ITS research actions towards the deployment of the necessary technology.

All these key factors are pieces in a puzzle leading to the provision of a high quality transport service at an affordable price. But piecing it together is a hard issue and, in front of this puzzle, EU institutions act wrongly, being distracted by pointless unmeasured, fragmented transport considerations. Their various proposals present hypothetic future scenarios based on the lab extrapolation of transport trends and when deadends appear, the policy institutions call them “crisis”, they start reviewing their wrong scenarios and ask societies to keep walking, starting of course from lower socio-economic levels.

Policy makers like to hide the reality of the present in the clouds of future long term scenarios knowing very well that the future is a continent rich in resources but always inhabited.

UNANSWERED QUESTIONS In the transport reality, however, the questions of the astonished citizens/ end-users remain unanswered. The innocent, naïve citizens are our parents, our children, ourselves, and we do not want complex answers about how ageing societies, climate change, or migration and urbanisation tendencies would, could, should, might, affect long term transport needs and scenarios.

The citizens just want simple answers on simple daily questions on how the system will allow them to meet their urban and interurban transport needs moving easily without congestion, paying the proper cost. The active citizens will always follow the long term political visions but what they really want is an answer here and now.

These simple but dangerous questions have never been touched from the policy makers who keep walking in the random way towards future transforming laws, theories and values of the past by adding fancy new ideas. They experiment on societies, describing untested theories, leaning more on faith than on evidence.

But the reality is not just statistics, but companies and households, real people living in the real world.

As part of the preparation work for white papers, policy makers invite independent consultants and experts, and establish focus groups. With their help they gather supposedly independent views on the determinants of transport, dealing with aspects pertaining to the economy, society, environment, technology,

infrastructure, logistics, research, informatics. After years of intense work these consultants conclude that transport is a sector with ‘derived’ demand, dependent on a wide variety of social and economic factors and all the main transport drivers (internal and external) have a high degree of interdependence, shaping transport patterns in a chaotic environment, meaning long term trends are not easily detectable. Consumption and behaviour patterns (lifestyle, transport choice), land planning, organisation of production, availability of infrastructure, market integration and international specialisation are only some of the aspects that influence transport demand and supply. Most of these factors are interrelated with each other and, conversely, transport developments have impacted these aspects as well.

In brief, we understand that in the next 20 to 40 years, covered by the political scenarios for 2010-2050, the uncertainty will prevail in the complex transport environment so we hide ourselves behind shoulds, coulds, mights, woulds, etc, and keep our fingers crossed.

Market is absent although this is where reality is checked every day.

Policy failures are ill handled by the public systems that prefer the way out of the corrupting subsidies associated with too big to fail guarantees. Simple minded markets are itching to return capital to their stakeholders while the public does not really know exactly what happiness is, i.e. the dividend it pays to the societies (its own stakeholders, the citizens). Things are no longer the same as they have been – modern economic societies have changed dramatically and the industrial markets insist to know where the standards of evidence of the proposed scenarios are.

Simple visions and principles without concrete road maps are no longer enough and a serious governance, accompanied by a credo in positive noninterventionism, has become a priority.

INDEPENDENT ADVICE We do not need more dividers neither uniters, but transformative publicprivate structures rely heavily on small inner circles/cores of advisers. Such inner circles are never independent, however, most of the times independent proposals are the wrong proposals. Dependent on a sector’s interest it is not a sin and helps to be a decider of the present rather than a man of theories describing the future. EU Cabinets and Directorate Generals are solid and reliable although good horizontal political structures generally do not contain really high powered vertical experts.

The policy documents in a complex market reality (such as the new transport white paper) need to get us to globally rethink transport

ABOUT ASECAP ASECAP is the European Association of tolled road infrastructures operators. It gathers 20 national members managing more than 40.000km of road networks.

ASECAP’s mission is to promote tolling and the direct user-payer principle as the most efficient tool to finance the construction, safe operation and effective maintenance of motorways and other major road infrastructures.

from toe to head. Horizontal public personalities and vertical industry experts must cooperate. In creating such a revolution and building an effective policy platform both our political and industrial systems need a dose of reality. We need a socio-economic deal to reshape our transport economics otherwise tough years are ahead and as always nobody will plead guilty.

COLLABORATIVE WORKING The case is simple. In theory public and private sectors are side by side but in reality they remain miles apart. Building policy is a mosaic and yet the pieces do not fall into place. It is time for the public to bury the hatches and forget the war with the industry and market as we need a modern platform of public regulation and industrial competitiveness, and to get there the future road maps must not echo the previous ones. The same persons inside their protected walls are unable to invent new elements and use the same profile of their failed economics to get back to business turning the consequences of big failures into positives. Leading policy makers must stop acting alone in their dark rooms deciding in an a la carte type of fashion.

Conferences and big committees can never understand neither what changes are necessary nor what adjustments are possible. Long time frames and present vested interests need to be realistically bridged. We must never forget that industry practitioners will explore the policies and practices needed to manage and benefit from reality.

I repeat that the world is changing and we must change with it. The ideological barricades between public and private must disappear and reliable data must be gathered, translated, and applied by the market and respected by the players.

The usual songs of the EU institutions about “open scenarios, democratic procedures and undefined big phrases towards international integration” are still sung but fewer people are listening now the new song is called “when building the future invite the experts”.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.asecap.com

TRANSPORT BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 20

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SECURITY

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Staying one step ahead We preview IFSEC – the world’s leading global annual security event – and International Firex – the UK’s largest dedicated fire safety event – taking place 16-19 May at the NEC Birmingham isk management is a crucial element of any senior transport manager’s portfolio. As a result, keeping abreast of the latest industry and technological advances and innovations is essential. The challenge therefore is to ensure that those in charge of security and fire safety operations are always one step ahead.

Key decision makers from across the globe will congregate at International Firex 2011, one of the largest dedicated fire safety events in the world and IFSEC 2011, the world’s leading security event, co-located at the Birmingham NEC from the 16-19 May.

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FIRE SAFETY SOLUTIONS Showcasing the latest products and services from more than 150 exhibitors, International Firex provides the ideal opportunity to explore an extensive range of specialist fire safety solutions.

Presentations based on the latest product innovations, best practice, standards, approvals and compliance and current fire safety legislation will run alongside the exhibition – free of charge. Industry bodies including the Association of Specialist Fire Protection, Fire Industry Association, BSI Global, LPCB (BRE Global) are also amongst those organisations exhibiting.

The International Firex exhibition will also incorporate four unique feature areas: ASFP Passive Fire Protection Zone; Info4fire.com Learning Zone; The Fike Village; and the LPCB Red Book Pavilion.

This combined hospitality and free seminar area hosted by the Association of Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) will focus on products, services and best practice in built-in fire protection. With a strong emphasis on professional expertise and the requirements for approved installers and contractors, the Passive Protection Zone, new for 2011, will provide visitors with exclusive access to industry experts and knowledge.

The Info4fire.com Learning Zone will be run in association with the Fire Industry Association – the UK’s leading trade organisation for the fire safety sector. There will be a range of free seminars and presentations on fire risk assessment, fire alarm system design, emergency lighting, business advice, portable extinguisher maintenance and fire safety legislation. If you’re an installer of fire alarms or have concerns about fire safety requirements and legislation, this is where you will find the answers.

Fike Village, new for 2011, will provide

a relaxed and informal area for Fike Protection Systems and Fike Safety Technology customers to meet and entertain key specifiers and end users attending the show. Working with a number of key distributors, the latest Fike suppression and alarm fire safety products are essential aspects of the Fike Village where the emphasis will be on innovation and technical expertise.

Successfully launched in 2009, the LPCB Red Book Pavilion returns to International Firex to provide visitors with vital information on third party approval schemes and product testing currently undertaken by the BRE Global/ LPCB. The free seminar programme and exhibitor village will also provide advice and guidance on the importance of third party approval.

Held every two years and coinciding with the International Firex exhibition, the Fire Excellence Awards 2011 celebrate the best products, services and individuals in the fire safety industry. The Fire Excellence Awards take place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole during the evening of Tuesday 17 May and offer the chance to gain unrivalled industry recognition as an award winner or finalist.

Now in its 38th edition, IFSEC has been the platform for numerous technological developments and product launches since its inception; providing the first opportunity for visitors from all disciplines within the security market and from all corners of the world to engage with industry experts and network with top-tier security professionals.

The exhibition will be divided into six product area categories: Access Control, CCTV, Intruder Alarms, Integrated Security/IP & Network Security, Public Security and Security Solutions.

Following its successful introduction last year, The Intelligent Integration Zone returns to IFSEC 2011. Sponsored

by ISM, specialists in the manufacture and development of graphical security control management systems, the Intelligent Integration Zone is a must for any security professional responsible for handling the security of an organisation.

The international feel of IFSEC is compounded throughout the international pavilions where Belgium and Spain (returning for their second year at IFSEC), China, France, Italy, Korea, Taiwan and the USA will showcase a variety of the latest industry products and developments from across the globe.

Catering for the security engineers

of tomorrow, security apprentices will also be showcasing their skills by taking part in the Engineers of Tomorrow - UK Apprentice Skills Challenge, throughout the four days of IFSEC. During this challenge contestants will be required to partake in a number of exercises that test their competencies alongside their mental and physical capabilities.

Additionally, the Future of Security Competition, a brand new feature for IFSEC 2011 will aim to find the next generation security innovations. Run in association with Global Security Challenge, an organisation known for its impressive track record as a central hub for security innovators, start-ups, investors and events around the globe, competitors will compete against each other in a live judging session at IFSEC. This exciting competition is open to researchers, innovators, universities and SMEs world wide, entrants must present a technological innovation that can be used to prevent, defend against, recover from or cope with any kind of terrorist incidents or other criminal acts.

TOPICAL CONFERENCE During the IFSEC Conference experienced end-users and respected security professionals will share their insights into the industry best practice and the successful application of the latest technologies.

The sessions, aimed at security managers, directors and professionals have been designed to encourage networking and engagement in thought provoking debate. Delegates are set to learn about the advances in security technology and how these are being applied in practice.

Visitors from all disciplines with a focus on risk management can expect to engage with key decision makers and industry experts and network with toptier fire safety and security professionals at these premier industry events.

The IFSEC 2011 Security Industry Awards promise to be the key social event in the security industry calendar this year.

The Awards acknowledge the people, products and technological advancements that have played a major part in the security industry over the past year. The winners will be announced at a black-tie gala dinner in the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on Monday 16 May. FOR MORE INFORMATION For further information or to register for free entry for International Firex 2011 and IFSEC 2011 please visit www.info4fire.com/ internationalfirex or www.ifsec.co.uk

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SECURITY

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Reducing cable theft with effective security measures With cable theft incidents increasing, how can you deter perpetrators? Clive Baker, chairman of the Physical Security Equipment section of the British Security Industry Association, reports n increase in the number of cable theft incidents in recent months has been having devastating effects on the railways industry, costing the UK an estimated £770 million a year and causing major disturbance to train lines across the country.

