CV Driver Summer 17

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for all UK van operators

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cvdriver.com Issue 67 // Summer 2017

vans a target?

The EU is proposing O-licences

High ‘n’ Mighty!

Renault Range T High gets right-hand drive Transport jobs at risk?

WIN! WIN! WIN!

The introduction of autonomous trucks

Another super truck up for grabs in our

will change the way we work

easy-to-enter competition

Meet Super Svempa You won’t believe what this guy can do to a range of Scania trucks

Lane Keeping Assist and Attention Assist as standard + Active Brake Assist 4* + Proximity Control Assist* Safety is the sum of the details. * Active Brake Assist 4 and Proximity Control Assist are available as an option at an additional cost.

Find out more from your local Mercedes-Benz Dealer or online at mercedes-benz.com/roadefficiency

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Management Publisher: Matthew Eisenegger Modern Showers

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Also Available

Contributors Richard Simpson Secret Trucker Kevin Swallow Steve Banner

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ed ro Editorial Address: Commercial ens n f Lic datio rber a o Vehicle Media & Publishing m Ltd, eB om sit Management Acc on 4th Floor 19 Capesthorne Publisher: Drive, Eaves Green, Chorley, Matthew Eisenegger Lancashire. PR7 3QQ Telephone: Contributors 01257 231521 Richard matthew@cvdriver.com Simpson Email: Ian Norwell Lucy Radley

Advertising Secret Trucker Advertising Sales: David Johns Telephone: 01388 517906 Editorial Address: Commercial Mobile: 07590 547343 Vehicle Media & Publishing Ltd, Email: sales@cvdriver.com 4th Floor 19 Capesthorne Drive, Eaves Green, Chorley, Lancashire. PR7 3QQ Editorial Telephone: 01257 231521 Editor: Trevor Gehlcken Email: matthew@cvdriver.com Art Editor: Leo Gehlcken Advertising 01257 231521 Telephone: Advertising Sales: David Johns Email: design@cvdriver.com Telephone: 01388 517906 Mobile: 07590 547343 Printing Email: sales@cvdriver.com

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The Editors and publisher of this magazine give no warranties, Note guarantees or assurances and make no The publisher makes every effort to ensure the representations any goods or magazines contents regarding are correct. All material services advertised in this edition. published in CV Driver Magazine is copyright and Driver unauthorised reproduction if forbidden.under CV Magazine is published The Editors and publisher of this magazine give a licence from Commercial Vehicle Media no warranties, guarantees or assurances and & Publishing Ltd. Allregarding rights inany the licensed make no representations goods material toinMatthew Eisenegger or or services belong advertised this edition.

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Iffuture you reference are not going keep this magazine pleaseto pass it on or recycle it. for future reference please pass it on or recycle it.

enault Trucks has announced the introduction of a right- hand drive Range T High, available from early 2018.

The flagship right-hand drive Range T High with flat floor cab takes pride of place in the Renault Trucks line-up.

“For UK and Irish customers, while the standard Range T continues to deliver the best available total cost of ownership, we have listened and we recognise that more operators are looking for a more spacious and luxurious sleeper cab,” said Nigel Butler, commercial director, Renault Trucks UK. “Since launch in 2013, the left-hand drive Range T High has been universally acclaimed in Europe and by operators and press alike here in the UK. Our flagship flat floor right-hand drive models offer spacious, comfortable and well-appointed working and living areas that will appeal to both drivers and operators who specify vehicles that are a home-from home, and

COVER

Accomodation

ST ORY

RENAULT LAUNCHES RHD RANGE T HIGH FOR UK LONG-HAUL MARKET

Information

those who prioritise image.”

Superior levels of performance and comfort have come together in Range T High and are reflected in the specification levels available of the three core variants. ‘International’, featuring fabric seats with rotating passenger seat, flat floor, standard bunk and steel wheels, is available in 440hp and 480hp in 6x2 configuration only. ‘Driver’ comes with full leather seats with rotating

passenger seat, performance lower and ultimate upper bunk, deep fridge, compact dashboard, Alcoa alloy wheels, aluminium suzie support and additional catwalk, and is available in 440hp, 480hp and 520hp. The top of the range ‘Driver Lux’ – available in 480hp and 520hp – is to luxury specification and additionally includes backrest, lockers, luxury curtains, laminated side windows and aluminium air tanks.

Fears over ‘operator licence’ for van users Van users potentially affected

by European Union proposals to introduce greater regulation are pinning their hopes on Britain leaving Europe.

The European Commission’s paper ‘Mobility Package’ is recommending greater regulation for van users who are involved in hire or reward, as part a wider plan to harmonise and streamline freight movement.

Within the document are plans for van operators up to the 3.5-tonne limit to show their ‘financial standing’ by proving they’ve around £1,500 for one van

and £580 for each subsequent vehicle, much in the same way potential truck operators have to do to get an O’ licence. Further regulation will require evidence of a registered business address.

Steve Smith is a courier working in Bristol and runs two vans on franchise that would be affected by the changes. He expected Britain to have left the EU before anything was introduced. “Why add to the cost of a business by introducing more unnecessary red tape?” he asked.

The Mobilty Package suggests removing the opening line of

exemptions that exist for operator licensing: “vehicles which do not exceed 3.5 tonnes.”

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) bemoaned the proposal, stating that without effective enforcement van users will divide “into those who operate according to the law and those who operate according to what they know they can get away with”.

Policing vans as well as trucks will divert existing enforcement resources away from dangerous and overloaded vehicles to a ‘paper chase’, argued the FTA. ■ See secret trucker, page 14.

Summer 2017 cvdriver 3

NEWS

RHA launches legal action against truck cartel

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he Road Haulage Association is now giving UK haulage and logistics firms (whether or not they are RHA members) the chance to sign up to its legal action for compensation against truck manufacturers found guilty of illegal price fixing.

In July last year the European Commission fined MAN, Volvo Group (which includes Volvo Trucks and Renault Truck) Mercedes-Benz’s parent company Daimler, Iveco and DAF close to €3 billion (£2.6 billion) for price fixing and other cartel activities between 1997 and 2011.

The compensation claim will be brought before the Competition Appeals Tribunal. If successful, haulage and logistics companies will get money back for vehicles sold or leased to them at inflated

prices because of the cartel, if they sign up to the claim.

This is the first fully-funded group claim against the truck

If successful, haulage and logistics companies will get money back for vehicles sold or leased to them at inflated prices because of the cartel, if they sign up to the claim manufacturers on behalf of affected hauliers. All UK truck owners can join the group legal action at www. truckcartellegalaction.com.

There will be no cost for hauliers to be part of the group claim.

Early indications are that

compensation could be in the region of £6,000 per truck on average. Companies that have purchased or leased new or second-hand trucks direct from manufacturers (including Scania) or dealers from 1997 onwards are eligible to join the claim.

During the period the cartel operated the RHA believes around 650,000 new trucks were sold. Although this legal action is being spearheaded by the RHA, non-RHA members are able to join.

RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said: “UK truck owners affected by the truck cartel have potentially paid too much for their lorries over a 14-year period and we’re determined to get a fair deal for them.

This is a chance to get their compensation with no risk to

their business or finances.

“As the representative body with sole responsibility for UK road freight operators, we are dutybound to act on behalf of our members’ wishes. They have made it clear that they feel angry about the truck pricing cartel and want us to represent them.

Our legal team at Backhouse Jones, Exchange Chambers and Brick Court will seek the best compensation deal that we can on behalf of our members and other UK victims of this cartel.

“To ensure that as many hauliers are able to join the claim, we have secured funding from Therium Capital Management and the largest tranche of After The Event insurance that’s ever been underwritten so there’s no cost to joining, or any other risks if the claim is unsuccessful.”

Less is more, as Enviro Waste turns to FUSO

Seen our new look website?

Have you looked at our website lately?

If not then you really are missing out on a trick. We’ve totally revamped it with a fresh new look – and now it’s packed with all kinds of stuff that you truckers will want to read about.

You’ll find all the latest news stories, features and road tests from the magazine and get this – you can even download back issues in PDF format to read on your tablet to keep yourself from boredom in those lonely hours while you are parked up.

Check it out now www.cvdriver.com 4 cvdriver Summer 2017

Two years after commissioning its first 7.5-tonne FUSO Canters, East London-based Enviro Waste is now running a pair of 3.5-tonne models from the popular light truck range.

The family-owned and managed operator takes pride from its commitment to social and environmental concerns, and high service levels. Operating from a waste sorting and recycling centre in Leyton, fast-growing Enviro Waste serves domestic, construction and commercial customers across the capital.

