Driving Safe this Summer

admin Uncategorized June 28, 2022Driving Tips, Road Trip, Safer Driving, Summer Driving 0 Comment

Driving in the heat can be dangerous, very hot weather can hinder your vehicle and your ability to drive safely. Here are some things that you can do to stay safe on the roads this summer:

Travel earlier or later in the day:

During the summer, the hottest part of the day will be between the hours of 10 am and 5 pm. Try to schedule your travel time before or after those hours. It will keep you cool, keep you out of the main traffic and will reduce stress.

Prepare for road congestion:

With many people going on holiday, there will be more cars on the road and it will lead to heavy congestion. Make sure you have snacks and cold water In the car in case of long wait times. It’s extremely important to keep hydrated.

Inspect your car:

– Tires

Heat causes air in your tires to expand. If there is too much pressure, your tires can blow out. Prevent this from happening by checking the tread and pressure before setting off.

– Coolant System

The pressure caps, hoses, belts, and radiator should all appear in good condition with no cracks or obvious wear. Make sure there are no leaks.

– Fluid Levels

Make sure your coolant levels are adequate before you leave, and take along some extra coolant and oil if you have room.

Wear Sunglasses:

Wearing sunglasses when you are behind the wheel for a summer road trip is a smart and easy way to protect your eyes from potential ultraviolet (UV) damage. Wearing sunglasses limits the impact of sun glare, which occurs when the sun’s strong rays reflect off other vehicles’ windshields or mirrors, road signs, building windows, and other smooth, reflective surfaces.

If you wear prescription glasses, consider purchasing a pair of prescription sunglasses or investing in transition lenses that automatically adjust depending on the light.

Windscreens:

Dazzle from the sun causes lots of accidents but you can reduce the effect by keeping your windscreen nice and clean, and by replacing worn or damaged windscreen wipers.

Consider Summer Allergies:

In England alone, around 10 million people live with hay fever – a condition that makes driving very difficult.

Hay fever tablets are known to have side effects such as blurred vision and drowsiness, which can impair a person’s ability to drive. Therefore, make sure to check the label of your medication before taking it – especially if you’ll be driving shortly afterwards.

Safe Driving:

Hot weather simply puts a higher load on your vehicle, so pushing it to drive at high speeds can wear it down even further. Drive the speed limit to reduce the wear on your vehicle and practice safe driving habits simultaneously.

Improved Roadworks Information – Swannells – Warehousing Huntingdon

admin Latest news July 26, 2016warehousing huntingdon

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) believe that the first 6 months of 2016 has been good for the transport industry and were quick to praise Highways England for the positive work that they have done. However, the FTA would like to see a better flow of information on forthcoming roadworks so that operators are able to plan ahead.

Long Term Certainty – Swannells – Warehousing Huntingdon

FTA’s comments followed publication of the Office of Rail and Road’s (ORR) first annual assessment of Highways England’s performance and delivery of its investment plan, covering the period from April 2015 to March 2016.

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FTA has supported the long-term certainty of £11.4 billion of funding for roads investment, of which around £2 billion is being related to 2015-16. Having said that, freight operators need the certainty of reliable information on the works that go to improving the road network to allow them to plan ahead better.

£1 Per Minute – Swannells – Warehousing Huntingdon

Unreliable journeys are disastrous for operators and can end up costing them around £1 per minute for each vehicle standing still in congestion and that cost has to be reduced by the industry. More certainty of plans going forward will provide the industry with important information and allow companies to make educated decisions on how they operate their fleets as these investments in the network are made.

FTA’s Head of Road Network Management Policy, Malcolm Bingham said: “It is good to see that Highways England has made a positive start within its first year. We can see that satisfaction in the performance of the network will improve if motorists and businesses are better informed as to how the road system will operate.”

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Freight Delivers The Summer – Swannells – Warehousing Cambridgeshire

admin Latest news July 13, 2016warehousing cambridgeshire

If you were to look out of your window you would probably have to remind yourself that we actually approaching the middle of July.

Freight Delivers The Tennis – Swannells Transport – Warehousing Cambridgeshire

However, luckily, the rain managed to stay well clear of the Wimbledon men’s single final this weekend. And whilst Andy Murray was celebrating winning the title for the second time, logistics operators were celebrating too. Another successful year for the industry as the supplied the tournament with around 27,000 kilos of strawberries and 7,000 litres of cream, not to mention the less important things such as the balls, nets and bottles of water.