These thefts also have a negative effect on the reputation of railway companies, with consumer confidence shrinking as a result of the disruptions that commuters have to suffer.

According to the BBC, there were more than 200 cable thefts in the UK during the first three weeks of 2011. The sudden increase in this type of criminal activity has been associated with the rise in price of copper and metal in recent months.

Cables are currently being stolen when underground and when stored in compounds, and the financial and logistical repercussions of such incidents are starting to become considerably more onerous to railway companies.

Though it is difficult to completely overcome the problem, due to the large scale of the UK’s railway networks, luckily, there are many ways in which companies can ensure their cabelling is protected against the threat of theft and damage, and although it may be expensive to adopt these throughout the transport system, minimal security measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of such incidents occurring.

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SECURING COMPOUNDS Contrary to general belief, the majority of cable theft incidents occur when the cable is stored in compounds. When in compounds, the item is easier to transport in large quantities as it is already arranged on reels. In addition, cables stored in compounds are not as dangerous to tamper with – as they are not ‘live’ and therefore do not carry high voltage – so securing these deposits is the first way to lessen the impact of cable theft.

As compounds are often located in isolated areas, security measures need to be sturdy to ensure their protection throughout the day and at night time, when staff are not on site. The most basic and yet the most effective of security measures is to invest in high security locks that will not only deter criminals from their intent, but also prove virtually indestructible. Recent developments in high security products mean new locks can look similar to

traditional ones, but are engineered so that their weakest part – the shackle – is hidden inside the rest of the mechanism.

Breaking the shackle is usually the most common way to force open a lock – and one that can be achieved by utilising fairly standard equipment – so by making this part inaccessible to criminals, the lock is successfully secured.

There are a number of security locks and padlocks available on the market, and to the inexperienced buyer the task of purchasing an effective and value for money solution can seem like a daunting one. BS EN 12320 is the British Standard for building hardware such as padlocks and padlock fittings, and specifies the performance requirements and testing methods for padlocks, by grading them on a scale of one to six, six being the highest. The standard allows buyers to identify the sturdiest equipment and make informed decisions.

MONITORING SYSTEMS CCTV systems could also be effectively utilised to monitor compound areas.

According to research carried out by

the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) in 2010, the transport industry ranked third amongst the sectors which members of the BSIA CCTV section most frequently supplied BS8418 solutions to, demonstrating the growing influence of this technology.

First introduced in 2003, BS8418 is the British Standard for remotely monitored, detector-activated CCTV systems.

When deployed, BS8418 compliant solutions consist of cameras and detectors placed strategically around a site, linked together by specialised transmission equipment to a Remote Video Response Centre (RVRC). Here, operators can visually confirm what is happening, call up on-screen plans of the site and even issue verbal warnings to intruders via on-site speakers. If necessary, the RVRC operators can also alert the police who, as the incident is confirmed visually and is associated with a Unique Reference Number (URN), should provide a rapid response.

This technology is applied to the transport system particularly when it comes to securing large and vulnerable sites out-of-hours. The

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Spotlight on Cuthbertson Laird Group Ltd This year, Cuthbertson Laird, the Test and Measurement specialists, are celebrating 30 successful years in the business.

Providing supply, hire, repair and calibration services for all types of equipment for a wide variety of customers.

The company first started out providing calibration services, and then became distributors for the sale of new products. Cuthbertson Laird are now UK distributors for the sale, repair and calibration of Test & Measurement, such as Fluke, Megger, Seaward, Flir, T&R, High Voltage Instruments, SebaKMT and Chauvin Arnoux to name just a few.

We have accreditation to ISO 9001:2008 and UKAS to ISO 17025:2005 for our Hamilton Laboratory.

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SECURITY

www.transportbusiness.net crime-stopping capability of BS8418 solutions is clearly what makes them more and more popular.

UNDERGROUND CABLING Although compounds are particularly vulnerable to criminal activity, underground cables are often also tampered with and stolen, causing immediate disruption to the transport system. Although it is possible to minimise risks, there are many issues associated with securing underground cables.

Underground cables can be easy to remove if these have not been correctly secured, however, they are very dangerous for thieves as they carry high voltage. The tougher the security measure – for example padlocked secondary plates that will cover the cables when underground or use of

individual cannot get a key duplicated at a local heel bar or locksmith without the appropriate authorisation from the owner of the master keyed system. In order to implement this it is crucial that the key profile should be protected by a manufacturer’s current patent and if the patent has not been successfully defended in a court of law then the cylinder manufacturer should have a reputation for defending their patents in the UK. Manufacturers who are not prepared to inform locksmiths of patent numbers and patent expiry dates should be viewed with suspicion.

TRACING CABLES Property marking is becoming increasingly used in all industries to protect all types of items, and its effectiveness lies in the fact that it allows companies and police to trace back

According to the BBC, there were more than 200 cable thefts in the UK during the first three weeks of 2011. The sudden increase in this type of criminal activity has been associated with the rise in price of copper and metal in recent months fences, gates and locks to secure access points to railway sites – the less likely it is for a thief to access the copper.

By the same token, however, the more secure a cable, the more difficult it will be for engineers to access it should maintenance or emergency repair works be required. Engineers and railway staff may, for example, face difficulties carrying out the work should they not be able to quickly access the keys to the padlock which the secondary plate is secured to. This issue can, however, be overcome, provided clear and effective key control strategies are in place.

KEY CONTROL Key control strategies are essential not only to ensure that engineers and authorised staff have immediate access to effected areas, but also to avoid the risk of unauthorised people getting hold of a key. An unauthorised person gaining access to an area or premises using just a key has the advantage of leaving no evidence of a forced break in. Therefore it may be a considerable amount of time, if ever, that the unauthorised access is detected.

There are two main ways of ensuring key control is achieved, firstly by strictly controlling the issue of keys, particularly sub masters and masters.

It is good practice to record the key references against the individual who has been issued the key and record when they are returned.

Secondly it is equally important that an

any lost or stolen piece of equipment to its original owner. The marking of cable is therefore increasingly being employed by railway organisations, as it provides value for money protection and allows for the cable to be secured and traceable, whether it is stored in compounds or underground.

This type of forensic property marking is used to prove the origin of stolen cables by painting or labelling them with a solution of coded particles, modelled on the principles of human DNA. The virtually indelible mixture is visible only under ultraviolet light, but when analysed, it shows a unique profile, proving beyond doubt who owns the property.

Once applied, it is not only invisible to the naked eye, but virtually impossible to remove, with even the tiniest trace sufficient for identification purposes.

The effectiveness of such initiatives is based on the sound principle that marked property is easily traceable and difficult for criminals to explain away. This level of deterrent is growing as the technology continues to prove its cost-effectiveness.

Although this is a highly effective security measure that can help overcome some of the issues related to cable theft, due to the scale of the transport network in the UK it is only possible to mark some parts of the cable.

NOT JUST A TRANSPORT ISSUE Cable theft is a growing concern not only for the transport industry.

The telecommunications sector is heavily targeted as well, due to the high value placed on the fiber optic cables employed, making them attractive to thieves. In January 2010, customers of a global media and telecommunications provider were left without broadband when thieves stole a mile of fibre cables. Criminals dug two holes in the ground in Sutton, Greater London, and, according to the Sutton Guardian, around 1,500 meters of fibre optic cable was taken, disrupting broadband, phone and television services for up to 48 hours.

The fact that this issue is not bound to only one sector proves its scope, and puts additional pressure on service providers to ensure disruption to customers is kept to a minimum.

DUTY OF CARE Despite the number of security measures available on the market to ensure cable theft is kept under control, these will prove ineffective unless their weaknesses are given careful consideration and clear strategies are in place. Key control and making sure the security equipment is well maintained and monitored will result in a decrease in the number of incidents, whilst still ensuring the smooth running of operations.

It is also important to remember that security considerations are essential not only in the fight against cable theft, but also to minimise the risk of health and safety breaches. Organisations have a duty of care towards the public, so they need to ensure that no unauthorised person is able to easily access their sites, regardless of their intentions.

Companies, in fact, may be held liable should a member of the public injure himself or herself after entering the railway area without exerting too much force. This issue further highlights the importance of having effective security measures in place.

Companies in the BSIA’s Physical Security Equipment section have specialist knowledge in their own field, but are also aware of how their unique solution needs to integrate with other security measures depending on the nature of the threat. One of the section’s main objectives is to persuade end users to place proper value on products tested and certified as conforming to market-recognised standards, and to reject non-compliant products. For this reason, when sourcing locking equipment it is always advisable to seek expert advice.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information about any of the systems described in the article, visit the BSIA’s Physical Security Equipment website www.bsia.co.uk/physical

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RAIL TECHNOLOGY

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Pioneering rail technology Pedro Fortea, director at MAFEX, the Spanish Railway Association, explains why Spain is a world renowned force when it comes to leading products and solutions panish rail companies represent a pioneering industry that has become one of the main reference points in many transport projects worldwide due to their expertise and high technological level developed.

The rail industry in Spain has experienced a significant growth in the past years as a result of the technological advances developed by companies in the sector, the quality of its products and services, and the high qualification of its professionals.

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KEY SECTOR The investment effort in R&D, the productivity of the manufacturers of wide range of rail products such as rolling stock, auxiliary equipment, consulting companies, engineering and service companies, as well as the experience gained with the participation in many national and international projects, especially in

the last decade, are all basic aspects that have turned railways into one of the key sectors in the Spanish economy, fully competitive in both the internal and the external market.

The progress of this industry has allowed the creation of a very important network of small, medium and bigsized companies, placing this industry at the forefront of the world market, and turning it into one of the biggest employment and investment generators.

The strength of the Spanish rail sector in the world is the best example of the great potential of future development and good course to advance toward the change in its growing pattern.

IN THE INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT The experience acquired by Spanish rail companies within the modernisation plan promoted by the Spanish Ministry of Public Works in the past few years has not gone unnoticed abroad.

Many countries have paid attention to the technological innovations developed by our industry, and to the high degree of specialisation of the professionals in the sector.

High speed, for instance, has positioned Spain as one of the most advanced countries in rail technology.

The most modern trains from the biggest manufacturers in the world run on its tracks. The US, Brazil, Saudi Arabia or Vietnam, among others, have shown interest in Spanish developments in this matter for their future transport plans;

The strength of the Spanish rail sector in the world is the best example of the great potential of future development and good course to advance toward the change in its growing pattern

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RAIL TECHNOLOGY

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as MAFEX play a dynamic role and help companies promote themselves.

MAFEX’s main objective is to endorse the Spanish rail sector abroad, regardless of their size or activity, so they can benefit from new business opportunities. Therefore, since its origin, the Association has carried out intense promotion work through the organisation of various activities (trade delegations, attendance at exhibitions, training activities, etc). Created in 2004, it currently has 69 partners, representing more than 85 per cent of the Spanish exports in the rail sector.