The latest additions to its fleet were supplied, like their predecessors,

by Mercedes-Benz dealer S & B Commercials – the German manufacturer’s franchised network in Britain is also responsible for sales and support of the popular Canter.

The two 3.5-tonne 3C15s and another 7.5-tonne 7C15 have Comfort day cabs and are powered by the same, economical 3.0-litre commonrail turbodiesel. This high-torque unit – 370 Nm is available over

a broad engine speed range – comes with an engine brake as standard. It produces 110 kW (150 hp) which, in the case of Enviro Waste’s new vehicles, is transmitted to the road via a smooth-shifting DUONIC dual clutch automated gearbox.

The subject of CharterWay contract hire agreements from Mercedes-Benz Financial

Services, all three Canters are fitted with tipping box bodies

by Grantham-based Fruehauf; the larger truck is additionally equipped with a 500 kg Dhollandia column lift. They have lined up alongside Enviro Waste’s three previous FUSO 7.5-tonners, the first of which entered service in 2015 to be followed, a year later, by another two.

SMALL TRUCK BIG PERFORMANCE

“The LF is ideal for my business. Compact, manoeuvrable, very reliable and for a small truck, it has a real big-truck feel. It looks great too. Plus my local DAF dealer is always on hand – the support they provide is superb.”

Alan Planck Owner, G Leeks Skip Hire Contact your DAF dealer or go to www.daf.co.uk

DRIVEN BY QUALITY TRUCKS | PARTS | FINANCE

WWW.DAF.CO.UK

NEWS

Survey shock as few understand new motorway refuge areas In excess of half of those surveyed did not even know what an ERA was

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afety concerns over hard shoulder running on socalled ‘smart motorways’ remain as a new poll shows that just one in three think it’s a good idea.

It comes in the wake of new research which revealed that half of motorists are not familiar with emergency refuge areas (ERAs).

The study, conducted by the RAC with more than 2,000 motorists, found that in excess of half (52%) of those surveyed did not know what an ERA was.

Furthermore, there was also confusion about how to use an ERA, with two-thirds neither knowing what to do after stopping (64%) nor how to re-join the motorway (65%).

And, even of the 1.5% who had actually used an emergency refuge area, only one respondent knew they should contact Highways England to facilitate getting back on to the motorway if the hard shoulder was

operating as a running lane for traffic.

Everyone else thought they should just wait for a gap in the traffic and then accelerate as quickly as possible to motorway speed.

There was, however, good awareness of when it is appropriate to stop in an emergency refuge area. Almost every motorist (98%) said they should be used in a breakdown and 90% stated they should be used after an accident, but 40% also thought it was appropriate to use an emergency refuge area for medical reasons such as needing to take medication. Worryingly, 27% thought they could be used for either the driver or a passenger to be sick.

Lesley Slater, operations and business development director at LeasePlan UK, said: “It is important for drivers to take responsibility for their own safety by staying up to date with any

new laws introduced.”

However, she added: “Confusion around what is and what is not legal on the motorway is compounded by the fact that drivers are not allowed to drive on the motorway until passing their practical driving test. This is right from a driver safety perspective but as it isn’t mandatory to have an additional motorway driving lesson, this can lead to gaps in knowledge,

confidence and experience.”

Highways England ran a radio advertising campaign reminding people of the correct use of ERAs and is currently conducting a review, the findings of which are expected to be published soon.

The RAC has been working closely with Highways England and is backing work to improve the motoring public’s understanding of ERAs and how to use them.

Steel carrier sharpens image with Mercedes-Benz Actros

It boasts a lengthy list of optional features, but the most valuable attribute of Paul 6 cvdriver Summer 2017

Blackmore’s first MercedesBenz truck came as standard – the impressive fuel efficiency

that means it is already comfortably more than a mile per gallon ahead of the vehicle it replaced.

The Kidderminster-based haulier acquired his new 26-tonner from the local branch of Dealer Group Rygor Commercials. A long distance Actros 2536 model, it has a flat-floored StreamSpace cab and is powered by a stateof-the-art 265 kW (360 hp) straight-six, which is paired with a Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated transmission.

Trading as Paul R. Blackmore, he runs two other 26-tonners and is heavily

engaged in the nationwide transportation of flat and coiled steel for German-owned distributor and stockholder Kloeckner Metals UK, which is also based in Kidderminster.

The Actros has a lifting tag axle and a 30 ft curtainside body

by Fred Smith & Sons, of West Bromwich, with a roof that can be folded back to facilitate loading from an overhead crane.

Paul said: “On seeing one at a truck show a couple of years ago, I was struck by how fresh and modern in appearance the latest Mercedes-Benz Actros looks and I’m now finally on the road in a fantastic vehicle which is exceeding all my expectations.”

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NEWS

Marlin switches to top-spec DAF XF fleet

C

able reel and drum producer, Marlin Industries, in Wrexham has replaced its entire artic fleet with new top-of-the-range DAF XF Super Space Cab tractor units.

Supplied by DAF dealer, Imperial Commercials, also in Wrexham, ten XF 460 FTG 6x2s and one XF 460 FT 4x2 unit are already in service and, the company says, already delivering vastly improved returns over its preexisting mixed fleet.

The move to a DAF Euro-6 fleet, explains group transport manager, Mike Stokes, has resulted in an immediate and significant upturn in productivity for the company. encouraging in just the first few cost analysis against other major He said: “Although we have a weeks in operation and much truck manufacturers, and with GVW of 44 tonnes we only gross better than the old Euro-5s.” the substantial input of Marlin’s out at 34 tonnes and we’re The move to the UK’s market drivers. “We employ highly already seeing ten-plus mpg from leading DAF brand, comes as a 23:43experienced drivers,” says Mike, FORS A-plant TO ad 135x183 AW 2.16.pdf 1 28/02/2016 the new DAF XFs – and that’s result of an exhaustive wholelife “drivers who have come from

other top transport operators, and drivers who have extensive knowledge of all the leading truck models.

“They told us the DAF XF would be their truck of choice.”

Do you recognise this man?

Perhaps not.

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His name is Shaun Winstanley, Director of Transport, from A-Plant, and he recognises the importance of an efficient, compliant and, above all, a safe fleet of trucks.

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That’s why he’s a member of FORS – the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme.

And he’s also achieved Silver status, meaning that specifiers and contractors want to get to know him better.

Isn’t it time you were recognised, too?

Safety, efficiency, environment www.fors-online.org.uk 08448 09 09 44

8 cvdriver Summer 2017

New call for ‘safe and suitable’ parking for Britain’s truckers

S

cotland’s Traffic Commissioner, Joan Aitken, has called on hauliers across the industry to make sure the place where they keep their HGVs is ‘safe and suitable’ at all times – to protect their employees as well as other road users.

Aitken made the comments after suspending a Tain haulier from running vehicles for two months because practices at its operating centre – where HGVs are parked – had compromised road safety.

The country’s regulator said Alex Campbell Haulage breached a fundamental principle of operator licensing by not making sure its operating centre was safe and suitable.

Aitken remarked that owner Alex Campbell was so engrossed in his own business that he did not consider the safety of others. She found the company’s operating centre had become so cluttered that it was not possible for vehicles to turn around safely

inside the yard. This led to HGVs reversing into the site from a public road.

“It is patently clear to me that the reversing manoeuvres into the access road to the operating centre were inherently less safe than taking entry in forward gear,” she said.

“The operator had significantly breached the safe operation of its vehicles and trailers by engaging in this reversing manoeuvre and expecting the driver to reverse in.

“The tragedy of this case is that this operator compromised road safety by allowing the operating centre to deteriorate and change in use such that it was no longer suitable.

“The deterioration in the suitability of the operating centre was all of the operator’s doing and goes to the operator’s repute.”

During an inquiry in Inverness, which concluded in April this year, Aitken heard from a former driver for the company,

Alasdair MacLean. He told the Traffic Commissioner that on 30 January 2014, he was driving back to the firm’s operating centre on the B9175.

Although he could have turned into the site in a one-movement forward gear manoeuvre, he chose to reverse in because he knew the yard was confined by other vehicles, trailers and materials. He commenced the manoeuvre at a time when there were no approaching vehicles on the road.

Before the trailer reached the position of being in the access road, it was hit by a private car at speed. The driver of the car, Kevin MacIver, was fatally injured.

In a written decision issued after the hearing, Aitken said her role was not to determine who, if anyone, was to blame for the collision.

She said it was not clear why MacIver did not see and interpret the vehicle and trailer lights and that the road was blocked.

Cash for Transaid after cycle challenge Team Renault Trucks – commercial director Nigel Butler, network truck and LCV director Pete Murray and transport solutions manage Tony Owen, presented Transaid with a cheque of £35,053.07 following their gruelling 300-mile Cycle South Africa 2017 Challenge in March.

