Did you know that having non-compliant signage could lead to extensive fines, prison sentences, personal injuries or even loss of life? Signage, especially in an emergency, is vital to help people remain safe and is an important element of the health and safety ethos in every business.
Roads spending, Brexit caution, business rate relief in spring Budget
UK chancellor of the exchequer Philip Hammond’s spring Budget contained the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) upgraded growth forecasts for 2017, while predicting lower – but rising – figures for the years following the assumed activation of Article 50 as the country leaves the European Union. The government also confirmed an extra £690 million will be added to the £1.3 billion announced in autumn to improve transport networks in urban areas. In other transport news, the freeze on fuel duty has been retained.
Institute of the Motor Industry presents motorist-supporting Budget ‘wishlist’
Steve Nash, CEO of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), has presented UK chancellor of the exchequer Philip Hammond with his ‘wishlist’ for next week’s Spring Budget. Top of the list is a request for the Chancellor to do more to encourage motorists to adopt new technologies – rather than penalising motorists driving the ‘wrong’ cars.
The UK’s largest manufacturer of aftermarket emissions components, Klarius Products, has become one of the first businesses in the UK to achieve ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality systems. The new standard replaces ISO 9001:2008 as of September 2018, with companies required to attain the new standard before this date to ensure compliancy.
23% of motorists say increased penalties will not affect mobile use at the wheel
Under new legislation, motorists who have had their licences for less than two years will be banned if they use their device just once and penalties for all drivers caught using their handset in the car are doubling. However, research from Goodyear Tyres UK has shockingly revealed that almost a quarter (23 per cent) of motorists said the risk of being prosecuted would not affect their mobile phone use behind the wheel.
‘Filling stations should be included in rates concessions’ – PRA
There are continuing suggestions from government sources that small businesses, especially those embracing ‘hospitality’, will be given concessions on their business rates liability in the March Budget.
Following the US International Trade Commission (ITC)’s decision not to place import tariffs on China truck tyres, Chinese officials have welcomed the news. The ITC determination was made on 22 February 2017 on the basis that tyres from China “did not materially injure or threaten to damage the US industry”, and that no anti-dumping or countervailing duties would be imposed on those products.
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) says that proposals to extend the MOT test from three years to four for newer vehicles are “fraught with danger.” With proposals to extend the frequency of MOTs currently at the consultation stage, the IAAF is highlighting the dangers involved and the risks that could threaten driver safety.
IAAF chief executive defends current MOT timings on BBC Radio 4
The IAAF’s chief executive Wendy Williamson told the Radio 4 You and Yours consumer programme that proposals to extend the MOT test from three years to four for newer vehicles are fraught with danger. With the proposals to extend the frequency of MOTs currently at the consultation stage, the IAAF is highlighting the dangers involved and the risks that threaten driver safety.
Motorists want stricter penalties for dangerous drivers
A survey by IAM RoadSmart shows road users want the law to be far stricter on those who cause death and serious injury when driving. The survey of nearly 2,000 road users found nearly 80 per cent agreed there should be a new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving.
Some 56 per cent of those who agreed said the maximum penalty should be between one and five years in prison; 44 per cent went further and felt the maximum penalty should be more than five years.
EU retains aluminium wheel duties – China feels unfairly blamed
The European Commission has chosen to maintain the 22.3 per cent anti-dumping duty applied to aluminium wheels imported from the Peoples’ Republic of China, a decision that has been criticised by Chinese authorities.
Global survey finds three-quarters of drivers use mobiles at the wheel
A global survey from LeasePlan – one of the world’s largest vehicle management groups – reveals that nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) of drivers admit to using their mobile phone behind the wheel, one-fifth (20 per cent) claim to send text messages and almost one-in-ten (9 per cent) admit to using social media.
RMI lobbying for competitive vehicle repair and maintenance
RMI Bodyshops (NAB & VBRA) has written to a select group of MEP´s requesting support in improving the legal framework for competitive repair and maintenance of automotive vehicles.
Jason Moseley, director of RMI Bodyshops commented: “We believe that the legal framework for competitive Repair and Maintenance Information needs improving. We have written to MEPs and also asked our members to get involved and write to their committee MEPs, so there is a very strong and aligned message sent from the body repair sector.”
NTDA: change to MOT frequency ‘unnecessary and ill advised’
The National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) has reaffirmed its opposition to the DfT’s plans to extend the first MOT test from 3 to 4 years. The NTDA was the first trade association to respond to then Chancellor George Osbourne’s initial proposal back on 8 July 2015.
MWSD invests £100,000 in fitting service equipment
Motor Wheel Service Distribution (MWSD) has invested over £100,000 in fitting cages as the company expands its complete tyre and wheel fitting service to meet growing customer demand.
The Ahcon Safety Inflation Cages, which brings MWSD’s annual fitting capacity up to 100,000 units, are computer-controlled with the automated operation ensuring accurate, safe inflation up to the exact tyre pressure specified by the manufacturer.
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