The companies of the rail sector grouped in MAFEX provide employment to more than 51,000 people, and in 2009, they sold technology outside our country for the amount of 1,181 million euro. This last figure only refers to the activity of its associated companies within the own rail sector, and not to others.

TRADE DELEGATIONS

Pedro Fortea, director at MAFEX

whereas Turkey, for example, already counts on the expertise of Spanish companies for its high speed projects.

In fact, our country has one of the most modern and biggest high speed networks stimulated by infrastructure plans with the aim of promoting rail connections throughout the Spanish territory, and with bordering countries. This firm commitment recently took a step forward with the inauguration of the Madrid-Valencia High Speed Line, supported significantly by those companies associated with MAFEX due to their multiple solutions regarding infrastructures, communications, signalling and rolling stock, among other aspects.

fields. For these numerous reasons, Spain is now an example – not only in high speed but also in metropolitan transport, especially in everything concerning technology and performance of urban networks – that is studied throughout the world.

The growth and international expansion are strong bets for the contribution to the development of rail transport throughout the world, with technological advances, new products, and pioneering services. The sector’s main objectives for the future are more presence in new projects in emerging countries, and the consolidation of such markets as Europe, America and Asia.

PROMOTIONAL ROLE

THE BEST SOLUTIONS What we have before us is a very consolidated industry, with state-ofthe-art solutions for the 21st century transport and all its fields – latestgeneration trains, sophisticated materials, environmentally-friendly components, innovative communication systems and qualified services in engineering or consulting services

The strength of one of the most consolidated sectors in our economy should represent an opportunity to boost its growth in the international market, especially nowadays that national rail projects have been affected by the economic situation and the decrease in production. In this joint effort toward a full internationalisation of the Spanish industry, such associations

Being aware of the great challenge during the coming years, MAFEX continues promoting, with the support of ICEX (Spanish Institute of Foreign Trade), the sector by means of a comprehensive schedule of activities for 2011, starting with a trade delegation to India.

In April, and in parallel with the Association’s participation in the 50th UITP Mobility and City Transport Exhibition to be held in Dubai in April 10-13, the second trade delegation scheduled to Saudi Arabia, Oman and United Arab Emirates will take place.

Before the end of this year’s first semester, the III Mafex International Convention will be held 13-16 June, with approximately 50 foreign companies and institutions visiting Spain. The Trade Delegation to Colombia and Mexico will take place 27 June to 1 July.

During the second part of the year, three other trade delegations are scheduled to take place: to Argentina and Brazil, 14-21 September; to Algeria and Libya, 25-28 October; and to Russia and Poland, 21-25 November.

Also, Mafex will attend the Negocios nos Trilhos-Business on Rails Trade Fair in Sao Paulo (Brazil), 8-11 November.

These actions aim to promote the image of Spanish companies abroad and to contribute to a better international awareness of their technological capacity, expertise and specialisation. One way to guarantee the future of our industry and its competitiveness worldwide.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: +34 94 4706504 Fax: +34 94 4220061 E-mail: mafex@mafex.es Web: www.mafex.es

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Abbott Risk Consulting (ARC) is a leading independent risk management consultancy with significant experience of all aspects of safety, management, assurance and regulation in rail and other high hazard industries, including oil and gas, nuclear and defence. We work closely with our clients to develop tailored and pragmatic solutions to help them manage the risks that they face and to enhance the operational and safety performance of their businesses.

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    

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RAIL TECHNOLOGY

www.transportbusiness.net

Top technology suppliers prepare for 10th Railtex show Firmly established in the rail industry’s calendar as the only UK showcase for technological innovation across all sectors of the supply market, Railtex returns to London’s Earls Court he tenth Railtex exhibition of railway technology and services returns to Earls Court in London, 14-16 June. By the beginning of March some 300 companies had already signalled their intention to take part in the show, which is now well established as the industry’s premier UK showcase for innovation across all sectors of the rail market.

Event organiser Mack Brooks Exhibitions aims to repeat the widely acknowledged success of the last Railtex in 2009, when exhibitors totalled 373 from 18 countries. That

T

busy event attracted 8,250 visitors from 47 nations – a number that rises to 10,730 when participating companies’ personnel are included.

ADDITIONAL SPACE Demand for stands at this year’s show has been so strong that the amount of space initially earmarked for exhibitors soon sold out. More stand space has now been made available in response to continuing requests from companies wishing to take part in the event. At the beginning of March,

At the beginning of March, compared to the same stage ahead of the last Railtex in 2009, 16 per cent more exhibitors had confirmed their participation in the show and 13 per cent more stands have been sold

compared to the same stage ahead of the last Railtex in 2009, 16 per cent more exhibitors had confirmed their participation in the show and 13 per cent more stands have been sold.

The long list of leading companies that have already booked their stands includes global rail vehicle and systems suppliers Bombardier Transportation, GE Transportation and Siemens Mobility, plus leading vehicle subsystems manufacturers Faiveley Transport, Knorr-Bremse, MTU Friedrichshafen and Voith Turbo. Railtex covers the entire rail supply market, so the infrastructure sector is as well covered as rolling stock. Among firms meeting the needs of the fixed assets of rail networks will be signalling and train control systems specialists Invensys Rail and rail supplier Tata Steel.

DIVERSE PRODUCTS Alongside this array of top names will be exhibitors that reflect the enormous diversity of products and services essential for the safe, reliable and cost-effective operation of main line and urban rail systems – ranging

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RAIL TECHNOLOGY

www.transportbusiness.net from track maintenance equipment to station shelters and from vehicle washing systems to specialist electronics and cable products. The scope of the show is further broadened by companies offering services related to the industry’s human resources needs, such as specialist recruitment, training, screening and occupational health.

There will also be the return of a feature that is always well received by visitors and exhibitors at Railtex – sections of track installed in the exhibition hall, providing an authentic display and demonstration setting for equipment such as lighter on-track plant, access equipment and specialist tools.

FOREIGN INTEREST UK-based companies will predominate at the show, which benefits from the active support of the Railway Industry Association and the Rail Alliance suppliers’ networking organisation, both of which will have stands. However, many foreign companies will also be exhibiting, among them a group of firms from France whose strong presence is coordinated by the UBIFrance export promotions agency. Other countries represented will include Germany, Norway, Poland and Switzerland. A regularly updated full list of exhibitors is available via the show website.

Network Rail will be taking a welcome high profile at Railtex 2011. As well as having a significant stand presence, the company responsible for operating and developing Britain’s rail system will host a programme of briefings in which senior managers will provide updates on current major projects. Taking place in the exhibition hall, these sessions will be open to all show participants at no cost. In addition, Network Rail chairman Rick Haythornthwaite will formally open the show on 14 June.

The Network Rail briefings form part of a much wider programme of activities intended to enhance the experience of Railtex visitors and add value to their time at the show. Another highlight will be a wide-ranging programme of seminars featuring a keynote presentation by the Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Philip Hammond, MP and an address by Sir Roy McNulty, whose Value for Money report on the country’s rail system will have been published by then. Hosted

by The Rail Engineer magazine, these seminars will be staged in the exhibition hall and will also be free to attend.

EVENT FEATURES This year’s Railtex will continue to build on its reputation for providing opportunities to make new contacts and renew existing acquaintances. These will be well served by the ever popular Networking Reception at the end of

the opening day, and for UK companies seeking export opportunities, the show will also be the venue for a Meet the Buyers event, offering one-on-one sessions with invited foreign buyers.

Exhibition manager Michael Wilton says: “Our tenth Railtex show comes at time when suppliers to the UK rail market can look forward to plenty of business opportunities. With Crossrail now well under way and a clear government commitment to high speed rail, plus the prospect of other major network enhancements such as electrification, the industry will be benefiting from a period of sustained investment.

“The very positive response to Railtex from companies in the rail sector shows

how ready they are to play their part in delivering the products and technologies needed to complete these projects. With the prospect of such a huge diversity of equipment and services on show and so many key figures present, we believe a visit to Railtex is essential for anyone connected with the rail industry.”

Entry to Railtex 2011 and most of its associated events is free for preregistered visitors. To pre-register visit www.railtex.co.uk There is a fee of £15 for on-site registration, so visitors are encouraged to save both money and queuing time by pre-registering.

The website also contains details of show opening times, plus travel and hotel information, as well as updates on all Railtex activities and events.

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RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

www.transportbusiness.net

Future energy efficient rail Applying eco-driving and appropriate traffic regulation can help with reduction of energy consumption in railways nergy usage in electrical consumption. When timetables are railway systems is being designed, the minimum running time, analysed in order to find obtained by the flat out speed profile, is technologies, developments and increased by a time margin that makes procedures for increasing energy it possible to make up time in the event efficiency. It is a global concern as it is of delays. This time is needed if the rail an environmental problem, and also system is to comply with punctuality due to the associated economical cost. requirements and, when the train is Factors such as the low friction not delayed, it can also be used to wheel-rail that allows coasting for reduce energy consumption. The way long distances, electric traction, a high the time margin is distributed during transport capacity and the possibility the trip should take into account not of adapting the number of coaches to only punctuality criterion according demand make railways an efficient to the probability distribution of mode of transport. Not only the delays along the line, but also metropolitan, commuter or energy optimisation.

For the traditional long distances The relationship between latest transport lines, but also high speed travel time and the news, events and services are efficient consumption depending features please visit taking into account on the type of driving can that reducing the travel be analysed graphically, www.transport time, the consumption showing that different business.net of auxiliary services, trips with different and the number of stops energy consumptions as well as having regular can provide the same speed limits allow reduction running time depending of energy consumption. on the driving style.

A more efficient railway system When the timetable is designed, is possible and new strategies to the running time for the trip is reduce energy consumption are being chosen, and energy savings can be studied, focusing on infrastructure, obtained using the time margin of vehicle design and traffic operation. the timetable when the train is not delayed. Then, the driving must be designed to obtain the minimum OPERATION STRATEGIES consumption associated with that Both infrastructure and vehicle running time, that is, the eco-driving. strategies are long-medium term Eco-driving consists of a sequence of decisions and involve important efficient driving commands. There are investments, but strategies focused on three types of these commands: coast, rail traffic operation can be applied speed regulation, and speed regulation in the short term or even in real time. without braking. The eco-driving is Given the current infrastructure, and then designed, and the slot assigned to the vehicles in service, rail traffic the service must be respected. That is, operation can optimise energy efficiency the driving of a train should not affect with only low levels of investments. the following train on the same line.

Traffic operation strategies can be divided into three types: TRAFFIC CONTROL planning, eco-driving design and real time traffic control.