Transaid’s head of fundraising, Florence Bearman, and corporate partnerships officer Jade Ashby, joined Renault Trucks employees for a presentation event held at the company’s UK headquarters in Warwick.

On receiving the cheque, Florence, who also took part in the challenge, said: “I’d like to thank Team Renault Trucks for all their efforts in raising what is one of the largest single amounts by a team or individual for our

Pictured left to right: Team Renault Trucks – Pete Murray, network truck and LCV director; Nigel Butler, commercial director and Tony Owen, transport solutions manager, present Transaid’s head of fundraising, Florence Bearman, with a cheque for the charity

‘Ride’ events and has helped us towards this year’s recordbreaking total of £227,000. The money raised will go a long way in supporting our road safety programmes, expanding driver training in Uganda and across sub-Saharan Africa.”

For Team Renault Trucks, this was an opportunity to thank the whole Renault Trucks family, including colleagues and the dealer network, for supporting them throughout their long journey to South Africa, with generous donations.

NEWS in brief ■ No ‘self-employment’ definition A review into employment rights of workers in the gig economy has failed to define ‘self-employment’, which could jeopardise the need to provide flexibility in the logistics sector.

That’s the Freight Transport Association’s (FTA) opinion of the Government report written by Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufacturing and Commerce.

It welcomed recommendations in Taylor’s report on modern working practices in recognising the rights of temporary and part-time workers. Sally Gilson, FTA’s head of skills campaigning, said the FTA is concerned that the report’s failure to define ongoing working conditions could jeopardise the need to provide flexibility in the logistics sector.

FTA is calling on the Government to provide clear advice on what being self-employed means.

■ Investment to create apprenticeships The report by the Strategic Transport Apprenticeship Taskforce said that up to 35,000 apprenticeship opportunities are set to be created over the next five years thanks to major investment in road and rail infrastructure and technology. Department for Transport’s report on strategy revealed that 2,000 new apprenticeships were created in road and rail sectors in the past 12 months, which will rise more than 5,000 every year to 2022.

Mike Brown, chair of the Strategic Transport Apprenticeship Taskforce and Commissioner at Transport for London, said: “The transport sector is delivering on its promise to address the skills challenges we are facing.”

■ Haulier fined after load fell on worker Maxi Haulage has been fined £100,000 after a load from the top of a double-decked trailer fell on to a worker. A piece of metal ducting, six metres long and weighing 28kg, fell from the top deck of the trailer, hitting him on his head, causing serious, life changing injuries, including a fractured skull. Maxi Haulage, based in Irvine, pleaded guilty at Warwick Crown Court.

Summer 2017 cvdriver 9

NEWS

London logistics firm delivers £160,000 saving One of the UK’s largest eCommerce, postal and retail logistics businesses has saved £160,000 by implementing a driver behaviour programme underpinned by telematics.

Secured Mail, part of The Delivery Group, has used the TomTom Telematics WEBFLEET fleet management system to analyse driver performance and make targeted improvements. This has resulted in an average 8% uplift in mpg and a 15% decrease in incidences of unsafe driving.

This has helped the FORS Gold Member to realise a £130,000 annual saving on fuel and £30,000 annual saving on maintenance, despite an increase in miles travelled by the 75-strong fleet.

“Secured Mail is a 24-hour operation, with drivers out on the road at all times, so it is incredibly important we do everything we can to minimise risks to our employees’ safety,” said James Wilkins, operations and IT director at Secured Mail, which has also achieved ISO 39001 certification for road traffic safety.

“We are covering more miles than ever before but have managed to achieve savings on fuel and maintenance by using driver performance data to help our employees improve through direct feedback, support and targeted training.”

The WEBFLEET system, implemented with support from TomTom Telematics reseller Fleet Trak, includes OptiDrive 360, which scores drivers based on a range of key performance indicators.

10 cvdriver Summer 2017

ROBUST RANGE C proves TOUGH ENOUGH FOR concrete supplier

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mpressive durability, offroad performance and weight handling prompted family-run concrete supplier, R T Mycock & Sons, to take delivery of its first three Renault Trucks Range C 8x4s with aluminium Bay-lynx Newman volumetric mixer bodies.

Supplied by Renault Trucks approved dealer JDS of Manchester, the new 32-tonne

Range C430, C480 and C460 with high bumpers join Buxtonbased R T Mycock’s mixed fleet of 17 vehicles.

Commenting on the decision to select the Range C, R T Mycock’s managing director, Kevin Mycock, says: “Our work is mainly on site – and we’re the first there, putting in the footings, so off-road performance really matters. We currently operate ten

volumetric trucks and the Range Cs are that good off-road, they’re out-performing the rest. They’re durable, the high bumper gives excellent ground clearance, they can handle the weight and the automatic gearbox is great – the drivers love them.

“A further Range C430 6x4 has also gone on the road alongside a ’64-plate’ Range K460 8 wheeler.”

Aston Barclay completes the replacement of transporters Aston Barclay Group has completed the replacement of its entire transporter fleet after the final Scania P410 trucks, equipped with custom-built Pegasus trailers from Rolfo, arrived at its Chelmsford centre.

The leading national independent vehicle remarketing group has invested nearly half a million pounds in the two new transporters, both arriving with Rolfo’s custom-built nine-car Pegasus trailers that increases the group’s capacity in vehicle transportation.

This significant investment in upgrading the group’s truck fleet underpins Aston Barclay’s long-

term commitment to improving efficiency of its vehicle collection and delivery process to deliver an exceptional service. Overall load flexibility is also improved, with the Pegasus trailers greatly reducing loading and unloading times at customer locations.

The two 17-plate units, built to Euro 6 ‘c’ specification, have instantly been put to good

use between Aston Barclay’s remarketing centres, customer defleet centres and dealerships over the busy March platechange period.

Following manufacture, Aston Barclay’s new trucks were sent to Rolfo in Italy for the trailer superstructure to be fitted, including a peak deck for further vehicle capacity.

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Truckers trip the light fantastic!

Filling cabs with simulated daylight could benefit drivers’ health and improve road safety

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ngineers at Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, have published the results of a two-week research project into whether artificial daylight could improve the working environment for truckers. To carry out the tests, Daimler researchers created a ‘Daylight+’ module that could be installed in the cab of a truck to

mimic daylight.

The biggest challenge was to create light as close as possible to the level of daylight that has an effect on human biology, but was not so bright that a driver couldn’t actually see out the windows. An effective wavelength of between 460 and 490 nanometres was identified as the best option.

A team led by Daimler research

director Siegfried Rothe installed the Daylight+ modules in truck cabs and recruited eight drivers to spend two weeks testing the system in Rovaniemi, Finland, during the darkest period of the year, where the district sees only three or four hours of daylight per day. During the night, the test subjects slept in a normally darkened truck, but while driving were subject to tests with different levels of artificial daylight.

The team documented test results with support from coresearcher Dr Michael Schrauf and the use of electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiography (ECG) and electrooculography (EOG) as well as other physiological measurements such as saliva samples, to ascertain levels of the sleep hormone melatonin.

Mental state and professional

performance, which are closely related, were examined using standardised psychological test procedures and by recording vehicle data through the truck’s telematics system.

At the end of the two-week cycle, the individual drivers were interviewed. All said that they perceived the space inside the cab to be considerably more pleasant with the additional light filtered in.

“When designing the series of tests, we hadn’t even considered that the space might appear larger,” said Rothe, who estimates that it will take several months to sift and analyse the data from the experiments.

“Only then we will be able to make a recommendation as to whether the test findings should lead to changes in the design of cab lighting.”

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‘Tridem’ FAQ chassis answers questions for URM

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he UK’s largest purchaser and recycler of waste glass, URM (UK), has added seven new specialist DAF multi-wheel rigids to its South Kirkby-based fleet. Key among them is DAF’s CF 440 FAQ chassis – an 8x2 ‘tridem’ configuration with lift-and-steer capability on the second and fourth axles.

The FAQ set-up provides outstanding manoeuvrability for URM’s glass collection operation which, the company says, offers ‘a marked improvement over the more conventional 8x2 rear-steer arrangement’. A double-skinned,

half-tailgate bulk tipper body from Weightlifter and HMF crane complete the specification.

DAF’s tridem arrangement provides significant payload benefits over its smaller 26-tonne CF 6x4 ‘FAT’ stablemate, yet providing all the benefits of manoeuvrability when accessing tight locations.

