Survey suggests three-quarters of Brits would welcome ‘noise cameras’
The subject of noise cameras is back in the news again, with further rollouts expected across the country after a successful trial in the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea. And according to research conducted by used car buying service, ChooseMyCar.com it’s a move that would be welcomed by most UK drivers. In a study published earlier this year, seven in ten Brits (71 per cent) said they support speed cameras having noise detectors to catch and fine illegally noisy vehicles in cities, whilst more than two thirds (67 per cent) support this in rural areas.
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No shortage of advice for new PM
Following Prime Minster Rishi Sunak’s Cabinet reshuffle, on Wednesday 26 October, NFDA has written to the new Secretary of States for key Cabinet positions, highlighting the principal challenges the automotive industry is currently facing. Sue Robinson, chief executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) which represents car and commercial retailers in the UK commented: “NFDA is the leading figure for automotive retailers in the UK and it is important we maintain our close relationship with Government in order to effectively voice the issues affecting our members. Reaching out to Government’s new ministers, highlighting the key issues currently impacting our sector, will give us a head start in addressing these issues and levelling up our industry.”
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UK AFCAR calls for effective implementation of ‘positive’ block exemption proposals
The UK Alliance for the Freedom of Car Repair (UK AFCAR) has welcomed the new Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Order (MV-BEO) proposals but has called for effective implementation of the proposals. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is recommending to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Jacob Rees-Mogg, that the retained Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations (MV-BER) should be replaced by a MV-BEO, which should remain in place until 31 May 2029.
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‘Stronger together’ – tyre and aftermarket sector gathers for 2022 Tyre Industry Conference
The Tyre Industry Conference 2022 has opened at The Vox Conference Centre, Birmingham. The National Tyre Distributors Association’s annual event, sponsored this year by wholesaler GB Tyres and Indian tyre brand JK Tyre, is presenting tyre business delegates with a stimulating programme of presentations tackling the biggest questions facing different sectors of the distribution chain; from the newest innovations in tyres for electric vehicles to the key issues affecting tyre recovery and recycling. Stefan Hay, NTDA chief executive, set the tone of the event with his opening address, calling for a collaborative effort from the industry to tackle pressing issues, such as the skills shortage and efforts to decarbonise and promote the circular economy. Meanwhile, Simon Wright used his first conference address as NTDA national chairman to pay tribute to his predecessor Martin O’Brien as “a master of the round and black,” and to celebrate the association’s success in promoting tyre technician training and accreditation, with “around 2000 commercial tyre technicians” going through its newest scheme.
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MOT tester gets eight-month suspended sentence for 31 fraudulent MOT tests
An MOT tester has received an eight-month suspended custodial sentence for issuing 31 MOT certificates without carrying out the tests, at Taunton Crown Court on 26 August 2022. He was also banned from MOT testing for five years by DVSA.
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DVSA clarifies categorisation of motorcycle tyre defects
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has updated the wording relating to its categorisation of motorcycle tyre defects. The associated document, published on 22 August 2022, governs how vehicle defects found during roadside inspections or vehicle tests are categorised and what action will be taken when theyre found. In short, treads near the limit are now subject to inspection notices. The updated wording takes effect on 1 September 2022.
Continue Reading NFDA ‘concern’ over London Mayor’s Emissions Zone plans
The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) has responded to the Mayor of London’s consultation, expressing concern around his proposed plans to extend the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) in August 2023.
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H2Accelerate collaboration backs hydrogen trucks as zero emissions solution
The H2Accelerate collaboration has published a new white paper in support of the use of hydrogen in long-haul trucking, based on focus group discussions with truck end-users and logistics providers. The paper sets out the conclusions of a series of focus groups with companies such as Amazon, Nestle Waters, DB Schenker, and Kuehne-Nagel, who have the potential to drive significant market demand for hydrogen trucks and the growth of the sector.
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Black box now mandatory on new vehicles in EU
New vehicles sold in the EU are now required to have various items of new equipment installed; among the most important is a black box, similar to that installed in aircraft. With the progress of homologations relating to constantly developing driving aids this new measure has been enacted in EU law. Thus, from 6 July 2022, all new vehicles are to be equipped with a black box that which will record various types of data during phases of driving; acceleration, speed, braking, seat belt use and the use of headlights and turn signals will be archived in the system for one minute. The black box joins a number of other connected systems that new cars are required to fit to maintain safety standards, among them tyre pressure monitoring systems.
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‘Ministers do not understand how fuel prices are set’ – PRA
The Petrol Retailers Association is feeling aggrieved at what it considers as unjust and inaccurate criticism of its members from those in Government. Gordon Balmer, executive director of the PRA, explained his members’ feelings thus: “The briefings provided by Government spokespeople to the media indicate that Ministers do not understand how fuel prices are set. We have contacted the Secretary of State for BEIS on multiple occasions offering to meet and explain fuel pricing. However, we are yet to receive a response.
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UK 5p fuel duty cut passed on in full, but Exchequer gets 2p extra since Spring Statement
Commenting on recent rises in the price of fuel, Gordon Balmer, executive director of the Petrol Retailers Association, said: “Despite all fuel retailers passing on the 5p cut in fuel duty after the Spring Statement, wholesale fuel prices have continued to rise. This has resulted in a tightening of margins for petrol retailers, while the Exchequer has benefitted from substantially higher VAT receipts. For every 10p that the price rises, the Chancellor claims back an extra 2p in VAT.
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ZC Rubber excluded from EU tyre tariff annulment since first ruling didn’t apply
The Zhongce Rubber Group (ZC Rubber) was excluded from the list of applicable companies in the European Courts of Justice’s 4 May 2022 ruling annulling import tariffs against truck tyres produced in China. Reading the small print of the ruling reveals why. The initial ruling didn’t completely apply to ZC Rubber and so action against it couldn’t be annulled. In other words, the latest anti-dumping annulment is inadmissible for ZC Rubber, because nothing was applied in the first place.
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Chinese truck tyre tariffs annulled
Anti-dumping and anti-subsidy tariffs imposed against Chinese-produced truck tyres in 2018 must be annulled, according to a judgement published by the European Court of Justice on 4 May 2022. Tyres & Accessories understands that the verdict can be appealed between now and July, but unless that appeal is successful, the annulment of anti-dumping tariffs against Chinese-produced truck tyres will result in increased imports and sales of those products.
Continue Reading Reduction in plug-in grant to adversely affect EV uptake – NFDA
The Government has announced a number of changes to the Plug-in Car Grant (PICG), the Plug-in Van Grant (PIVG) and the Plug in Motorcycle Grant (PIMG) rates and eligibility criteria. The new terms apply from 07:00 on Wednesday 15 December 2021. The Government has temporarily suspended the grant portal as we transition to the new rates.
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Biennial MOT testing ‘not the correct solution’ – NFDA NI
NFDA Northern Ireland has responded to Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure’s consultation on proposals to carry out MOT tests every two years. Sue Robinson, NFDA NI chief executive said that moving to biennial testing “is not the correct solution to the issues currently facing the NI Testing Scheme.” She said that the solution to current capacity issues should not come “at the expense of road safety.” The proposals were put forward earlier this year with the region’s MOT testing capacity struggling to keep pace with demand.
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