These off-line efficient design During traffic planning, the adjustment procedures should be followed by of the service offered to passengers efficient real-time traffic control. to the actual demand is fundamental Traffic control allows real time planning to achieving desired levels of train and driving update when the train is occupancy. Of course, a compromise delayed. Thus, to adapt the driving must be found due to the fact that a to real-time changing conditions, a railway is frequently considered to be new eco-driving is put into practice a basic service offered to passengers with a different travel time. and there is a need for minimum rail Three levels can be distinguished in rail services, even if these are not justified traffic control: a single train regulation, by demand. This is particularly the calculation of a new schedule, and a case for commuter trains and metro global traffic control system. In single lines, more than high speed lines. train regulation, on-board train control In addition, the efficient design of is necessary if the schedule is to be timetables may also reduce energy complied with. However, when delays

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are significant, with nonplanned speed reductions or other incidences, the schedule has to be recalculated to adapt the driving in real time. The centralised regulation system allows global traffic optimisation, and the minimising of delays and of energy consumption.

The optimal solution is automatic traffic regulation and execution of commands, supervised by the onboard signalling system. On metro lines with global traffic control and equipped with Automatic Train Operation (ATO) systems that execute efficient commands, important energy savings and improvement in regularity can be achieved.

On high speed trains, it is necessary that the eco-driving can be modified on-line according to the changing conditions, such as temporary speed limits or delays, by means of onboard advice systems or efficient ATO systems.

METRO LINES Metro trains with ATO equipment receive the parameters needed to be executed between two stations. These parameters correspond to one of a pre-programmed set of alternative ATO speed profiles per inter-station.

The centralised regulation system selects in real time the appropriated speed profile to be sent at the beginning of each trip and executed by the train. As a result, traffic control system performance and total energy consumption strongly depend on the off-line design of the ATO speed profiles.

The ATO speed profile is selected online by the centralised regulation system according to the required running time.

When a train must be held up, from the passenger’s point of view a longer running time is preferred rather than a longer station waiting time. In addition, this control strategy involves energy savings because slower speed profiles result in less traction consumption.

However, these ATO speed profiles have usually been designed according to running time and comfort criteria, but not to energy consumption criteria.

When the centralised traffic regulation system was implemented in Madrid Underground the quality of service increased by 50 per cent. In addition, energy consumption was reduced by 18 per cent even considering that speed profiles were not optimised.

Then, the set of speed profiles had to be redesigned to minimise the energy consumption given the target running time. For that purpose the railways systems research group at the Universidad Pontificia Comillas has developed a specific design procedure.

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

www.transportbusiness.net The proposed method is based on the accurate simulation of all the possible combinations of ATO speed commands for each inter-station. The simulation model has been modularised and each module represents the different subsystems of a real train.

The ATO model represents the control logic of the driving, with the same behavior as the ATO equipment in service. At each simulation step, the position and speed of the train is inputted. Then, a percentage of traction set value is calculated depending on the state of the train: motoring, braking to target speed, braking to stop, etc.

The motor module calculates the force needed and a jerk limitation checks there are no abrupt changes in force in transitions like traction-braking or braking-traction in order to assure the comfort of passengers. Subsequently, the new acceleration, speed and position of the train must be calculated. For that purpose the resistance to train movement is needed. The track gradient resistance is calculated from a list with the initial and final points of downhill and uphill sections, their values, and the slope transition curves. Curves are treated as equivalent slopes added to the actual ones. At each simulation step, an average of the gradient where the train is situated is calculated.

the high accuracy of the simulator.

In the proposed method, the simulator is used for the design of the speed profiles. It combines all the possible commands that the ATO system provides obtaining all the possible speed profiles for each inter-station.

The solution space is plotted in a time-consumption graph with every profile characterised by its running time and consumption. Moreover the simulator indicates which profiles are not suitable to be implemented due to comfort or operational restrictions.

The procedure was applied to redesign the speed profiles on Madrid Underground lines, minimising the energy consumption.

After the new profiles were put in service, 12 per cent of additional energy savings were measured.

ENERGY TRANSFER New models were also developed to design timetables that improve the energy transfer between trains. When trains are in a braking process, the electrical brake regenerates energy that is put on catenary if another train is demanding energy at the same moment. If not, the regenerated energy is wasted on resistors.

The objective of this model is to

A more efficient railway system is possible and new strategies to reduce energy consumption are being studied, focusing on infrastructure, vehicle design and traffic operation Finally, the energy consumption is calculated according to the time increment and the current at each simulation step. A model including the variation of the efficiency depending on the ratio between the required and the maximum force is needed to obtain realistic results.

This modular architecture allows the validation of each module separately and an easy adjustment for specific features of a particular ATO equipment. To this end, the simulator input interfaces are designed to enable the definition of track layout, train characteristics, and ATO system configuration.

ON-BOARD COMMUNICATION In order to record real data of trains in Madrid Underground, the recording equipment was connected onboard to the communication bus of the traction control system during several trips. A comparison of complete simulations and measured data of running times and energy consumption was carried out in order to validate

maximise the synchronisation between speed-up processes and brake down in order to maximise the energy transfer, thus reducing the net energy consumption measured on substations.

Timetables were calculated for the off-peak hour in Madrid Underground and the correlation between the synchronised time and the reduction of net energy consumption was shown.

New possibilities are to be explored associated to the latest signalling technology of metro lines, CBTC. This continuous bidirectional communication system allows the increase in capacity on metro lines, and the continuous control of the train. Thus, the new traffic regulation system can make use of these characteristics to improve the quality of service as well as to reduce the energy consumption in operation by means of on-line intelligent management of railways traffic.

Renfe and Comillas University have been collaborating in different projects to design high speed ecodriving for the following cases: high speed train (HST) class 102 in high speed line (HSL) Madrid-Barcelona

(Madrid-Zaragoza section), HST class 120 in HSL Madrid-Barcelona (MadridPlasencia de Jalón section), HST class 103 in HSL Madrid-Barcelona, HST class 102 in HSL Madrid-Málaga, and HST class100 in HSL Madrid-Sevilla.

HIGH SPEED LINES High speed lines have specific characteristics that must be considered, thus a new simulation tool had to be developed and validated to include also the manual driving restrictions.

Preliminary night-time tests as well as tests on commercial services were carried out for model adjustment and confirmation. Once the simulator had been verified, different trips on the same section of track were simulated by executing different efficient driving command sequences that result in different running times and associated consumption. The eco-driving was designed for the selected line, train and commercial service, and finally, the designed eco-drivings were tested.

Eco-driving was guided according to the optimal design in commercial services and onboard measurements were recorded to compare them with non-guided driving measured in the same trip conditions (comparing only non-delayed trains). 19 tests with HST in commercial services and 12 specific tests were carried out and average savings measured were 21 per cent.

Thus, it has been shown that in Madrid Underground 18 per cent of savings were measured with the implementation of the regulation system and 12 per cent of savings were measured with the optimised ATO speed profiles. On Spanish high speed lines 21 per cent of savings were measured executing the designed eco-drivings.

All these figures demonstrate the impact that strategies focused on traffic operation can have on the reduction of energy consumption, particularly if the possibility of its application in the short term and with a low effort and investment cost, is taken into account.

We can conclude that energy efficiency on railways is also a matter of short term, low-investment traffic operation measures. These strategies, which optimise driving, the design of timetables and the online traffic regulation, can have an important impact on the efficiency of rail systems as demonstrated on metro lines and high speed lines.

This article was written by A. Paloma Cucala García and Antonio Fernández Cardador from the IIT, Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Spain FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.iit.upcomillas.es E-mail: info@iit.upcomillas.es

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Recent projects within the Railway Industry have been to discuss, design & manufacture speedometers for the latest trains.

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Record Electrical Ltd

Unit C1, Longford Trading Estate, Thomas Street, Stretford, Manchester, M32 0JT

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RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

www.transportbusiness.net

Knowledge and innovation In times of economic scrutiny there is a compelling case for the transfer of proven technologies and processes that can be readily applied across the rail industry, says TRL nnovation and technology are two words that have long been associated with TRL over the course of an extensive history, which began in the pre-war years of the early 1930s. Entwined with research, consultancy and product testing, TRL is perhaps perceived as confining its activities to the highways sector. This would, however, be a misconception.

TRL has been involved with the rail sector for many years but its rail work is increasing in prominence, not least because of the recognition of the strategic importance of transportation and its direct impact on the health of the economy, and the fact that the balance of investment looks set to favour rail. Recent announcements by Rt Hon Phillip Hammond MP, Secretary of State for Transport regarding Crossrail and High Speed 2, and most recently the electrification of the Great Western Main Line bear testament to this.

I

PIONEERING WORK So what can TRL offer the rail industry?

The answer is, put simply, a lot, and at a time of economic scrutiny when cost savings are being sought, there is a strong case for the transfer of proven technologies and processes that can be readily applied (or developed further) across the rail industry.

TRL’s pioneering work in asset management and performance, including infrastructure reliability and whole life costing, is one such area. Applying knowledge obtained through work for the UK’s Highways Agency monitoring the condition of the UK’s trunk road network, TRL is exploring the possibility of transferring these techniques to the rail industry.

CLIMATE CHANGE Elsewhere, TRL is applying its knowledge of climate change impacts. The rail sector has an important role to play in the development of sustainable low carbon transport networks. This has to be delivered against a background of the likely impacts from global climate change and current economic pressures.

It has become clear that climate change poses a threat to the operation of an efficient and cost effective transport network. This was highlighted in the Network Rail Interim Climate Change Adaptation Report published in January 2011. Adapting to the projected changes

in climate, therefore, has a high priority for operators in the rail sector.

TRL’s response has been to develop the concept of “affordable safeguarding”, the creation of a climate resilient rail network within financial constraints. Affordable safeguarding reflects the need for: • Effective climate resilience action constrained by limited funding • Strong links between asset vulnerability to extreme weather events and rail infrastructure management processes • The development of affordable and innovative solutions to reducing risk, ranging from utilising state of the art technology to revising design standards and management procedures This approach recognises the challenge of bridging the gap between an awareness of the need for adaptation and integrating climate resilience into operational processes.

SAFETY & STRATEGY Passenger safety, something TRL has long been associated with, is back in the spotlight with the introduction of the new GM/RT2100 Requirement Issue Four (05.03.11). Whilst rail remains the safest mode of transport, this new industry requirement aims to assist train manufacturers and operators to improve the safety of their vehicles during normal operating conditions and in the unlikely event of a collision, derailment or heavy shunt.

Using TRL’s Hybrid III RS dummy, developed to provide a more human like response in a train collision, TRL is able to undertake dynamic testing to assess the crashworthiness of rail products such as seats, tables, grab handles, etc. using its impact sled facilities at its headquarters in Crowthorne.

Moving away from applying the results of its own research, TRL has been helping the rail industry develop its own research strategy: the Second Rail Industry Research Strategy (RIRS2). This has been developed from a programme of consultation and workshops with representatives of the rail industry. This work is supported by the Department for Transport (DfT), and has the prime purpose of building upon the strengths of the First Rail Industry Research Strategy (RIRS1) and gaining industry-wide consensus on the actions required to improve the effectiveness of rail research.