Further trucks making up the

Iveco cleans up with sweeper deal Iveco has secured a major municipal vehicle order from Dawsonrentals Sweepers, delivering 46 new 15-tonne Eurocargos into the company’s 700-strong fleet. It marks Iveco’s largest road sweeper order in the UK since re-launching a dedicated Euro VI sweeper chassis in 2016.

Supplied by Brighouse-based Northern Commercials, the new arrivals are ideally suited for the low-speed environment and frequent stop/start nature of sweeper applications. They are the only Euro VI medium-

range vehicles to meet emissions standards with a single antiemission system – Iveco’s unique HI-SCR technology – which utilises passive regeneration of the diesel particulate filter.

This means productivity is increased, as the HI-SCR system requires neither driver involvement nor downtime from forced regeneration. HI-SCR technology also eliminates any requirement for customers to periodically operate the vehicle at motorway speeds to clean out the DPF – which can negatively impact upon fuel use.

latest delivery into URM’s 100% DAF fleet, include four CF 440 FA 4x2 drawbar skip-loader outfits, a CF 400 FAX eight-wheel rear-steer bulk tipper and a CF 370 FAN 6x2 rear-steer tipper with crane. All the latest trucks were specified to exacting standards to fulfil specific operational requirements.

Fleet engineer, Dave Bellamy, has remained a staunch supporter

of the DAF brand for 17 years, saying: “The basic DAF product is a solid, hugely reliable chassis built to the highest quality. But,” he said, “it’s the close support we get from the local DAF Dealers, F&G Commercials and Imperial Commercials, which means we get exactly the right truck for our requirements. They know what we want and it’s a real partnership.”

NEWS

The Secret Trucker

Driven the breadth of Europe for profit and for others, the Secret Trucker lifts the lid on life in the slow lane

Proposals too late for Brits Plans by European Commission to change rules to cabotage and how drivers take their weekly rest breaks, designed to reinvigorate the road transport industry, could represent a missed opportunity for truckers in Brexit Britain

D

uring an illustrious, star-studded career chauffeuring freight that has seen me earn millions (surely billions? – Ed) I have rarely spent a 45-hour weekly rest period alfresco.

Even during trips abroad, I was lucky enough that it never lasted more than a fortnight. A 24-hour reduced break mid-way through meant a return to Blighty wearing my last piece of clean underwear was assured.

I’ve heard of horror stories of drivers marooned at a supermarche, handelslandgoed or borde del camino across Europe and, of course, for our current European allies sleeping roadside for two days off the A13 is all part of the job.

So, it was with some interest to read the recently-published ‘Mobility Package’ by the European Commission. Now, I am not taking a pro/anti Brexit stance, I am taking the document at face value. Besides, by the time any of it becomes law we’ll be long gone.

However, any Brexit deal will have to take into account any changes in order to allow freight to cross the channel as quickly and effortlessly as possible. Any British trucks venturing over will have to adhere to the proposals in the Mobility Package to remain eligible and viable to operate across mainland Europe.

In a wide-ranging document, here are just some of the proposals. An overhaul of the Eurovignette for road tolling is in the

14 cvdriver Summer 2017

offing with a shift towards distance-based levies rather than time-based systems, plus incentives for CO2 efficient vehicles.

To augment the previous point there is also a plan to unify the different types of electronic road toll systems and bring an end to for multiple and diverse auto payment systems. A one-stop-shop if you will.

Sabotage, sorry, cabotage gets rehashed again with plans for an unlimited number of operations in five days to replace three internal domestic deliveries within seven days.

Interestingly there are proposed changes to streamline requirements on the posting of workers and minimum wage rules i.e.

Lithuanian trucker spends more than four days in the UK, he will be paid the UK’s minimum wage. This is primarily aimed at eastern Europeans being able to claim better wages. Upshot is that these same hauliers will be less competitive, potentially opening the door to Brit hauliers getting access to more European work.

The real point of interest though is revising driving hours, rest periods and regulation of tachographs. Instead of a rolling two-week drivers will have a rolling four-week period with drivers taking two reduced weekly rests within a four-week period.

It doesn’t allow any more reduced rests overall but allows them to be ‘bunched’ more closely; like three weeks with two reduced breaks and compensation will still

have to be taken before the end of the third week after the week in question.

Three weeks on one week off.

The real change is that compensation for a reduced weekly rest will no longer be able to be taken in conjunction with a daily rest period, and must now be taken along with a full weekly rest of 45 hours.

An extra caveat is that EC proposes that regular weekly rest and any rest period of greater than 45 hours will not be allowed to be taken in the vehicle but in ‘suitable accommodation’ with ‘adequate sleeping and sanitary facilities’.

This luxury must be provided or paid for by the employer, or at home or at another private location chosen by the driver (oh, the scope for this could be breathtakingly varied).

FTA says that the UK currently interprets that it is not permissible to spend a regular weekly rest in a vehicle.

The new proposals will also require that at least one weekly rest or compensation rest in four weeks must be taken ‘at home’.

Germany’s government has already ruled that any lorry driver stopping for a weekly rest will not be allowed to take it in their truck.

Drivers need to have their weekly rest in proper facilities – sleep in the cab and you’ll be fined 60 euro per extra hour for the driver and 180 euros per extra hour for the transport operator.

I, for one, would welcome the changes.

April2017 2017 cvdriver 14 14 April May 2017cvdriver cvdriver 14

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In a time where image is everything !!!

R

Your comments have been rolling in thick and fast this month. Keep em coming - we just love hearing from you all R

Dear Matt, I had to laugh when I read the headline in the June issue: “Survey finds M25 is the slowest motorway.” I wonder how much that survey cost to produce because I could have told them that without going to all the expense! Anyone who drives round that hellish route regularly will tell you how awful it is. I actually remember going down the A1, round by Watford and into the west country before they built the M25 and we thought it was bad then, but it’s worse now than it was then. Even adding on that fourth lane didn’t seem to make any difference.

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‘Totally Disillusioned Good Truck Driver’ in last month’s letters page? Yes, I’m a good truck driver too and have been for many years when I used to enjoy my job. But the enjoyment has been eroded bit by bit over those years and now I could quite happily hang up my keys today and never drive a truck again.

Many of the rules and regulations are heavy-handed in my view and you’re lucky to escape without penalty points nowadays. Then as your guy said, we now have bloody cameras right, left and centre in the cab, bosses who don’t give a damn about their workers and to add insult to injury, we are now quite likely to be scammed by some gang setting up a crash so it looks like we’ve run into the back of them.

I just hope that when we finally

You Call, We Haul The Life and Times of Bob Carter (Hardback)

leave the EU – which won’t come too soon as far as I’m concerned – we get back to some semblance of sense in our rules and regulations. It’s not too much to hope, is it?

TF, by email

Dear Matt,

Sorry Matt, but I’m gonna have to disagree with your old whinger in the June issue who complained about ‘spies in the cab’ and how awful his life as a truck driver is.

It’s not 1960 any more and email: sales@ultimateid.co.uk or Tel: 01773 862762 what went on years ago has no relevance to what’s happening Have your say by now. One of the reasons the post or email: death rate on the roads is so editor@cvdriver.com or much lower than it was 50 post to: The Editor, 4th Floor, years ago is through items like 19 Capesthorne Drive, Eaves Green, Chorley, dashcams and other cameras Lancashire PR7 3QQ – and by banning people using mobile phones on the move.

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Autonomous trucks could change the way Britain’s drivers work Although we’re still a way off fully autonomous vehicles, the growth of this technology is already making strides, with many more developments expected throughout the next decade

T

here’s no curbing the technology’s steady progress, but the move towards autonomous vehicles, particularly those such as HGVs, where the industry is currently reliant on trained, skilled drivers, begs the question as to what’s in store for those who make a living at the wheel of a delivery vehicle. Their roles are unlikely to be under threat, but they are expected to change.

The situation has prompted the International Transport Forum (ITF) to investigate the future for lorry drivers, and how their roles in the industry will evolve as vehicles become more independent. In conjunction with the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), the International Road Transport Union and the International Transport Workers’ Federation, the ITF has published a report – Managing the Transition to Driverless Freight Transport – explaining how and what governments need to do to make the change as straightforward as possible.

For starters, the ITF pointed out that there has been a shortage of professional drivers for some time, and if that trend continues in the long run, a portion of 16 cvdriver Summer 2017

autonomous trucks would absolutely be beneficial.

Daniel Veryard, project manager at the ITF who led the research behind the report, explains where the lack of drivers and autonomy overlap. “Every time I speak to any members of the IRU [The International Road Transport Union] they always say ‘we’ve got a labour shortage; we can’t get enough qualified drivers to fill our jobs’,” he said. “Yet this study is saying that in future, this technology could sweep through and take their jobs.