Freight Delivers The Football – Swannells Transport – Warehousing Cambridgeshire

In case you have been living in a cave all weekend, it was also the final of Euro 2016. Portugal ran out 1-0 winners in their match against the hosts France. However, Portugal’s win wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the transport and logistics industry. The industry delivered everything from goal posts to burgers.

Ballymena-based company – Blair International were responsible for transporting all the Northern Ireland team’s equipment to its training camp in France and then back again after they were eliminated by Wales.

FTA’s Had of National and Regional Policy, Christopher Snelling, had this to say about the impact the freight industry had on this summers sporting events: “This summer’s sports tournaments are a fantastic illustration of how logistics delivers absolutely everything, from the smallest tennis ball to the enormous replica trophy that appeared on the pitch at the end of the Euro 2016 final.

“The importance of logistics to the supply chain cannot be underestimated. Sun lotion, flip-flops, ice cream, beach towels – all the summer essentials reach us thanks to logistics. Without it, the shops would be empty and our cupboards would be bare.”

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Freight on The Thames – Swannells – Warehousing Cambridgeshire

admin Latest news June 27, 2016warehousing cambridgeshire

The possibility of moving freight on the Thames will be the subject of a free conference which will be held by Freight on Water next month. The conference will provide delegates with all the latest information regarding water freight services in the Thames region and set out FTA proposals to improve market conditions for such a crucial sector. The free conference will take place on the 6^th July on board PS Elizabethan, boarding at Butler’ Wharf Pier, Shad Thames, London.

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Freight by Water, which is run by the Freight Transport Association, is the UK’s official Short Sea Promotion Centre which has worked since it was created back in 2003, to enhance the use of short sea, costal shipping and inland waterways for the freight industry. Freight by Water has developed a diverse collection of stakeholders, including all the major UK ports.

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Freight by Water, which is chaired by Alex Beitch, FTA’s Head of Global Policy said: “The Thames is a key part of London’s transport infrastructure. While water freight traffic has increased in recent years, there is room for further growth. Our event will set out how planners, public authorities, shippers and operators can work together to develop water freight services, which in turn will help manage London’s traffic congestion problems.”

What will be discussed:

– Water Freight in London by the Port of London Authority

– TfL’s role in the water freight sector

– Freight by Water Policy Report

– Getting an operators perspective by Gerry Heward of Wood, Hall & Heward Ltd, Vice Chair of Freight by Water

– The London Construction Link

– Development of Freight by Water

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LGV Driver Apprenticeship Funding – Swannells – Warehousing Huntingdon

admin Latest news June 15, 2016warehousing cambridgeshire, warehousing huntingdon

The news that a funding cap for the Supply Chain and Logistics LGV Standard, has been agreed and has been welcomed by the Freight Transport Association, who have described the agreement as a “step in right direction.”

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The news that there would be a funding allocation for LGV Driver Apprenticeships was made via a letter from David Sampson of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

The FTA added that they were pleased that common sense had prevailed, with the Government allowing the logistics sector to include license acquisition training within the funding allocation for the Trailblazer LGV Driver Apprenticeship.

The FTA’s Skill Policy Manager, Sally Gilson, had this to say about the funding: “Although the funding cap is lower than we hoped for, this is still a positive step by Government to help the industry grow the HGV drivers of the future. This will enable companies to capture a younger driver and gain funding for the licence acquisition training that will make apprenticeships a viable training solution.”

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Previously, there had been a lack of clarity from the Government which led to considerable lobbying by the logistics sector; this decision has been welcomed by the industry as it now has an official funding route.

Sally Gilson went on to add: “Now that businesses have this confirmation, they can prepare for the introduction of the levy and work with training providers to start their Apprenticeship Schemes.

“With the announcement of the Apprenticeship Levy last summer, it was crucial that industry had a usable LGV Driver Apprenticeship. This is excellent news and will finally provide a funded route for driver training.”

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‘Let’s get the economy moving’ – Warehousing Huntingdon – Swannells Transport

admin Latest news June 1, 2016warehousing huntingdon

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) have stated that they have plans to write to Northern Ireland’s newly-appointed Infrastructure Minister to highlight key projects which are a priority for the logistics industry.

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On May 25th, Chris Hazard MLA was named as the Minister for the Department of Infrastructure, combining many of the responsibilities previously managed by the now defunct Department of Environment (DOE) and Department for Regional Development (DRD).