The report covers three key management areas of focus: • Strategic Direction • Knowledge • Route to Market STRENGTHENING LEADERSHIP RIRS2 acknowledges that research is a critical part of the process of developing the technologies that can reduce the cost of the railway and improve the competitiveness of the industry. A key conclusion is that strengthening research leadership is essential for driving fundamental improvements in the way research is organised in the rail industry. This report has been published for consultation and feedback and covers Introduction and Background; Purpose, Assumptions and Challenges; The Case for Rail Research; Strategic Direction for Rail Research; Areas of Focus and Implementation Plan; Governance and Risk Management.

The RIRS2 report and accompanying Appendices are available in electronic format for download as two PDFs from the TRL website. It is currently out for consultation (until April 2011) and interested parties are invited to provide feedback on the strategy via the web.

MEETING FUTURE NEEDS TRL’s rail portfolio is extensive and covers a range of disciplines not mentioned above but which includes amongst other things railway infrastructure engineering and technology, including railway stations and car parks, bridges and structures, earthworks and drainage, crash investigation, accessibility, station travel plans and passenger behaviour, intelligent infrastructure, delivering efficiencies and dynamic capacity.

It is, however, not this which excites TRL’s new head of Rail Mike Grimsey, impressive though it might be; rather it is the growing appetite for transportationwide thinking to meet the present and future needs of the railway industry. It is encouraging industry professionals to learn more about others, complementary technologies and practices, which in turn is creating a willingness to embrace innovation and change. This fresh thinking has the potential to help resolve some of the significant challenges facing the railway industry. © TRL 2011 FOR MORE INFORMATION E-mail: enquiries@trl.co.uk Web: www.trl.co.uk

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We provide a HIGH-quality sub-contract dimensional inspection and calibration service to customers in the UK and overseas. Our reputation for providing a highly personal service to our customers goes back more than 30 years.

With Blue Chip customers extending across a wide range of industry including Pharmaceutical, Healthcare, Transport, Automotive and Aerospace, our track record is well established. Our services are supported by our accreditation to BS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 through United Kingdom Accreditation Service. We are one of the few companies in the UK that offer UKAS accreditation on both sub-contract dimensional inspection and dimensional calibration.

As a company that prides itself on its quality of service our Test and Laboratory accreditation to BS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 through UKAS is at the core of our business. Our temperature controlled facilities cover an area in excess of 2500ft² and include the most up to date measuring equipment and software available; this ensures we can offer solutions to our customer’s specific requirements.

C.S.Precision Inspection & Calibration Services Ltd 1 Fletchers Square, Temple Farm Industrial Estate, Southend-on-Sea, Essex. SS2 5RN Tel: Fax: Mobile: E-mail: Website:

+44 (0) 1702 617107 +44 (0) 1702 469151 +44 (0) 7970787461 ray.raven@csprecision.co.uk www.csprecision.com

Bring passenger load data into focus with a DILAX passenger counting system…

With over 600 rail vehicles already installed with our systems on the UK network, we continue to work closely with train manufacturers and operating companies alike to provide complete passenger counting systems from the doorway sensor through to the data management software.

Call us today for advice and information about all aspects of automatic passenger counting systems.

DILAX Systems UK Limited Unit 7, Spice Court, Ivory Square, LONDON SW11 3UE Tel: +44 207 223 8822

Email: nigel.fountain@dilax.com Web: www.dilax.com

Replin Fabrics are a long established producer of fabric to the global rail industry and from our mill in the Scottish borders we export to a global customer base.

Replin Fabrics offers a wide range of standard products centered around our core offerings of seating, curtain and wall fabrics.

All fabrics are manufactured to the highest railway certification standards. Our custom design and production service offers clients the greatest flexibility in fabric design.

Replin Fabrics – textile-based solutions for the rail industry For information and orders please contact: Replin Fabrics March Street Mills Peebles United Kingdom EH45 8ER

Tel +44(0)1721724311 Fax +44(0)1721721893 Email enquiries@replin-fabrics.co.uk Web www.replin-fabrics.co.uk

RAIL FREIGHT

www.transportbusiness.net

Cleaner and greener freight With the UK Government having set tough emission reduction targets, Tony Berkeley, chairman of the Rail Freight Group, looks at rail freight’s role in the future of carbon reduction he UK’s rail freight sector is attracting increasing attention from non-traditional customers such as high street retailers and supermarkets, as they challenge some of the old assumptions about how best to transport goods from ports to their distribution centres. Many of them now recognise that not only is rail far more cost effective than they previously thought, but also that it has huge potential to cut the amount of carbon emissions that are emitted as part of their supply chains.

This growing interest is leading the drive for fresh and accurate data on just how big a role rail can play and whether current carbon reduction targets need to be rethought to incorporate rail to a far greater extent.

T

LACK OF SUPPORT Rail freight has long been recognised as being a considerably more environmentally friendly form of transporting goods than road, with one train taking the goods of up to 50

trucks. Despite this obvious advantage, however, the support for the rail freight sector has in the past been sometimes underwhelming, both from business (who often love the idea of shifting goods from road to rail but are not quite confident enough to dip more than a toe in the water) and the UK Government, who with one hand openly support the sector as the way forward and with the other remove very helpful grant support. This was recently highlighted with the axing of Freight Facilities Grants in England, a decision that the Rail Freight Group is fighting to get overturned. In Scotland, campaigning by the RFG led to a reversal of the decision, albeit with a reduced budget of £2m.

CARBON REDUCTION TARGETS The UK Government has rightly committed itself to continue to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from business, with a massive goal of achieving an 80 per cent reduction in CO2 by 2050, compared with the output levels in 1990. It’s a very tough ask, particularly

for the Department for Transport (DfT), which has said that UK domestic transport makes up some 21 per cent of all CO2 emissions in the country. These are forecast to be around 14 per cent lower by 2020 compared to 2008 leaving a huge margin to make up in order to reach the goal. It is unclear, however, whether there is any relationship between this and the 1990 baseline, or of the likely forecast changes in traffic volumes and emissions between 1990, now and 2050. This is worrying, as the above 80 per cent reduction uses 1990 as a base year. The reductions in emissions from the 2008 levels used by the DfT are likely to be even greater, perhaps nearer to 90 per cent.

Emissions from diesel-powered trains only make up 1.8 per cent of total transport emissions, showing how little impact the rail freight sector has overall. The small figure belies the potential of the mode however, and the vital importance of modal shift.

FINDING A SOLUTION The DfT has not yet found a solution to the problem of how road freight can operate using 90 per cent less carbon emissions than at present. Eco-driving and more efficient engines are expected

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RAIL FREIGHT

www.transportbusiness.net

ABOUT THE RFG

to help, but nothing that will be enough for the reductions in CO2 that are estimated to be needed. If the costs of freight transport go up faster than the costs of manufacture, then there may be a reduction in the transfer of the latter to low wage areas of the world, and a reduction in the movement of semifinished products over longer distances.

Clearly, shorter distances hauled will help, as will electric short distance delivery vehicles, but it is difficult to accept that there will be much, if any, reduction in demand for longer distance freight movements. At a recent conference on freight in London, it was suggested that a battery powered HGV had been designed; the only problem was that the battery weighed 52 tonnes!

Rail freight alone can provide the lower emissions transport over medium and longer distances and this is starting to be recognised. Per tonne km, diesel-hauled rail freight produces one third of the CO2 emissions compared with road, and virtually no emissions when electrically hauled.

A recent report by independent consultants MDS Transmodal found that 57 per cent of road freight relates to journeys over 150km, and suggested that it would be necessary for about 80 per cent of the current road freight travelling over this distance to transfer to rail to achieve even a 50 per cent reduction in overall CO2 emissions from the freight sector. To achieve 90 per cent, one must effectively have the entire sector electrically powered, either by road or rail. Of course, rail freight is already forecast to increase by more than 80 per cent between 2008 and 2030.

ACHIEVING THE GOALS To achieve these greater carbon reductions, much more is required of the rail freight sector, to provide around five or six times the current volumes of rail freight, including: electrification of

the main freight routes; a significant rise in warehousing and transfer points for freight between road and rail; five or six more trains for every freight train currently operating.

This is achievable, but only with additional infrastructure in conjunction with longer trains – possibly coupled two together for trunk hauls, better signalling to increase capacity and, of course, the above additional terminals.

Government policies would also have to change with a combination of fuel duties and carbon charges (through the trading scheme or by other means) or an increase in the price of oil would have to move the price of fuel up to the point when rail was competitive for a much wider range of flows than at present. The rail network would need a step change in capacity, by a combination of better signalling, longer loops or additional tracks, some new lines for passenger and possibly freight flows, to cope with the additional demand for freight trains and, no doubt, more passengers as well.

Planning policies would have to change also, to encourage easier development of the wide variety and number of freight interchanges, terminals etc, as well as encouraging the use of passenger stations for town and city deliveries.

PASSENGER AND FREIGHT TRAINS Finally, the mix of trains on the main network would become more evenly balanced between passenger and freight trains. On the West Coast Main Line, for example, there might be eight freight trains per hour between Crewe and Nuneaton, compared with seven Virgin West Coast trains. Some routes could be designated primary freight routes, some, including high speed lines, primary passenger routes.

This will all need an efficient and independent infrastructure manager capable and able to operate more effectively than at present, but with

The Rail Freight Group (RFG) has over 150 member companies, ranging from Maersk, the world’s largest container shipping line, to high street retailer Marks & Spencer. Our members include customers, logistics providers, suppliers, terminal operators, ports and freight train operating companies.

RFG’s aim is to promote cost effective rail solutions for freight. RFG works hard in the interests of its members; to represent their views and provide a wide range of advice and information.

The Rail Freight Group seeks to achieve its objectives by organising meetings and visits, by responding to consultation papers and by lobbying government, European institutions, the Office of Rail Regulation and Network Rail. One of its major successes was the inclusion in the 1993 Railways Act of a duty on the government and Rail Regulator (now Office of Rail Regulation) to promote rail freight.

RFG also looks to involve the media in positive comment and news where possible, and publishes a newsletter, circulated to nearly 2,000 opinion formers, generally every two months. a national timetable that provides for 24/7 running for freight, using diversion routes as necessary, improved signalling and train control, all of which will need money. It will not work if passenger operators control the timetable or the maintenance of the track; in fact, it would be more equitable for a freight operator to do this, except that they are in real competition with each other and having one in charge of the infrastructure would be totally unacceptable – as well as being illegal under the EU First Railway Package.

The carbon saved would be between 9 and 18 per cent of the DfT’s emissions in the only sector where it really has no solution to the challenge of reducing overall emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.