“So do they push really hard and get more people on, push driver training courses, or do they have a different strategy in the short term? I think this pivot point is one of the trickiest issues.”

One of the ITF’s recommendations is that governments establish an advisory board for the trucking industry, to keep the former in the know about where the technology is and its impact on employment.

“We recommended setting up an advisory board, at a national level, for countries experiencing this kind of change,” says Veryard, who adds that the board’s primary role would be to research the state of autonomous

technology, and keep the government up to speed.”

The report also suggests that governments should consider “target labour market programmes” to create relevant job opportunities for drivers.

According to Veryard, certain areas of the delivery and logistics industries are still likely to require drivers even when autonomous vehicles have become the norm, so there could be a gradual transition to similar roles.

“We split things into three possible areas for drivers. One is jobs in the trucking sector; because things like last-mile deliveries in cities might not be driverless for quite some time, so there will still be some jobs in exactly the same roles – or slightly changed roles. Their roles could expand a little bit, so technically, driving will be one of a portfolio of jobs they might do; they might still be in the cabin, but it would perhaps be because they need to deal face-to-face with the customer at the other end. Whether that’s technically still a driver is kind of semantics, but there could be jobs there.”

It’s still theoretical, but as autonomous HGVs take off, what we perceive as driving could move out of the cab and

into a hi-tech office, as Veryard explains.

“There’s the possibility that the whole configuration of driving could change, and you could end up with drivers sitting in remote control rooms managing 10 trucks at once. If an alarm bell goes off and a truck gets into trouble, you could again still have some driving jobs that would be quite different from today.”

Veryard’s final suggestion for future roles in the trucking industry is a potential counter-

Platooning of trucks is likely to become one of the first autonomous functions

boom that the efficiencies associated with autonomous vehicles are hoped to bring – essentially, jobs that we can’t even imagine yet. “The third category is the one that

economists like me like to think is going to be the thing, which is a productivity gain in the trucking sector that frees up resources, unleashes changes in supply chains and the possibility of new

products that we don’t even know about yet.

“There is a massive question mark about how much employment this will generate and what kind of skills will be needed.

“You could end up with drivers sitting in remote control rooms managing 10 trucks at once”

“I would push for detailed research from the advisory panel, to look and think in detail about what the opportunities are as they’re being created, so yearby-year, you’d be able to make recommendations about how this is panning out for truck drivers.

“You’d get a better handle on what the effect is, and if it turns out they’re being rapidly redeployed, then this whole edifice of having to control the speed of adoption would naturally fall away.” ■

VOLVO SURVEY

At last! UK public sees the true value of trucks

New survey finds 92% of Britons recognise the need for lorries in the smooth running of everyday life

A

new survey has found that 92% of Britons recognise the role lorries play in the smooth running of everyday life, and the majority of Britons (76%) believe that all road users have a part to play in making the roads a safer plac.

Commissioned by Volvo Trucks, this survey was aimed at better understanding the public’s perception of safety issues in relation to lorries. Survey respondents ranged from car, van and lorry drivers, to motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians, of all ages and from all over the UK. The research found that although most believe that keeping the roads safe is a shared responsibility, respondents broadly agreed that regulatory bodies – such as the government and the road haulage industry – are not doing enough to create a ‘culture of safety’ on UK roads.

According to the survey, 40% of respondents want to see the Government do more to promote road safety, while only 27% of respondents feel the road haulage industry does enough to assess drivers’ safety performance.

Regarding lorries specifically, more than half of the respondents agreed that they represent a safety risk on UK roads – and 77% believe this to be the case on single carriageways, where other road users are brought into

closer proximity with lorries.

The main concern raised by road users – from car to van drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists – was the risk of not being seen by the lorry driver. This concern was particularly prominent among cyclists in London, where interaction with large vehicles is more common.

Regardless of this, almost all (96%) respondents agree that lorry driving requires significant skill and training, and three quarters consider lorry driving to be a responsible profession. That said, there is a strong perception among the British public that the standard of lorry driving varies from country to country.

What’s more, 92% of Britons recognise the essential role that lorries play in the smooth running of our daily lives.

Commenting on the findings, Mike Corcoran, commercial director at Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, said: “We were pleasantly surprised by the survey results, and are incredibly proud to provide for an industry and a profession that are so respected in Britain and bring so much to the economy.”

Mike added: “At Volvo Trucks, we have shown ongoing commitment to driving a better understanding of the lorry driving profession while educating different road

A new survey has found that the majority of Britons (76%) believe that all road users have a part to play in making the roads a safer place 18 cvdriver Summer 2017

Mike Corcoran, commercial director at Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland users on how to behave around large vehicles. This survey has allowed us to understand the public’s broader concerns and with the upcoming UK launch of our ‘See and Be Seen’ campaign, we will continue to work with the government and the haulage industry to make the roads a safe place for all.

“Volvo Trucks will continue to lead the discussion around road safety and the importance of educating road users on how to behave around large vehicles. Our ‘See and Be Seen’ campaign, which launched in July in the UK features activities and exercises that demonstrate how to improve safety in the interaction between vulnerable users and truck drivers.”

John Comer, head of product management at Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, commented: “It is essential that we all take responsibility for our own safety and that of others on the road. We are working with local authorities in Warwickshire to roll out our ‘See and Be Seen’ initiative and welcome local schools, colleges and universities across the UK to contact us should they be interested in joining the campaign. We want to involve as many road users as possible, starting with the most vulnerable.”

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Big race dates in the coming weeks World Championship semi-final #1 Skegness Raceway, July 29 World Championship semi-final #2 Chesterton Stadium, Stoke, August 12 National Points Shootout round 1 Birmingham Wheels Raceway, August 26 National Points Shootout round 2 Belle Vue Stadium, Manchester, August 28 World Championship Final Foxhall Stadium, Ipswich, September 16

Images: Lucy Emma Sames

Truxx Factor is back with a bang!

O

ne weekend could change your life forever!

Prepare to be blown away by this fast moving Trucking Spectacular Show as it rolls into Rockingham Motor Speedway Nr Corby on the weekend of September 30th and October 1st.

Pushing on from Santa Pod in May and the success of two previous Silverstone annual events, the Truxx Factor team brings their one-of-a-kind experience into Europe’s fastest oval race track for the first time. “Truxx Factor is back with a bang! Bring your company, your truck or your family and camp with us for the weekend for an experience like no other,” said show organiser Steve Horne.

Half of the track programme will include pickup trucks, legends and the Mini championship races. “After spending over 30 years around race circuits here in the UK it will be great to see road trucks and race trucks completing on the sprint course on the International circuit as part of the Truxx Factor Challenge, which is a first for 2017,” he said.

Regular truck show goer Steve Jackman, who runs SJ Commercial Services Limited in Lancashire, attends many shows across the UK but it’s this one he is looking forward to the most. “It’s a good show, the family love it, and there are all sorts of things going on. It’s got that personal touch, that’s what we love about it,” he said.

A second live arena will combine the visual impact and smell of BriSCA (British Stock

Car Association) F1 stock cars and BDC (British Drift Championship) drifters burning rubber in their demonstrations.

There is a lot more going on besides, Steve explained, with trade and industry displays such as LGV driver training and forklift training assault course. “The heavyweight recovery trucks will there too with a live display and there will be public truck rides too. You will see local Strongmen take on the truckers in a Truck Pull and other gripping challenges,” he said.

On display in the Truxx Factor Truck Show will be custom, restored, American, retro and vintage trucks, complemented by hardworking fleet vehicles from the biggest and best operators. “There will be awards for the cleanest trucks, awards for the Road Truck Sprint, and many other competitions.

For enthusiasts there will be classic tractors and a steam section where our ‘Transport Through the Ages’ feature will represent over 100 years of haulage,” Steve said.

Family entertainment will be front and central with the Ken Fox Troupe

Wall of Death, Red Dragon Monster Truck, Mini Monster Truck Mania, Simulator Race Truck Experience, Radio Control Trucks, Kids Art Competitions and Face Painting to name but a few.

There are trade and industry exhibition areas to suit everyone’s budget with corporate hospitality for companies to display their products and entertain clients in the top 100 VIP Truck Paddock Club.

The action goes on into Saturday evening with a Mechanics competition, Showtruck lights at night leading into Live Music with a bar and hot food until 11.00 pm.

Rockingham is set in 300 acres with 80 acres of all-weather outdoor and a vast indoor exhibition space. It has grandstand seating for 52,000, has set a record lap time of 24 secs (215 mph ) over the 1.5-mile course.

