TruckandTrackSpring2020

Truck and Track Spring 2020 www.truckandtrack.com 32 FTA NEWS With the government’s ambition to transition road transport to a zero-emission industry by 2050, we will soon start to see significant changes in the way trucks are powered. From full electrification, Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) to more advanced diesel models, there are several technologies paving the way for a low carbon future. But first, government must provide industry with workable definitions and universal parameters. In this article, Phil Lloyd, Head of Engineering & Vehicle Standards Policy at FTA will share an overview of the future of fuels. Ultra-low emission truck definition Thefirststepinthejourneytowardsalowemissionfuture,according to FTA, is for government to develop a definition of an Ultra-Low Fuelling the truck of the future By Phil Lloyd, Head of Engineering and Vehicle Standards Policy, FTA Tyre condition can have a significant impact on how safe a vehicle is to drive, in addition to affecting its fuel efficiency. That is why the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) strengthened the requirements for tyre condition compliance in 2019; a year earlier, MOT standards of tyres were also tightened. In this article Phil Lloyd, Head of Engineering and Vehicle Standards Policy at FTA, the only business group that represents all of logistics, explains how monitoring three key areas – tyre debris, tread depth, and pressure – is essential to keep your tyres on track. And remember, driving a vehicle with defective tyres could result in three penalty points per defective tyre on your licence. Tyre debris Most blow-outs – when the tyre rapidly deflates and/or disintegrates – can be attributed to debris in the tyre; that is why it is vital to check your tyres regularly. If you cannot see the whole of the tyre during an inspection, then with a gloved hand feel around the tyre tread and walls; it also worth using a mirror to increase visibility of those hard to reach spots. While it can be challenging to assess the inward face of a tyre, or the inside of twin tyres, it is very important to do so as there may be evidence of debris, or damage caused from debris. This is most likely to occur in vehicles used in construction; finding bricks lodged between twin tyres is commonplace and can be extremely dangerous to road users if not removed immediately. Tyre pressure Failure to correctly inflate tyres can result in anunsafe vehicle; it can also significantly decrease fuel efficiency. For example, operating a tyre that is 10% under inflated can increase fuel consumption by 1.5%. During services or safety inspections, tyre pressure should be assessed and, where necessary, set to either the manufacturer’s recommendations, or those specified for the vehicle. If you suspect the inflation of a tyre is incorrect, you should investigate this immediately. If DVSA discover you have been driving a vehicle displaying either a TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) light, or an alternative tyre pressure warning, they may take enforcement action against you. Tread depth The minimum legal tread depth for tyres on vans that are 3,500 kg design gross weight or less is 1.6mm, in a continuous band around the central three quarters of the tyre. Although the tread depth outside of the central three quarters of the tyre can be less than this, it is likely that in such cases the edge of the central three quarters will be at, or lower than, the required 1.6mm. However, if you are in doubt, or if you are running a vehicle with tyres close to the legal limit it is, in the opinion of FTA, best to get your maintenance provider, technician or tyre fitter to assess the tyres. Tyre condition has a significant impact on both the safety of a vehicle and its fuel efficiency; as such, it is vital to monitor tyre tread depth and pressure, while regularly checking for debris, to keep your tyres on track. Efficient logistics is vital to keep the UK trading, directly having an impact onmore than sevenmillion people employed in themaking, selling and moving of goods. With Brexit, technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. A champion and challenger, FTA speaks to government with one voice on behalf of the whole sector, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers The importance of tyre safety By Phil Lloyd, Head of Engineering and Vehicle Standards Policy, FTA Phil Lloyd LOADS MORE CUSTOMER SERVICE 01543 420 121 www.deker.co.uk