A dramatic increase in rail freight, as well as in sea freight for coastal flows, is required if the government has any hope of meeting its target of reducing CO2 emissions in transport by 80 per cent by 2050. This will require some significant policy shifts in planning and transport generally, as well as the provision of a structure for the rail industry to enable it to happen.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: +44 (0)20 31160007 Web: www.rfg.org.uk

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TRANSPORT BUSINESS PRODUCT FINDER 3D VISUAL INTERACTIVE SIMULATIONS

AUTOMOTIVE CLEANING SOLUTIONS

www.transportbusiness.net BUSINESS CAR LEASING

GKL Leasing FORUM8 Address: 344-354 Gray’s Inn Road London WC1X 8BP Tel: 020 71642028 Fax: 020 71642001 E-mail: office@forum8.com Web: www.forum8.com FORUM 8 – Japanese 3D Visual Interactive Simulation specialists. UC-win/road builds and manipulates 3D space. Roads, bridges, tunnels produced automatically. Import and edit CAD data, build and texture models, view design alternatives, visualise and edit intelligent traffic and pedestrian flow. On-board driving simulation. Plug-ins link to 3rd party software such as CarSim, Legion, Paramics, Vissim Civil3D, InRoads etc.

ADBLUE SOLUTIONS

Istobal Commercial Services Address: Mitton Mill Industrial Estate Mill Road, Stourport On Severn, Worcestershire DY13 9BL Tel: 01299 826967 Fax: 01299 828442 E-mail: tbyrne@istobal.co.uk Web: www.istobal.co.uk Largest vehicle wash manufacture in Europe, can wash all types of vehicles up to 5.0m high and 2.7m wide, full range of rollovers, drive thrus, water recycling systems, rainwater harvesting. Nationwide back up service. Full turnkey packages available plus finance options.

Free no obligation site surveys on request.

BARRIERS & HANDRAILS

Tel: 01246 572181 Fax: 01246 297441 E-mail: sales@gkluk.com Web: www.gkluk.com GKL Leasing is the vehicle leasing specialist that offer the choice and value you would expect, with a high level of personal service you might not. We guarantee that there will be no sting in the tail at the end of the contract, that’s unexpected. We cover all aspects of contract hire and flexi-hire, both long term and short term for business users, ensuring that our customers have access to a vehicle. At GKL we offer 50 years of experience in vehicle and fleet solutions. Our forward thinking and innovative approach to the fleet market ensures that however large or small, simple or complex, traditional or specialised, we can deliver the best solution.

CABLE PROTECTION SOLUTIONS

PMA UK Limited

Air1

Cenpart Ltd

Address: Air1 Customer Services, Brenntag, Foden Business Centre, Moss Lane, Sandbach, Cheshire CW11 3AE Tel: 01270 758333 Fax: 01270 758234 E-mail: team@air1.co.uk Web: www.air1.info

Address: Twydale Works, Dudley Road West, Tividale, Oldbury, West Midlands B69 2PF Tel: 0121 5209400 Fax: 0121 5209211 E-mail: office@cenpart.co.uk Web: www.cenpart.co.uk

Address: Unit 4 Imperial Court, Magellan Close, Walworth Industrial Estate, Andover, Hampshire SP10 5NT Tel: 01264 333527 Fax: 01264 333643 E-mail: sales@pma-uk.com Web: www.pma-uk.com

Cenpart is a leading supplier and installer of Armco and other barrier and handrail systems for the separation and protection of pedestrians and property from vehicles in all non-highway situations.

Our large stocks enable a fast turnaround of barriers suitable for car parks, factories, warehouses, service and goods yards.

PMA has been supplying top quality cable protection since 1975. Responding to increased demands of the rail industry and being at the forefront of R&D, PMA has created new conduits manufactured from a specially modified Polyolefin (PLU) which have been tested to BS6853 and achieved a Category 1a classification.

Air1 is a UK supplier of AdBlue solutions that reduce Nitrogen Oxides in the exhaust gas system of your heavy duty vehicle. Air1 offers not only the AdBlue product in itself but also a full range of related AdBlue storage and handling equipment to meet all fleet operators individual requirements.

ADVICE & CONSULTANCY

BED LINERS

CHAPTER 8

LINE-X Protective Coatings Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety Address: Clutha House, 10 Storey’s Gate, London SW1P 3AY Tel: 020 72227732 Fax: 020 72227106 Registered charity providing advice on research and good practice to Parliamentarians and government officials. We bring together experts in the public, professional, private and academic sectors to promote road, rail and air safety.

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Address: LINE-X House, Brannam Crescent, Roundswell Business Park, Barnstaple, Devon EX31 3TD Tel: 01271 344000 E-mail:info@line-x.co.uk Web: www.line-x.co.uk Choose LINE-X to protect your truck bed for unmatched durability under the most extreme use.

This high-quality, spray-on application contours to the shape of the substrate to seal and protects it from weather, scratches, dents and most chemicals, while adding an attractive finish that protects and enhances the value of the vehicle.

Signs ‘R’ Us Address: Unit 21, Briar Close Business Park, Evesham, Worcs, WR11 4JT Tel: 01386 421777 Fax: 01386 422617 E-mail: sales@signsrus.co.uk Web: www.chapter8highways.co.uk www.signsrus.co.uk Vehicle Livery specialists including full vehicle wraps and Chapter 8 specifications. Vehicle conspicuity and reflective markings on all vehicles.

TRANSPORT BUSINESS PRODUCT FINDER

www.transportbusiness.net CONSULTANCY SERVICES

Munro Consulting

DIAGNOSTICS

TEXA UK

Address: 44c High Street, Chippenham, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 5PR Tel: 0844 318 0138 E-mail: enquiries@highways-consultant.co.uk Web: www.highways-consultant.co.uk

Address: 32-34 Churchill Way, Lomeshaye Ind Est, Nelson BB9 6RT Tel: 01282 606787 Fax: 01282 604240 E-mail: info@texa.co.uk Web: www.texa.co.uk

Munro Consulting provides value management and technical advisory services to the highways sector.

We advise on procurement and contracts, and provide dispute resolution services. In addition we act as an independent member of tender panels and undertake contract auditing. We also provide expert witness services.

TEXA is a leading supplier of vehicle diagnostic and air-conditioning service equipment for truck, car, bike, agricultural and marine sectors. The full range of handheld, PC diagnostic tools and A/C Service stations as well as demonstrations can be found on their website www.texa.co.uk or call 01282 606787 for further details.

CONSULTANCY SERVICES

DIGITAL SPEED CAMERAS

Tuvelo Graham Robison Transport Address: Containerbase, Gartsherrie Road, Coatbridge ML5 2DS Tel: 01236 422517 Fax: 01236 429058 E-mail: info@grahamrobisontransport.com Web: www.grahamrobisontransport.com Graham Robison Transport is a transport consultancy firm, specialising in vehicle safety issues and compliance audits. With over 20 years experience, we work with you to provide a tailored solution to your requirements. Our other services include Driver CPC training, tachograph analysis and public inquiry support.

CONSULTANCY SERVICES

PTRC Education and Research Services Address: 1 Vernon Mews, Vernon Street, London W14 0RL Tel: 020 73481970 Fax: 020 73481989 E-mail: info@ptrc-training.co.uk Web: www.ptrc-training.co.uk PTRC specialises in enhancing professional development and supporting best practice across the transport industry. We run conferences, training courses and seminars on a wide variety of transport and related topics, as well as offering marketing support and event management services, and encouraging the sharing of best practice across the industry.

DRIVER CPC

Address: 14 Brentford Business Centre, Commerce Rd, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 8LG Tel: 020 88474400 E-mail: info@truvelouk.com Web: www.truvelouk.com Tuvelo’s range of laser-based speed enforcement technology includes the LASERwitness for roadside operation on a tripod, or from a police motorcycle.

The system may also be mounted permanently in a vehicle. Up to seven hours video recording at 10fps can be stored on an SD card. The LASERwitness is powered by the market-leading ProLaser III speedmeter. This is also available as a hand-held device. Completing the range is the ProLite +, a compact, binocular style laser speedmeter.

DIMENSIONAL INSPECTION & CALIBRATION

CS Precision Inspection & Calibration Services Ltd Address: 1 Fletchers Square, Temple Farm Industrial Estate, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS2 5RN Tel: 01702 617107 Fax: 01702 469151 E-mail: csinsp@enterprise.net Web: www.csprecision.com We provide a high quality sub-contract dimensional inspection service to our customers in the UK and overseas. Our inspection engineers are highly skilled at measuring all types of materials and products, and we are familiar with the different requirements that pharmaceutical, transport, automotive and aerospace have in respect to dimensional reporting.

Novadata Tel: 01376 552999 E-mail: bob@novadata.co.uk Web: www.novadata.co.uk Novadata has been delivering training courses for over 20 years. These courses range from Driver CPC, Management CPC, ADR and DGSA, and the latest addition PTLLS, an essential requirement for anyone planning a career in training. Novadata is a City & Guilds, SQA, Edexcel and OCRS accredited centre.

DRIVER TRAINING

DrivingMonitor Address: The Technology Centre, Rossmore Business Park, Cheshire CH65 3EN Tel: 0845 5004505 Fax: 0845 4564567 E-mail: info@driving-monitor.com Web: www.drivingmonitor.com DrivingMonitor is a web-based fleet risk management tool that uses web technologies to assess driver’s competency levels, and help companies meet their duty of care obligations.

It provides a valuable insight into the risk levels of drivers, and helps to minimise accidents and reduce insurance premiums. Visit our website for your free online assessment.

ENCLOSURES & CABINETS

ICEE Managed Services Address: Unit 20, Arnside Road, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO7 7UP Tel: +44 (0)2392 230604 Fax: +44 (0)2392 230605 E-mail: sales@icee.co.uk Web: www.icee.co.uk ICEE manufactures metal enclosures for the highways, rail and utilities industries. Current highways products include: • 600 Cabinets • The CEC Range • T Cabinets • MCX 0164, 0165 and 0170 ICEE is happy to design and manufacture a bespoke cabinet to your specification for any application.

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TRANSPORT BUSINESS PRODUCT FINDER ENGINEERING

FLEET MANAGEMENT

Truckcom Systems Stockton Tel: 07811 333588 E-mail: info@stocktonlondon.com Web: www.stocktonlondon.com At Stockton we offer: First-class engineering safety and reliability work for railway projects; Cost effective project support that controls cost and minimises risk to delivery schedules; Highly qualified consultants with broad experience in the UK railway industry; Expertise in risk and RAMS assessment, technical review, process review and technical authoring.

EU PROJECTS AND ITS CONSULTANCY

EPN Consulting Address: Portland House – Stag Place, London SW1E 5RS, UK Tel: +44 (0)20 78698015 Fax: +44 (0)20 78698001 E-mail: inforequest@EPNconsulting.eu Web: www.EPNconsulting.eu EPN Consulting is a threefold professional service: Consultancy, Innovative Network of Professionals and Business Hub. Main consultancy areas regard European projects assistance in any phase from the preparation to the full management; ITS and sustainable transport solutions targeted around the client’s needs; innovation on ideas, methodologies and procedures.