Need to know... You can ring on 07795 413363. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram or visit www.truxxfactor.co.uk for further details. Truck entries are £30.00 for vintage and £39.00 for modern (plus booking fee) and public tickets which are £15.00 per day, £25.00 for the weekend visiting or £35.00 including camping in advance. Kids under 16 go free.

20 cvdriver Summer 2017

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For more information and to book visit - www.truxxfactor.co.uk call: 07795 413363 email: info@truxxfactor.co.uk

Ponsonby has just taken delivery of BJ03’s direct replacement – a new CF 310 FA. It’s dimensionally identical to its older sibling, but with an altogether more modern Euro 6 specification 22 cvdriver Summer 2017

BJ03 KOA – the DAF salesman's nightmare!

Ask almost any DAF operator what they feel is their DAF truck’s best feature, and, invariably, they’ll tell you it’s reliability. So, with 1.3 million kilometres on the clock – and after 14 years fault-free service – Paul Ponsonby’s CF 75.310 is a pretty good example of DAF durability. DAF Driver Magazine headed for Birmingham to meet the vehicle which DAF’s local truck salesman will be glad to see the back of.

Summer 2017 cvdriver 23

B

J03 KOA is a wagon-and-drag combination and was a new acquisition from DAF dealer Greenhous DAF in Willenhall in June 2003. It joined the Bromford-based IT equipment distribution business soon after the company’s 1998 startup. Some 14-years later and with 1.3 million kilometres under its belt, company director Paul Ponsonby, has decided to retire the everfaithful old CF – to the considerable relief of the DAF salesman. The 14-strong Ponsonby fleet today includes four DAFs, including a recent used-truck acquisition from another DAF operator, Walkers Shortbread.

“Rather than sell it on or let it fester in the yard, I think we might keep it for posterity,” said Paul. “Having said that, we have received an offer of £10,000 for it, proving it still has commercial value – and that’s all down to its outstanding reliability. But,” he said, “after 14 years, we’ve become quite attached to BJ03, and its current driver doesn’t want to see it go at all!”

The drawbar unit has been in service full-time since hitting the road in 2003. And it’s been all over Europe, too – from Finland to Portugal and east to Poland. With a predominantly two-man crew, the truck has been under the watchful eye of just three full-time drivers – the longest-serving remains today, Greer Green, who will be the last to drive it later this year.

Of course, the truck attracted the usual parts requirements of a hard-working vehicle.

Interestingly though, the steering wheel was replaced after the original had worn out!

“It’s been a good, honest workshorse,” said Paul, “We’ve needed six new UJs but the driveline has required no major work in 14 years. Our technician tells me the engine, gearbox and rear-axle are as good as new. A high service level from the local DAF dealer has helped the vehicle’s longevity, too,” he said.

To coincide with its retirement, and to the delight of Greenhous DAF’s salesman, Ponsonby’s has, in fact, just taken delivery of BJ03’s direct replacement in the shape of a new CF 310 FA. It’s dimensionally identical to its older sibling, but with an altogether more modern Euro 6 powertrain, including an auto-box and a far more up-to-date cab for the driver.

“It’s just settling in,” said Paul, “and our driver, Steve Phillips says it drives like a coach. Fuel economy looks very good,” he said, “and we’ll be coupling it to BJ03’s original trailer shortly – the trailer is good for another decade,” he added. n 24 cvdriver Summer 2017

“after 14-years, we’ve become quite attached to BJ03, and its current driver doesn’t want to see it go at all!

Company director Paul Ponsonby has decided to retire the ever-faithful old CF – to the considerable relief of the DAF salesman!

Summer 2017 cvdriver 25

PROFILE

Meet the master Scania custom truck genius...

Super Svempa S

tick-thin and sporting a flowered shirt plus skinny jeans held up by a belt with a Marmon Trucks buckle, legendary Swedish custom truck genius Svempa moves around with an energy that belies his age.

Born Sven-Erik Bergendahl, he’ll be 80 in two years’ time and is promising something special to celebrate his birthday – his take on Scania’s Next Generation truck. “It’ll be spectacular,” he grins.

It will need to be quite something to outstrip his extraordinary bonneted Scania T500 cabriolet customised show truck. Known as the Red Pearl, it bears the number 39 – Svempa was born in 1939 – took two years to build and was based on the last T Series ever to roll off the production line.

“It was destined to be scrapped until we got hold of it,” he says.

His ability to do so underlines his close relationship with Scania.

As well as customising umpteen vehicles over the years, he has come up with a variety of limited editions for the Swedish manufacturer amounting to 500 trucks in total.

The volume is small – but their impact has been huge. Based on an industrial estate to the south of Stockholm, Svempa has his roots in the recovery business he started back in 1965, an activity now run by his son.

Blue Stream is among the three most recent limited editions

His first recovery wagon was a 1957 Plymouth which he turned into a pick-up, welding the back doors shut and sawing off half the roof. He built a dolly for it and was ready for action. “I got my jobs by listening in on police radio broadcasts,” he remembers.

His second pick-up was a 1959 Chevrolet El Camino and bigger and better followed. He built his first Scania-based recovery rig in 1970.

One of his more extraordinary feats was helping in the 1979 retrieval of an Aeroflot

Svempa’s bonneted Scania T500 cabriolet customised show truck, known as the Red Pearl 26 cvdriver Summer 2017

airliner that had overshot the runway at Stockholm’s Arlanda airport. “We had to put three trucks on it, it took a week and the Russians paid us with caviar, vodka and champagne,” he recalls.

He has accepted other unusual means of payment.

“For one job, I was paid with a pair of leather boots,” he says, flourishing them in the air.

He took them home to his wife in triumph only to have her point out that they were both left-footed and had probably been stolen from a shoe shop.

His first customised truck appeared in the 1970s but his fondness for something that stands out dates from the late 1950s, when he and his pals cruised around Stockholm in big American cars at the weekend.

Today Svempa runs the customising business in conjunction with head designer, Jan Richter.

“I’m just a brand,” says Svempa. “Jan is the creative one and I’m the handyman.”

Svempa is clearly still full of ideas though.

Never afraid to tackle something new, he is now working on his first coach.

Not surprisingly, it’s a Scania.

Last year Richter and Svempa came up with the Black Claw tipper. A 6x6 Scania P400 designed for use in Siberia, it is fitted with huge 16.00R20 tyres.

Svempa’s style is reflected in the cab interior’s customised seat upholstery and door panels as well as in the striking exterior design.

So which of his trucks makes him the most proud? “The Red Pearl,” he replies.

“Most people were quite sceptical when I said I was going to build a cabriolet,” he adds.

“But I think it’s a masterpiece.”

The Chimera show truck has turned quite a few heads too.

With an exposed Scania 16.4-litre 730hp V8 engine modified to produce almost 2,200hp, six Holset turbochargers, a stainless steel exhaust header system and a modified sixspeed Allison automatic gearbox, it uses a modified P-cab with some R-cab components.

Weighing less than 5.0 tonnes and built on a stainless steel tubular frame, it features independent front suspension and lightweight carbon fibre side skirts, wheel housings and front sections.

Performance? 0-60mph in 4.6 to 5 seconds.

So what does the word Chimera mean?

It denotes a mythical, monstrous, firebreathing three-headed hybrid of a lion, a dragon and a goat with a snake as its tail.

Just the sort of beast that might be close cousin to the Scania Griffin.

Dark Diamond, Black Amber and Blue Stream are among the three most-recent limited editions. A V8 available with R-series Highline and Topline sleeper cabs, Blue Stream comes with a vibrant blue metallic finish that changes appearance depending on the viewing angle and lighting.

To that is added silver, black and pink striping. The front grille, mirrors and air vanes are all painted glossy black.

So how long will Svempa keep working? He’s got no plans to retire just yet.

“I’ve never had a day off sick,” he grins. “And my mother lived to the age of 102.”

“I’ve got no plans to retire just yet. I’ve never had a day off sick and my mother lived to the age of 102” Summer 2017 cvdriver 27

No cash, no receipts, just a vehicle registration number.

Parking

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28 cvdriver Summer 2017

Repair

Dartford

Daily Checks

March 2017 CVDriver Summer 2017 cvdriver3529

Tel: 01332 873555 www.search-impex.co.uk

Spot the difference

This 1:50 scale DAF XF Space cab (4x2) tractor unit with two axle, stepframe trailer, is customised in the eye-catching Vintage Tractors show livery of well-known Aberdeenshire based haulier V G Mathers Ltd. The models have been produced exclusively for Search Impex by WSI Collectibles and are a certificated Limited Edition (155 pieces).

With a passion for and detailed knowledge about vintage agricultural machinery,

How to win:

particularly tractors, company owner Vic Mathers spends much of his spare time seeking out and restoring vintage tractors – David Brown 50D series being a speciality.

