RMA asks government to address effects of low cost imports on retread industry
Several representatives of the Retread Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the tyre industry have met with Department for Business ministers to discuss the impact of low-cost new tyres on the UK and European retreading industry, and its direct implications for employment in the retread tyre industry, the tyre recovery programme and the environment. The association said it would “press for urgent measures” to address what it argues is evidence of ‘dumping’.
MEPs urge EU Commission to get tough on emissions fraudsters
Emissions testing fraud should be investigated thoroughly and those responsible should face appropriate sanctions, said MEPs in a resolution passed on Tuesday 27 October. They said that the EU emissions testing system should be strengthened to ensure that EU emission limits are respected and that vehicles exceeding these limits are discovered quickly. They also recommended considering whether to establish an EU-level surveillance authority.
Research shows speed cameras responsible for bad driving
Using more than a billion miles of driving behaviour data, collected over three years (2011-2014), Wunelli, a LexisNexis company, has revealed the most frequent braking black spots across the UK created by speed cameras, based on motorists braking excessively just before speed cameras to avoid being caught. 80 per cent of all the UK speed cameras investigated had hard braking activity, with braking increasing six fold on average at these locations. Wunelli defines a hard braking event as a change in speed of 6.5+ mph over a one second time period, which is enough to propel a bag on the passenger seat into the footwell.
The Vehicle Identity Check (VIC) scheme that is required before repaired write-offs are allowed back on the road is to be abolished from 26 October 2015.
The Department for Transport (DfT) announced yesterday that the British government will set up its own inquiry into car emissions and testing. This will be done through the UK regulator Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), which is itself a division of the Department for Transport, and will work with OEMs.
6 part worn tyre retailers convicted in a week for sale of dangerous tyres
The sale of dangerous tyres to unsuspecting motorists has led to the conviction of six retailers of part worn tyres from the Brent and Harrow area of London within the space of a week. Top Tyres & Auto Parts Ltd (Wembley); Whitchurch Road Tyres (Harrow); Pinner Road Tyres Ltd (Harrow); Quick Car Repairs Ltd (Harrow); Mr Walazedeh trading as Harrow Tyres (Harrow); and 3D Tyres Ltd (Wembley) faced 36 charges of supplying unsafe tyres, not complying with the Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994. All six pleaded guilty and were ordered to pay a total of £18,009.40 in fines, including individual penalties for company directors, costs and victim surcharges.
A Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) member has successfully appealed via the First Tier Tax Tribunal against HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) imposition of unreasonable conditions, to obtain an excise duty Deferment Account Number (DAN) for Oil Products.
Car dealers urged to ensure GAP insurance rules compliance
The NFDA has urged dealers to ensure their compliance with new regulations governing the way in which Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) insurance is sold to consumers. Set out by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the new rules are due to come into effect on 1 September 2015. Dealers will be required to explain that customers must return to the dealership four days after purchasing their car if they want GAP insurance.
Intertek launches Portable Emissions Measurement System
Intertek Milton Keynes is among the first test laboratories in the UK to offer portable vehicle exhaust emission testing systems, enabling manufacturers to report “real world” driving emissions. Intertek said its Transportation Technologies laboratory has responded swiftly to changes in European exhaust emissions legislation by launching a service to deliver accurate on-road vehicle exhaust emissions testing and analysis.
The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI), which represents retail business across the automotive sector including franchised dealers and independent garages, added to the NTDAs objections its strong opposition to the proposed MOT change. The RMI believes the change could only harm the UK’s road safety record.
PRA welcomes Budget’s fuel duty freeze, ‘disappointed’ no cut
The Petrol Retailers’ Association has welcomed the chancellor’s Budget announcement that fuel duty will be frozen, while expressing disappointment that there was no cut. Brian Madderson, chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association comments: “The PRA has been lobbying Government and the Treasury on the subject of fuel duty, so it is good news to hear the chancellor’s announcement.
NTDA to challenge MOT changes on ‘road safety’ grounds
The NTDA plans to challenge at the consultation phase the UK government’s proposal to extend from three to four years the deadline for a new car’s first MOT. Chancellor George Osborne announced today that the Government is exploring the options, with the proposed changes to become part of the government’s forthcoming Motoring Service Strategy.
Regulation changes approach as TRA, tyre associations issue rallying cry
The Tyre Recovery Association’s (TRA) Recycling Day, a one-day conference and dinner organised in partnership with the Retread Manufacturers Association, was held at the Ardencote Manor, Warwickshire on Friday, 19 June. Attended by representatives of the tyre and waste recycling industries, the conference included presentations covering the key themes of regulations and enforcement, best practise and innovation, and common causes and issues facing the industry. The unity of the various trade bodies struck a particularly strong note throughout the day, not just through the joint organisation of the event between the Retread Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the TRA, but with strong backing given to the event by association directors representing the whole of the UK tyre industry. The Recycling Day also marked an occasion for celebration, as the TRA celebrated its tenth anniversary.
On Tuesday 30 June, Road Haulage Association chief executive Richard Burnett made the trip to Calais to witness for himself the appalling conditions under which UK hauliers are currently operating. “This action will have a massive effect on the UK economy as a whole and is putting the livelihood and lives of hundreds of hauliers at risk”, said Richard Burnett.
FTA urges chancellor ‘not to renege’ on fuel tax promise
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has called on the chancellor to freeze or cut fuel duty ahead of Wednesday’s FairFuelUK event at the House of Commons. Chief executive David Wells has written to George Osborne asking him not to renege on his promise to hold current levels until September.
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