FLEET MANAGEMENT

Address: Gallop House, Haslers Lane, Great Dunmow, Essex CM6 1XS Tel: 0800 6444821 Fax: 01371 879420 E-mail: sales@truckcom.co.uk Web: www.truckcom.co.uk Truckcom is a powerful fleet management system based on smartphones. It can help you to improve your customer service, reduce your costs, and keep your operation legal. Truckcom lets you track your fleet but it does far more than that, including electronic POD, electronic vehicle check reports, and one touch satellite navigation.

FREIGHT

Returnloads.Net Address: Clipper House, Unit 25 Clipper Park, Thurrock Park Way, Tilbury, Essex RM18 7HG Tel: 0845 2308220 Fax: 01375 856911 E-mail: theadminteam@returnloads.net Web: www.returnloads.net The number one freight haulage exchange brings the speed, efficiency and cost savings of the internet to hauliers and couriers across the UK and Europe. It is estimated that the UK haulage industry could save over 40 million miles of empty running by using Returnloads.net to avoid returning home empty.

FUEL & LUBRICANTS

www.transportbusiness.net FUELCARDS

The Fuelcard Company UK Ltd Address: St James Business Park, Grimbald Crag Court, Knaresborough HG5 8QB Tel: 0845 4561400 Fax: 0845 4561700 E-mail: info@fuelcards.co.uk Web: www.thefuelcardcompany.co.uk The Fuelcard Company is one of the largest commercial fuel card resellers in the UK and we enjoy partnerships with most commercial fuelling networks, these networks include Shell, Esso, Texaco and Keyfuels. The Fuelcard Company currently serves over 30,000 business fleets UK-wide.

FUEL STORAGE TANK MANUFACTURERS

Ledbury Welding & Engineering Address: New Mills Industrial Estate, Leadon Way, Ledbury HR8 2SR Tel: 01531 632222 Fax: 01531 634718 E-mail: sales@lweltd.co.uk Web: www.lweltd.co.uk Ledbury Welding & Engineering manufactures integrally bunded, totally enclosed tanks for above ground storage of diesel fuels. Up to 200,000 litres capacity single/multi compartment, lube oils, BioDiesel and AdBlue®. Pumps and fuel monitoring, site surveys, decommissioning and installation.

Supervault MH® 4hr fire accredited tank for petrol and highly inflammable products.

HIGHWAY VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

GreenRoad Address: The Podium, 1 Eversholt Street, London. NW1 2DN Tel: 020 78860831 Fax: 020 75540702 E-mail: info@greenroad.com Web: www.greenroad.com GreenRoad 360™ provides drivers and fleet managers with real-time feedback to enhance decision-making behind the wheel, backed up by comprehensive online reporting and analysis on their manoeuvres and patterns. We engage drivers on an ongoing basis to deliver lasting improvements to driver and fleet performance.

Through safer driving, GreenRoad’s service looks after your drivers, whilst improving performance across fuel consumption, operational efficiency, vehicle wear-and-tear and insurance costs.

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Linton Fuel Oils Address: Osiers Rd, Wandsworth, London SW18 1NR Tel: 0845 6006583 Fax: 020 88771043 E-mail: sales@lintonfueloils.com Web: www.lintonfueloils.com At Linton Fuel Oils Limited we have been distributing fuel oils in London and the home counties for nearly 40 years. We are also the Channel Partner for Castrol lubricants in the South and East of England, supplying a full range of products for truck, bus, off-highway and agricultural operators. At Linton our customers are always given good products with exceptional service.

IBI Group Address: Morton House, 12 Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG24 1JY Tel: 01636 675980 Fax: 01636 703981 E-mail: dawn.crossland@ibigroup.com Web: www.routemapper.net RouteMapper is IBI group’s flagship highway video surveying system. Our market leading design utilises the latest state of the art cameras and positioning technology. This enables our clients to accurately position, measure and digitise highway related features in an efficient and user friendly environment.

TRANSPORT BUSINESS PRODUCT FINDER

www.transportbusiness.net HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE

INSTANT FORKLIFT HIRE

LIGHTING CONSULTANTS

Tensar International Limited Address: Cunningham Court, Shadsworth Business Park, Blackburn, Lancashire BB1 2QX Tel: +44 (0)1254 262431 Fax: +44 (0)1254 266867 E-mail: sales@tensar.co.uk Web: www.tensar-international.com Challenged with getting better value from tight budgets and reducing road maintenance costs, highways engineers are turning to asphalt reinforcement technology. Tensar asphalt reinforcement has been shown to address structural problems such as fatigue and reflective cracking.

Tensar’s asphalt reinforcement systems provide excellent rutting resistance and mitigation of differential settlement.

IP NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS

Nick Smith Associates Bluewater Instant Forklift Hire Address: Atlantic House, Red Lion Square, Holburn, London WC1R 4SG Tel: 0800 8799299 E-mail: simonpackington@bluewater.im Web: www.bluewater.im Bluewater Instant Forklift Hire is a leader in the supply of forklifts at very short notice to solve peak load conditions. Bluewater holds and maintains a modern fleet with its own transportation for delivery within hours to customers looking for speedy response and high standards.

LED VEHICLE LIGHTING

Address: 36 Foxbrook Drive, Chesterfield S40 3JR Tel: 01246 229444 Fax: 01246 270465 E-mail: mail@nicksmithassociates.com Web: www.nicksmithassociates.com NSA are exterior lighting consultants operating throughout the UK. We provide lighting and electrical design work for clients mostly associated with section 38 and 278 works. We also provide lighting impact assessments for new and existing installations, looking at how the lighting impact on the surroundings.

LOGISTICS

IT4Automation Address: Project House. Unit 3, Eclipse Industrial Estate, 30 West Hill, Epsom, Surrey KT19 8JD, UK Tel: 08707 104060 Fax: 08707 104070 E-mail: sales@it4automation.com Web: www.it4automation.com Since 2006, IT4Automation provides Industrial Ethernet (IE) IP Network Products and Solutions, within not only ITS, but also into many other sectors.

Whether you need supply of wired or wireless IE products, technical advice for legacy equipment, remote system monitoring or a complete turnkey service including Application Design and Installation – we offer cost saving, state of the art solutions.

GRITTING & SALT SUPPLY SERVICES

Nationwide Gritting Services

YGT Logistics LED Autolamps Europe LLP Address: Unit 8J, Maybrook Business Park, Minworth, Sutton Coldfield B76 1AL Tel: 0121 313 2222 E-mail: sales@ledautolamps-uk.com Web: www.ledautolamps-uk.com LED Autolamps is one of the industry’s fastest growing companies, which specialises in automotive LED lighting and is committed to provide the widest range and most cost effective LED lighting solutions to the European commercial vehicle market.

LIGHTING

Address: Jonen House, High Road, Epping, Essex CM16 6LP Tel: 0870 7594410 Fax: 0870 7594420 E-mail: sales@ygtlogistics.com Web: www.orkun.com We are a logistic company based in Epping, dealing with export/import of commercial goods to/from Turkey. We run a minimum of two groupage trailers per week from Turkey and daily groupage trailers to Turkey Monday to Friday. The full-load trailers can be booked within 24 hours in both ways. We provide meticulous service to our customers.

MANUFACTURING

Abacus Lighting

Address: Head Office, Rushington Business Park, Chapel Lane, Southampton SO40 9AH Tel: 0845 6045459 Fax: 023 80337691 E-mail: sales@nationwidegrittingservices.co.uk Web: www.nationwidegrittingservices.co.uk

Address: Oddicroft Lane Sutton in Ashfield Nottinghamshire NG17 5FT Tel: 01623 511 111 E-mail: sales@abacuslighting.com Web: abacuslighting.com

NGS provides a gritting, snow ploughing, snow clearing, manual gritting, and salt supply service. We cover business and retail parks, roads, footpaths and pedestrian areas, and car parks. NGS successfully delivered over 35,000 call-outs last season; we have an uninterrupted salt supply and a wide range of equipment.

With over 50 years’ design, manufacturing and installation experience, Abacus is a leader in the exterior lighting market. Our commitment to quality and environmental standards is not only shown through our accreditations but also through our low light pollution lanterns and low impact structural products such as our unique telescopic masts.

Royal British Legion Industries Address: Hall Road Tel: 01622 795900 Fax: 01622 882195 E-mail: enquiries@rbli.co.uk Web: www.rbli.co.uk RBLI operates a number of social enterprises that produce pallets, fruit bins, kindling, and road and rail signs. We also offer fulfilment and pick and pack facilities as well as printing and mail house services.

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TRANSPORT BUSINESS PRODUCT FINDER ONLINE PLATFORMS

TimoCom Soft- und Hardware GmbH Address: In der Steele 2, 40599 Düsseldorf Tel: +49 211 88262616 Fax: +49 211 8826591616 E-mail: mfrings@timocom.com Web: www.timocom.com TimoCom Soft- und Hardware GmbH was founded in 1997 and sees itself as a service provider for the freight and cargo carrying industry. TimoCom developed from a start-up venture to a mediumsized company within a few years. With a large team of international employees, TimoCom offers the European transport industry the TC Truck&Cargo® freight exchange and since the autumn of 2009 TC eBid®, a new online platform for Europe-wide tenders.

PROMOTIONAL CALENDARS

Rose Calendars Address: Clough Road, Severalls Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 9QT Tel: 01206 844500 Fax: 01206 845872 E-mail: sales@rosecalendars.co.uk Web: www.rosecalendars.co.uk Rose Calendars has over 100 years experience in helping businesses make the most of their advertising budget as promotional calendars are a highly visible, powerful, targeted and very costeffective advertising medium. The Rose range of wall, desk, pictorial and shipping calendars contains something to suit any taste, budget and business type, including many transport related titles.

RADAR-BASED DEVICES FOR ROAD SAFETY

RADARLUX Radar Systems GmbH Address: Roettgerweg 10, D-51371 Leverkusen, Germany Tel: 0049 214 206494 - 0 Fax: 0049 214 206494 - 182 E-mail: info@radarlux.com Web: www.radarlux.com RADARLUX can provide a complete range of equipment tailored to efficiently help support any traffic enforcement policy. Our products range from classifiers and speed displays (for preventive actions) to speed guns and radar cameras (enforcement measures). We integrate up-to-date technologies for seamless traffic improvement.

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RISK MANAGEMENT

www.transportbusiness.net SAFETY & LOAD WASHERS

Roadmarque, Imagitech Address: Ethos, King’s Rd, Swansea SA1 8AS Tel: +44 (0)845 0530331 Fax: +44 (0)29 20990352 E-mail: enquiries@roadmarque.com Web: www.roadmarque.com Obtain a measurable return on your fleet safety investment. Roadmarque® is unique – it covers the drivers (incl. DVLA licence check), and vehicles (company, leased and grey-fleet) delivering real benefits to employers and employees. Roadmarque® is one of the most competitively priced, flexible, reliable and effective road risk management systems available. As an independent provider, we promise never to sell something you don’t need. Contact us now to find out more.

