Transport Engineer : July 2008 Contents

4 Comment
One part problem, two parts solution. The part played by politicians was amply demonstrated last month by the disappointingly dismissive, though not unexpected, response of UK transport secretary Ruth Kelly to a painstaking study by TRL (formerly the Transport Research Laboratory) into longer, heavier vehicles (page 5). “This study shows that super-lorries are not compatible with British roads,” said Ms Kelly, suggesting to us that she either needs to read the report with a good deal more care or perhaps have its contents explained to her more clearly and objectively. In fact, the authoritative report’s most persuasive point in favour of longer, heavier vehicles is that they offer a net reduction in fuel consumption and exhaust emissions of between eight and 28 per cent, depending on size and type of vehicle. When a transport secretary dismisses such findings so lightly, using emotive, misleading terms such as “super-lorry”, it is hardly surprising that politicians, sadly, are increasingly seen as part of the problem rather than part of the solution.

4 Letters
From Sibcas fleet engineer Iain MacLeod of Bathgate on the M1RTE registration plate; and from Roger Denniss of Lorry Logic, Repton, Derbyshire on the top-down method of keeping wheelnuts secure.

5 News
Painstaking study into longer vehicles gets short shrift from transport minister. End of the road for most Cat truck engines. UK in the Euro-dock over driving hours checks. More acquisitions on the cards as Cinven buys Jost.

10 Versatility above all at Paignton wastes-management show finale
John Dickson-Simpson joins the transport managers and fleet engineers assessing vehicles and equipment on display at this year’s CIWM exhibition.

13 Engineering tippers to weather the perfect economic storm
With house construction on its knees, the outlook is bleak for tipper operators and suppliers. But engineers at this year’s Tip-Ex show at Harrogate were rising cheerfully to the challenge. David Wilcox reports

18 Life on the rebound
Shock horror. The dampers fitted as original equipment on your brand-new truck may not be quite as top-notch as the truck-maker would have you believe. David Wilcox investigates.

20 All in the family
Sister companies Volvo Trucks and Renault Trucks have been unveiling their latest tractive units. Tim Blakemore and David Wilcox report on how the Volvo FH/FM and Renault Magnum shape up.

25 Equipping the operation
Green options for white-van man. Mercedes sets out its environment-friendly stall. Who says trailers are bound to lag behind? Schhmitz Cargobull unveils €9.5 million test centre.

28 People and jobs

31 Events diary