MWheels to discuss unchanged CV wheel inspection law with DfT, DVSA
MWheels will meet with the Department for Transport (DfT) and DVSA to understand why the EU Roadworthiness Directive, and its section on CV wheels, has not been incorporated in UK law. The DfT’s draft Heavy Goods Vehicle Inspection Manual, due to come into force from 20 May 2018, shows “no major changes” to section 06, Road Wheels and Hubs. This is despite the British firm’s eight-year campaign, which saw major input in both Periodic (2014/45/EU) and Roadside (2014/47/EU) documents. Both were expected to be fully adopted by all 27 Member States as part of the EU’s drive to create standardised inspection procedures.
European Parliament acknowledges that access to in-car data is ‘essential’
The European Parliament overwhelmingly supported the adoption of the Own Initiative Report by Istvan Ujhelyi on Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems.
Tyre association ETRMA has added its voice to that of the 633 MEPs that supported the request for the European Commission to publish a legislative initiative to guarantee fair, unrestricted and in real time access to in-vehicle data, before the end of the year.
Chancellor’s tax relief for cleanest vans requires further detail – KPMG
The chancellor of the exchequer, Phillip Hammond, has announced a reduction in tax for the cleanest vans in his Spring Statement. Introducing the measure, he said the government wanted to “help the great British white van driver go green.” Analyst KPMG responded that more detail is needed to allow vehicle manufacturers to develop products to take advantage of the tax reduction.
German cities will be allowed to ban older diesel vehicles from some areas following a landmark court ruling. The Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig said the cities of Stuttgart and Duesseldorf could legally ban older, more polluting diesel cars from zones worst affected by pollution.
Best practice guidelines on ASA ruling to be discussed at next VRA meeting
Best practice guidelines covering how to handle the recent Advertising Standards Authority ruling on previous business use cars will form the core of the next meeting of the Vehicle Remarketing Association. Taking place on 22 March at CD Auction Group in Corby, it will include a detailed presentation on the subject by Jonathan Butler of leading legal firm, Geldards, as well as member reports of how they are managing the issue.
Brake Engineering applauds decision to maintain MOT frequency
Brake Engineering, one of the aftermarket’s leading braking specialists, has applauded the government’s decision to maintain the current MOT frequency, with a vehicle’s first test taking place at three years and then one year thereafter.
CAM’s online tool helps customers become GDPR ready
In fewer than four months, the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will become active, presenting businesses with a number of requirements related to the way they process data. Ahead of the 25 May 2018 deadline, systems provider CAM is introducing a dedicated GDPR online tool created by specialist lawyers to help customers prepare fully for “the seismic changes the legislation will generate.”
Goodyear fined US$69k for Georgia factory safety violations
Goodyear Tire and Rubber has been fined $69,058 for alleged safety hazards at its facility in Social Circle, Georgia, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported. The fines were issued in late January.
The news that commercial vehicle tyre registration took effect on 1 February has been met with lots of questions from inside the trade. At the most panicked end of the spectrum, some wholesalers fear that all Chinese-produced truck tyres could end up being subject to at least a 30 per cent levy.
On 1 February the European Commission began implementing regulation (EU) 2018/163, making imports of new and retreaded commercial vehicle tyres originating from China subject to registration. The news follows the initiation of anti-dumping proceedings on 11 August 2017 and anti-subsidy proceedings on 14 October 2017.
PRA calls for investment in charging infrastructure
The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) is calling for government to offer grants to retailers for investment into charging infrastructure, following news that the Automated and Electric Vehicles (A&EV) Bill has passed its third reading in the House of Commons.
Petlas aims to increase car and truck tyre sales with factory investments
Already a market leader in the agricultural tyre segment in the North Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe, Turkish tyre manufacturer Petlas is now aiming to increase its passenger car and truck tyre sales figures in the years to come. To this end, the firm reports that it made a series of investments in its passenger car tyre production during 2017.
IAAF and FIGIEFA delighted with provisional Type-Approval legislation
The IAAF and FIGIEFA have welcomed the news that crucial provisions on the OBD connector and access to RMI have been included in the proposed EU legislation on Vehicle Type-Approval Regulation, signifying a huge step forward for the aftermarket regarding access to in-vehicle data.
Liability of rogue tyre recovery operators increases
Measures announced in the Autumn Budget this week to increase the liability of illegal waste site operators have been welcomed by the Tyre Recovery Association (TRA). As of 1 April 2018, sites operating without the relevant environmental disposal permit, and those knowingly facilitating illegal waste disposal, will be liable to pay Landfill Tax and face fines amounting to an additional 100 per cent of the tax’s value. Operators of illegal sites will remain liable to criminal prosecution.
On Wednesday 15 November, the Driven consortium was given the chance to showcase its ground-breaking technology for the benefit of the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer at Number 10 Downing Street. This was as part of an event held by the government to launch a series of measures to support the continued growth and success of the UK’s world-class tech sector.
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