ROAD MARKINGS

Wilson & Scott (Highways) Address: Colndale Road, Colnbrook, Slough SL3 0HQ Tel: 01753 671600 Fax: 01753 671611 E-mail: sales@wilsonandscott.co.uk Web: www.wilsonandscott.co.uk Established in 1952, providing road markings throughout the UK from small scale car parks up to major motorway schemes. Providing a range of products suiting every situation including coloured surfacing options. Fleet of modern trucks to deliver cost effective road markings.

Free quotations and site visits available.

ROAD REPAIR SOLUTIONS

IEC Limited Address: Harwell Road, Nuffield Estate, Poole, Dorset BH17 0BD Tel: 01202 339559 Fax: 01202 680101 Web: www.iecltd.co.uk Schnorr Safety & Load Washers offer you even more flexibility. Independent tests prove effectiveness/Minimum damage to mating surfaces/ May be used with most types of bolt and screw head/Sizes to suit 2mm to 36mm bolts/Wide range of materials and finishes/SO9001:200 and QS9000 approved factory.

SAFETY WORKWEAR

Cosalt Address: Banner House, Greg Street, Reddish, Stockport, Cheshire SK5 7BT Tel: +44 (0)161 4291100 Fax: +44 (0)161 4291101 E-mail: workwear@cosalt.com Web: www.cosalt.com Supplying safety workwear and footwear to thousands of personnel within the transportation industry, Cosalt maintains its reputation as the sector’s leading light through passion, expertise and dedication to workers on the ground. Combining continual product development with constant service improvement, Cosalt keeps workers comfortable, safe and protected.

STAINLESS STEEL STREET FURNITURE

LMS Highways Address: Unit 8, Signal Buildings, Brunel Road Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 4FD Tel: 01626 331771 Fax: 0871 6616727 E-mail: enquiries@lmshighways.co.uk Web: www.lmshighways.co.uk LMS Highways Ltd is a one stop shop for road repair solutions that provides less impact to road users, the environment and your budget. Joint repair specialist contractors, with extensive knowledge and experience on all types of road surface and repair techniques.

Working nationally we specialise in repairs to fretted joints, concrete slabs and expansion joints. ISO 9001 and Highways Sector 7 Approved Contractor.

Autocross Euroshel Address: Unit S 3-4 EW Hall Hey Business Park Rawtenstall, Rossendale, Lancashire BB4 6HL Tel: 01706 216794 Fax: 01706 230758 E-mail: bill@euroshel.com Web: www.euroshel.co.uk Autocross Euroshel manufactures and fits the Euroshel range of modular stainless steel shelter system. Shelters, cycle shelters, smoking shelters, we have a 30 year proven track record in the supply of high quality shelter systems. Big enough to cope and small enough to care, give us a try!

TRANSPORT BUSINESS PRODUCT FINDER

www.transportbusiness.net TRAFFIC CALMING

TRAINING PROVIDERS

TYPE APPROVED EEC 94/20

Handistep Van Protection Furnitubes International Address: Meridian House, Royal Hill, Greenwich, London SE10 8RD Tel: +44 (0)20 83783200 Fax: +44 (0)20 83783250 E-mail: sales@furnitubes.com Web: www.furnitubes.com Furnitubes International has over 60 years of experience in the supply and manufacture of street furniture. Their traffic calming solutions help protect kerbs and buildings, restrict access, maintain traffic control, and importantly, help save lives. Products include railings, signage, bollards and the revolutionary Bell Bollard that deflects the wheels of vehicles.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Up to Speed Training & Assessment Address: 2 Tyburn Road, Erdington, Birmingham B24 8NP Tel: 0121 3268696/07595 654302 Fax: 0121 3268977 E-mail: info@utstraining.co.uk Web: www.utstraining.co.uk Established in 2009, Up to Speed Training & Assessment Ltd ia a provider in all training, assessment and consultancy requirements in the Temporary Traffic Management industry covering all National Highway Sector Schemes 12a, b, c & d and relevant NRSWA SLG units (2 & 10). Bespoke courses also available. Nationwide coverage.

TRAINING

Solar Signs UK Address: Doody’s Yard, Park Road, Haltwhistle, Northumberland NE49 9LD Tel: 01434 322359 / 07860 606549 Fax: 01434 322104 E-mail: janetdoody@solarsignsuk.com Web: www.solarsignsuk.com Solar Signs specialises in the sale and hire of solar powered Variable Message Signs. Our signs are efficient and reliable providing an easily transportable, environmentally friendly way to improve road safety. They operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week requiring virtually no maintenance.

Speed detection radar and remote operation options are available.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Address: 3a Parkside, Ringwood Hants BH24 3SG Tel: 01939 260707 Fax: 01939 260422 E-mail: sales@handistep.com Web: www.handistep.com Regulated ethical H&S solutions help sustainability and savings for UK fleet budgets. Engineered to UK/ EU OEM manufacturers’ specifications, and OEM Test/ Approvals. New tow bar step. VCA Type Approved EEC 94/20 + TUV/ELVD/EU Directives. Van fleet protection in H&S Duty of Care Bill, and Highway Agency Guidelines. OEM tested and type approved x4 Sensor & Module Buzzer (opt Cab Display).

Yellow/black anti-slip polymer treads and strong steel framework-outriggers. Reflective tape, bolt kit, warranty, and repair/parts direct manufacturer trade.

VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGNS

Variable Message Signs Acuitive Training Ltd Address: Unit 3, Carlisle House, Carlisle Street, Goole, East Yorkshire DN14 5DS Tel: 0845 2171990 E-mail: info@acuitiv.co.uk Web: www.acuitiv.co.uk Acuitive Training delivers a variety of courses on most types of road vehicles, fork lifts and overhead cranes, along with abrasive wheels training, seminars and online assessments/ training for Health & Safety, Fleet Driver Safety and Fork Lift Operator Safety Monitor. All training is accredited where appropriate.

TRANSPORT/DELIVERY/COURIER

Address: Monkton Business Park, Mill Lane, Hebburn, Tyne & Wear NE31 2JZ Tel: 0191 4237070 Fax: 0191 4237071 E-mail: traffic@vmslimited.co.uk Web: www.vmslimited.co.uk Technology is recognised as one of the tools traffic engineers and transport planners in road and rail sectors can use to improve the movement of traffic.

Whether it’s managed motorway and ATM on the strategic network, urban car park guidance and park & rides schemes, systems integration and the very latest in rail signalling, we apply technology to produce solutions.

VAN INTERIORS

LINE-X Protective Coatings

ANPR International

Hi-Speed Services Ltd

Address: 2 Europa Court, Sheffield Business Park, Sheffield S9 1XE Tel: 08706 206206 Fax: 08706 205205 E-mail: info@anpr-international.com Web: www.anpr-international.com

Address: Courier House, Aldershot Road, Ash, Aldershot GU12 6PD Tel: 0800 0199033 Fax: 01252 324166 E-mail: southern@hispeed.co.uk Web: www.hispeed.co.uk

Address: LINE-X House, Brannam Crescent, Roundswell Business Park, Barnstaple, Devon EX31 3TD Tel: 01271 344000 E-mail:info@line-x.co.uk Web: www.line-x.co.uk

ANPR International specialises in vehicle flow management, car park management, car surveys and general traffic management. The systems provided by ANPR International are based on linking Digital Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras to back office data processing, P&D and security systems.

High standard security delivery company covering the whole range of vehicles, motorcycles, small vans, transit size, 7.5t cargos and articulated lorries, delivering anywhere in the UK and Europe.

Established for over 25 years, ISO approved. Also offering a economical next day pallet service.

Depots in the South and Midlands.

Choose LINE-X to protect your cargo bay for unmatched durability under the most extreme use.

This high-quality, spray-on application contours to the shape of the substrate to seal and protects it from weather, scratches, dents and most chemicals, while adding an attractive finish that protects and enhances the value of the vehicle.

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TRANSPORT BUSINESS PRODUCT FINDER VEHICLE & CONTRACT HIRE SUPPLIER

www.transportbusiness.net

VEHICLE HIRE

WHEEL PRODUCTS

Northgate Vehicle Hire Clayton Car Contracts Address: Staffordshire House, Beverley Close, Penkridge, Staffordshire ST19 5SS Tel: 01785 716133 Fax: 01785 716166 E-mail: info@contracthire.net Web: www.contracthire.net Clayton Car Contracts is an independent supplier of vehicles and finance, specialist in all aspects of vehicle supply and finance, with fleet reviews and management if required.

We can help if you’re a business looking for a fleet of vehicles, or an individual seeking a personal car, on contract or cash.

Address: Norflex House, 20 Allington Way, Darlington DL1 4DY Tel: 0844 8262800 Fax: 01325 363471 E-mail: info@northgatevehiclehire.co.uk Web: www.northgatevehiclehire.co.uk Northgate Vehicle Hire operates in the UK and Ireland with a national network of more than 60 branches and with a modern fleet of c.60,000 vehicles available for short-term or long-term hire.

Northgate pioneered the development of Norflex providing customers with the flexibility of hiring vehicles without the constraints of a fixed period contract, or the risks of ownership. Customers can return or change vehicles without notice or penalty to meet their changing business requirements.

Alcoa Wheel Products Tel: 01327 701010 E-mail: sales@tyreline.com Alcoa aluminium wheels are forged from one block of aluminium. They are the strongest and lightest wheels available for trucks, trailers and buses.

Available finishes are: Brushed, Mirror Polished and the easy-to-clean Dura-Bright®. Alcoa wheels come with a 5-year warranty. Distributor for the UK is Tyre-Line Ltd.

ADVERTISERS INDEX A&J Electrical Services Abacus Lighting Abbott Risk Consulting Alcoa Fastening Systems Alpha Wire International ANPR International Cadaptor Solutions Catalis Cenpart Clean Diesel Concentrix Constructionline Cosalt International CS Precision Inspection & Calibration Services Cuthbertson Laird Group Dilax Systems UK Dinex Exhausts DMS Technologies Efkon Enersys Enterprise EPN Consulting Euroshel Fueltek GarrettCom Europe Gulf Traffic Handheld Europe Handistep Hi-Speed Services Huba Control IBI Group Imagitech in2rail International Road Federation IT4Automation ITS Lyon Joseph Ash Lakeside Films

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LED Autolamps Europe Ledbury Welding & Engineering Line-X Protective Coatings Linton Fuel Oils LIS Products Mix Telematics Munro Consultanting Nick Smith Associates NKL Automotive PACTS PMA UK PTRC PTV Radarlux RBLI Industries Record Electrical Replin Fabrics Returnloads.net Ringway Jacobs Rose Calendars SD Instrumentation SDUK Signs ‘R’ Us Staytite Systecon UK TDC Systems Tex Engineering Texa UK Timocom Transflo Instruments Transsol Uretek UTS Vehicle Engineering Consultancy VMS Westermo Zymax International

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