As a keen exhibitor at agricultural shows, the DAF and stepframe trailer are used to transport his restored vintage tractors to various events and fayres throughout the country. Proudly emblazoned in the original Vic Mathers’ colourscheme, the DAF unit

makes for a stunning sight when coupled together with the show trailer.

Models, available from Search Impex, are priced at £133 each (including UK delivery & VAT). For details of availability of this and other models, collectors can visit the Search Impex website at www.search-impex.co.uk or call on 01332 873555.

Search Impex have supplied a DAF XF Space cab (4x2) tractor unit. Simply spot the four differences on the above image. Once completed either cut out or photocopy and post to: CV Driver Magazine, 4th Floor, 19 Capesthorne Drive, Eaves Green, Chorley, Lancashire PR7 3QQ Closing date: Friday August 25th

Full Name..............................................................................................................................................

Address.................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................

Post Code......................

Telephone..............................................................................................................................................

Email...........................................................................................................................................................

Terms & Conditions: Not suitable for children under 14 years of age. The winner will be notified within 30 days of the closing date either by letter, telephone or email.

All entrants will be placed in a hat and selected at random by a third party. No money alternative will be offered. The winner’s name and county will be displayed in the next issue of CV Driver Magazine.

Winner’s details will be displayed in the September 2017 issue of CV Driver Magazine

30 cvdriver Summer 2017

himself facing a charge of causing death by dangerous driving. Stephen Clarke, was before the High Court in Glasgow after he had fallen asleep at the wheel of his Sprinter, which was sub-contracted to UK Express Logistics. He had left Coventry at 1.20am and

Say no to self-employment

fell asleep at the wheel when on the A74(M)

Playing your I cards right How many innocent people have to die before the Government does something about the scourge of what amounts to a modern-day bonded labour?

near Lockerbie. His van hit a car which was stopped on the hard shoulder. Driver Farzana Kousar was getting out of the vehicle’s passenger door when it was struck and she died.

So why do the drivers do it?

The reason is that they are often tricked into a modern form of bonded labour. They drive vans which they hire from their ‘employer’ at exorbitant rates (try £1,300 a month for a

see him most afternoons when I’m

via contractor Gills Transport Ltd, he was

Sprinter which you can lease directly from

walking the dog. There’s a passing space on one of the narrow country

regularly starting work at 2.30 am and ending his shift at between 7 and 8 pm.

Mercedes-Benz for about £1,000 or less) and are charged ridiculous amounts for

On the return leg of a run which had taken Mr Chaukria and his driver’s mate Ahron

spurious ‘damage’.

I know of one driver who scuffed a mirror.

lanes near where I live in remote West Wales and in the mid-afternoon it is usually

When it comes to drivers’ hours, breaking the rules is one thing and tyring to conceal “I know of one driver who scuffed a mirror. Replacement it is quite another... occupied by a Transit van bearing the livery

Ryan down to the West Country, he fell asleep

Replacement mirror covers for his van

of a well-known home delivery company. The driver is slumped exhausted across the seats,

at the wheel of his Mercedes-Benz Sprinter on the M5 after 16 hours of work and driving

can be obtained for £23, but his employer charged him £230. In fact, it appears that

dead to the world.

and collided with an artic parked on the hard

some business models are based on carrying

He, like thousands of others, is a small exploited cog in a very large machine. He’s a

shoulder. Mr Ryan was killed instantly.

Judge Michael Cullum said: “The hours

parcels at cost and making profit from subcontractors.

So, why do people do it?

Because, in the words of The Eagles’ song

mirror covers for his van can be obtained for £23, but his Hotel California: “You can check out any time, but you can never leave”. These companies employer charged him in £230” ome old hands the industry may still Traffic Commissioner a driver fix their accounting against system so you always who

S

owe them more than they owe you. Even

remember hearing of the pre-tachograph borrowedtaking another driver’s digital tachograph you were expected to drive were utterly a day off sick can see you fined £150. a market thatdays is pretty unregulated, irresponsible and it is obvious to me that to help Oncehim you’veget started for them, you in. can ofmuch drivers’ log tobooks and the card the hours an extent that it is not only unethical but also your employer bears a high degree of moral hardly afford to live but you cannot afford generally casual approach that was taken and his employer, who downright dangerous. responsibility for whatto happened. While thetodriver stop.

In June lastaccuracy. year, a Crown Court judge “You were trapped by a poorly paid job in Most people reading this have aof the TC, their both attended hearings inwill front questioned why a driver’s employer was not exceptionally tiring conditions and the hours Category C licence and hopefully will be able “Ithe should have got the NobelyouPrize for to drive were ludicrous.” were suitably apologetic received what also in dock when 31-year-old van driver were expected to find better work. But if and you know anyone Malkit Chaukria was jailed for causing death Chaukria was jailed for two years and four who is tempted by ‘self-employed’ van Fiction,” one old hand once joked to me. might appear to have been reasonable by dangerous driving. months. And this is not an isolated case. driving, do them a favour and talk them out Delivering white goods a supermarket, December, another van driver found of it. ■the driver who had loaned the The arrival offorthe tachograph,Last once branded punishment, as the ‘spy in the cab’ didn’t make things card chose not to engage with the Traffic much better.

Commissioner at all.

DVLA D4 Medicals There was2still an attitude that the biggest and MSA He has received what is in effect a lifetime Group (HGV/LGV/PCV/Taxi/Minibus/Trailer) crime was getting caught and pulling the fuse ban from professional driving – and this will to get home or get that extra load in was pretty only be reconsidered if he turns up in person Why pay more to obtain or renew your licence? much taken as an acceptable to explain himself to the TC. BOOK ONLINEmalpractice.

TODAY Indeed, oneofmanufacturer helpfully identified We’ve also seen a newly-appointed TC ban At one our multiple locations across the UK at: the fuse in question with a little blob of paint, an owner-driver for one year and suspend his www.GettingAMedical.co.uk which was officially an ‘anti-tamper’ measure!

O-licence for two year, after a single instance * When you book online, or £51 if you book by telephone on 0845 1221 828 Further promotional discounts are available - check out our website for “Rules details when you book online 5% discount for allyears, CVDriver readers, just enter the promotional code CVDRIVER12 For many the attitude was that are for2017 the obedience of fools, and the 30 Untitled-6 CVDriver March 1 22/08/2013 11:09 guidance of wise men,” as RAF fighter ace Douglas Bader once observed.

All that was before the introduction of the digital tachograph and things are different now, as highlighted by action taken by a self-employed delivery contractor working in

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there is no doubt that the boot is now on the driver’s foot when it comes to being empowered to put the employer straight

of using a magnet to jam a digital tachograph was detected.

So what questions are there here for drivers who might be tempted into bending the rules?

Who benefits from your law-breaking?

Is the reward for you enough for the risk to your livelihood, when all you are really doing is helping someone else get richer?

An employer whose O-licence is in peril will have no hesitation in blaming you as a ‘rogue driver’ if it allows him to keep his business intact. One of the tactics that is often used is for the employer to assure the TC that the offences won’t occur again because he has sacked the offending driver.

So, it’s clearly not worth the risk for personal gain.

While the driver shortage is much exaggerated, there is no doubt that the boot is now on the driver’s foot when it comes to being empowered to put the employer straight. To be blunt: he probably needs you more than you need him.

Then there are the unexpected occurrences which leave you stranded. The law does actually allow limited breaches of driving law for reasons of safety in unexpected circumstances, but you have to record these at the time to be able to use them as a defence.

What if they don’t apply to your case?

Well, if needs must, you could choose to break the hours regs, and take the consequences of being caught. But bear in mind that trying to cover up your misdemeanour (breaking the hours law) is a crime (creating a false record, or even perverting the course of justice).

So whatever you do, don’t do that!

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Working Scottish Trucks: Through the Lens by Ian Lawson Working Scottish Trucks is a photographic book bringing together 262 images of commercial vehicles spotted across some of the most scenic parts of Scotland. The beautiful landscapes offer a fantastic backdrop to the large range of haulage companies based in this rural, rugged and often difficult area.

ISBN: 9781910456972 Price: £19.95 / $32.95 The Writing’s on the Truck: The Tales and Photographs of a Traditional Signwriter by John Corah A pictorial look at the traditional art of signwriting on commercial vehicles, by renowned signwriter John Corah, containing 210 fully 32 cvdriver Summer 2017

captioned and previously unpublished photos of the vehicles he worked on ISBN: 9781910456996 Price: £19.95 / $32.95 Transporting Wind Turbines in Europe, Gertjan Houtman, (DVD) Nooteboom Trailers in Wijchen, in the Netherlands are the leading solution developers. This DVD looks at examples of these transport solutions. Showing the latest turbine and transportation technology, Transporting Wind Turbines in Europe is a must-have for heavy haulage and engineering enthusiasts.

