The UK government has threatened to tax haulage businesses and beneficiaries to fund a driver shortage fix if they don’t do it soon – but is this the best solution for an industry already under pressure?
New requirements recently introduced by the Driving Standards Agency (DVSA) have been somewhat overlooked by many operators – according to the industry experts. The new rules have been in force since January however, there has been concern the rules have been introduced “under the radar” of many operators.
The Driving Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) today announced they are trialing new equipment that will enable them to remotely download tachograph data from the roadside as the vehicles travel.
Commercial vehicle built in the UK factories grew by 64.4% in June, with the numbers produced surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
Petrol companies are profiting double the amount than they were in 2019 and triple the amount they were before the first Covid lockdown, research suggests.
The Irish Government has also heard “ambitious” proposals to exceed decarbonising targets in the sector by 2030 can only be met if fuel tax is cut and hauliers are incentivised to transition to greener technology.
Since March, the UK haulage market has felt the pain of soaring fuel costs. Driven by the surge in the price of oil, propelled by global factors such as the war in Ukraine as well as increased global demand.
Komatsu and Cummins have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the development of zero-emissions haulage equipment. Building on a legacy of diesel engine partnership across a wide variety of mining and construction equipment, Cummins and Komatsu will initially focus on zero emissions power technologies including hydrogen fuel cell solutions for large mining haul truck applications.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) says the government should consider extending the suspension of the HGV road user levy, as rising inflation maintains pressure on hauliers.