ISBN: 9781910456729 Price: £17.95 / $27.95

compensation adviser Steven Hinchliffe Continuing his series of articles, solicitor Steven Hinchliffe (owner of the truckers’ “go to” Personal Injury specialists HINCHLIFFES SOLICITORS) highlights another type of accident suffered by professional drivers and their colleagues, where his firm has successfully secured compensation for the injured victim. See the “Latest News” blog link on the homepage of the firm’s website at www.hinchliffes.co.uk for all of his previous articles.

You do not need to be a professional driver to seek our help – anyone hurt in an accident (eg your family or friends) can contact us for advice.

CASE HISTORY How the accident happened In April 2006, an HGV driver travelling along a motorway had to slow down due to a queue of traffic ahead caused by roadworks. He had just stopped at the back of the queue when his vehicle was struck from behind by another lorry.

The injuries The driver suffered whiplash injuries to his neck and painful swelling and bruising to his right knee, leaving him unable to work for eight days following the accident.

How the claim progressed The driver contacted us three months after his accident and, having completed our contractual documents, we sent a formal letter detailing his claim for compensation to the other lorry driver’s insurance company. Having obtained

copies of the driver’s GP records, which clearly documented details of the accident circumstances and injuries he suffered, we forwarded the medical notes to an A&E consultant who could review them, carry out a medical examination of the driver, and provide us with a written report detailing his findings.

In October 2006, while the driver was waiting for his appointment with the medical expert, we received confirmation from the insurers that responsibility for the accident was accepted.

We then began to compile a schedule of the driver’s financial losses and in late November 2006 we received the medical expert’s report.

He noted that the driver had sustained injuries to both his knee and neck in the accident, leaving him unable to work for eight days and his opinion was that it had taken the driver eight weeks to fully recover from his injuries.

With the driver’s approval, we forwarded

the medical evidence and a schedule of his financial losses to the insurers and awaited their settlement offer, but received no response.

We then wrote to them formally with our client’s proposed terms for settlement, informing them that a failure to respond to us within the agreed timeframe would leave us no option but to commence Court proceedings against their insured driver.

By the middle of February 2007 with no response from the insurers to our proposal, we took steps to issue Court proceedings against the other driver. Unsurprisingly, just one week later we finally received a settlement offer from the insurers, which the driver was happy to accept.

The compensation recovered The driver accepted total compensation of £1,600.

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Find out if you are entitled to COMPENSATION speak to Steven Hinchliffe and his team NOW

Call 01684 580 900 // 0800 138 1348 or claim online www.hinchliffes.co.uk (mobile/device friendly website)

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product review

Trevor Gehlcken reports

Professional truckers need the best quality accessories for their work How many readers remember the old mantra from their dads: “Buy cheap, buy twice?” And how many of you – like me – ignored their parents and learned the hard way?

When it comes to tablet and mobile phone accessories, that mantra rings especially true. Anyone who has been lured by the cheap prices in tacky high street booths and motorway service stations will soon learn that the goods on offer are likely to fall to pieces in a surprisingly short time.

Professional truck drivers and van users need top quality goods – and that’s exactly what’s on offer with Ram Mount, the firm that supplies just about every accessory you can imagine – and a few more.

We were sent a couple of Ram Mount products for testing and were immediately impressed by their rugged quality. All the bits and pieces look as though they were designed to withstand a nuclear blast!

Ram Mount mobile phone dock for Samsung mobile phone The company sent us all the gubbins so that my Samsung phone could be positioned on the dash of my van, while being charged up at the same time.

It all looked a tad complicated for a start.

There was a rubber holder for the phone, an arm that swivelled in all directions, a suction pad, wires and a number of different screws and nuts and bolts.

Being a bloke, I immediately eschewed the printed instructions – but within a couple of minutes I had the unit all fixed in my current test van, a Fiat Talento.

As I also use a TomTom sat-nav in the centre of the screen, I placed the Ram Mount dock near the driver’s door, so it didn’t interfere with my forward vision – and it works a treat.

Before getting this device, I used to place my phone in various positions in the cab and invariably at the first sign of harsh braking, the phone slid off somewhere under the seat or another place out of sight.

Now it sits high and proud and I can see who’s calling me or texting me, although of

Above: Ram Mount’s phone dock sits high and proud without blocking the driver’s view Right: Ram Mount’s iPad holder

course I don’t actually take the call while on the move. I’m not that stupid.

The rubber sucker means you don’t have to damage the dashboard of the vehicle to install it and it also means it can be swapped between vehicles easily.

The quality is staggering. I noticed when I first opened the packaging that it displayed a “Proud to be made in the USA” slogan, complete with stars and stripes, and having been a resident of America for a short while back in the 1990s, I know full well that stuff made in the States is generally of superior quality – they simply don’t accept the shoddy stuff we seem to be happy with here in Great Britain.

So with my trusty phone dock now in place, l’m looking forward to a giood few years use from this oh-so-handy gadget. iPad case Many truckers and van drivers use an iPad or Android tablet during the course of their work nowadays and it’s all too easy for them to get

damaged during the hurly-burly of a busy working day. A smashed screen is something I suffered soon after I bought my first iPad as I had baulked at the idea of coughing up extra dosh for a case, having just forked out close on £400 for the damned thing!

And I soon discovered that strategy was false economy. You seen the prices Apple charges for repairs?!!!!

My current case, I have to rather shamefacedly admit, is one of those cheapies mentioned above from the tacky high street story. To be fair it’s OK for gentle usage that I give it, but absolutely nothing compared to the one I received from Ram Mount. This one’s a professional job built for rugged usage.

The Ram Mount device can then be plugged into a variety of docks for office or truck cab usage.

For details of these and other Ram Mount products, log on to: www.ram-mount.co.uk or call 01208 755 2881

Summer 2017 cvdriver 35

advice

Top tips for keeping your vehicles clean Solid advice from Jennychem Industrial Chemicals for cars, vans and trucks Invest in great equipment Always invest in good quality products and equipment in order to get the best results.

Substandard equipment and cleaning products will always result in substandard cleaning.

Use good quality cleaning solutions, cloths, wax, chamois cloths and so on.

Needless to say we offer a massive range of cleaning materials, tools, equipment and products which can be used to achieve the results you wish to achieve – a fantastic looking vehicle which looks great.

Protect yourself It is important to make sure your skin is protected when you clean your vehicle as more than likely you will be using chemical and other solutions in order to clean

your car. Use gloves so that your hands are protected as you go about cleaning your vehicle.

Many buckets make light work Use a new bucket for each part of the motor you are cleaning as you will only make your vehicle dirty if you use the same bucket with dirtied water from one part of the car and then use it for cleaning another – you simply end up spreading the muck.

To sponge or not to sponge?

Do not use sponges on your vehicles’ bodywork because they store dirt and grit and as you squeeze the sponge, this will stick to your bodywork and keep it dirty rather than cleaning it off.

Mirrors and glass Use synthetic chamois cloths in

order to avoid leaving streaks on your windows, glass and mirrors Brush your wheels For great looking wheels, use a brush with stiff bristles in order to get into the gaps in the tread in order to clear out the whole wheel.

Hands are often better Use your hands to wax a car and apply polish. This means that no streaks are left, there is an even distribution over your car and no damage is caused to the bodywork or paint work on your vehicle.

The difference between polishing and waxing There is a very real difference between polishing your vehicle and waxing your vehicle. As the

names, or rather the cleaning products suggest, waxing gives a barrier layer which protects the bodywork and paint work of your vehicle and polishing provides a glossy and shiny appearance to your car, making it gleam and shine.

Clean your car in the right place It is no good cleaning your car if it is set to rain that day or if it is very windy in autumn as both will cause your vehicle to stay dirty and you’ll end up fighting the elements.

Leaves and bits of debris will stick to your vehicle on windy autumnal days and on rainy days you will just have to finish cleaning halfway through your cleaning time.

Log on to: www.jennychem.com

Rea dy f or F ORS ?

Vision UK, the UK’s No1 supplier of vehicle vision systems, now offer three system packages specifically designed to meet the requirements of the different FORS levels and CLOCS scheme.

www.vision-uk.co.uk VISION-UK, 43 Westminster Chambers, Hunter Street, Chester CH1 2HR Tel: 0800 731 3316 Fax: 0800 731 3317 E-mail: info@vision-uk.co.uk

36 cvdriver Summer 2017

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38 cvdriver Summer 2017

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