The DOE had ben responsible for road safety, roadside enforcement, vehicle testing, operator licensing and driver licensing. The DRD looked after road infrastructure, sustainability and public transport.

FTA’s Policy and Membership Manager for Northern Ireland, Seamus Leheny said: “FTA is pleased that all the transport-related departments in NI are now under the one department and Minister, meaning greater coherence between everything transport-related in local government.”

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Mr. Leheny stated that the FTA would write to the new Minister two outline two key priorities:

The Upgrades of the A6 Belfast to L’Derry road and the York Street Interchange in Belfast.
Protect compliant commercial goods vehicle operators and improve road safety through targeted and consistent enforcement by the Driver & Vehicle Agency and the Transport Regulation Unit.

Other transport matters which could arise during the new Minister’s term include the potential sale of Belfast Harbour and the development of new vehicle test centres. The FTA are keen to talk to the Minister about both of the matters.

Mr. Leheny added to his statement by saying: “FTA looks forward to working with Minister Hazzard and the newly-appointed Infrastructure Committee and continuing to be the voice of the transport industry at the Northern Ireland Assembly.”

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Prescription Drugs and Driving – Swannells – Warehousing Cambridgeshire

admin Latest news May 17, 2016warehousing cambridge, warehousing huntingdon

Drug driving prosecutions reached an all-time high last year, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) says that all motorists need to be made aware of laws regarding prescription drugs.

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Many drivers are aware of the drink driving limits but no so many drivers are aware of the changes to in law in England and Wales on medications including diazepam and tamazepam. Limits have been introduced for 8 commonly-prescriped drugs and anyone whose driving could possibly be impaired through exceeding the limit may face prosecution.

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The penalty for drug driving is the same as drake driving in England and Wales, which results in an automatic ban for at least a year, a fine and in some cases six months in prison. In December 2014, lower alcohol limits were introduced in Scotland so it’s important that you are aware of the changes.

A report was conducted by confused.com, the comparison website. The report highlights a 144% increase in drug driving prosecutions in 2015, while one in every eight motorists admitted to feeling affected by prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies, for example, hay fever tablets.

Key Updates – Swannells – Warehousing Cambridgeshire

To help all motorists on the road, Shopfta have produced a poster which contains all the relevant information to ensure that you are safe behind the wheel. The poster includes the following key updates:

The Road Traffic Act England and Wales

• New Scottish drink driving limits

• New drug driving laws and roadside testing

• Methods and time scales for drug detection

• Advice on prescription drugs use in the workplace

if you’re interested on buying a poster, click here.

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Working with freight industry – Swannells – Warehousing Cambridgeshire

admin Latest news May 9, 2016

Today is the day that London elects its new Mayor and Assembly, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) says that working in partnership with the logistics industry will make for a stronger, safer and cleaner capital city.

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FTA’s Freight Manifesto for London highlights a number of key issues such as airport expansion, HGV regulations and delivery restrictions, the Ultra-Low Emission Zone and road infrastructure. On top of this it also closely examines housing in light of the aspiration to build 60,000 new homes every year. The FTA have calculated that to build just one house, you need atlas 34 commercial vehicles.

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FTA’s Head of National & Regional Policy and Public Affairs, Christopher Snelling said: “It’s really important that the Mayoral candidates take into account the role of logistics and freight in the operating of London.

“We would like the new London Mayor and Assembly to work with the logistics industry. Our Manifesto sets out how we can help to deliver a stronger London, a cleaner London but also a safer London. These things can be done but they are best done through intelligently working together, not through simplistic measures that just make good headlines.”

Swannells Transport – Warehousing Cambridgeshire

London requires over 350,000 tonnes of goods to be supplied by lorry each day, and this is just for the city to operate efficiently. That works out at around 15,000 tonnes picked up or dropped off every hour, or 250 tonnes every minutes. And that figure excludes vans and other modes.

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Freight Industry Delivers EVERYTHING! – Swannells Transport – Warehousing Cambridgeshire

admin Latest news April 26, 2016warehousig cambridge, warehousing, warehousing cambridgeshire

Did you know, it takes around 400 vans to deliver all the toilet roll used by Londoners everyday, and 23 articulated lorries just to transport all of the baked beans – just two small examples of why the freight industry is so important to our capital.

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The Freight Transport Association (FTA) have release their Freight Manifesto for the London mayoral elections on May 5th. The Manifesto highlights the importance of keeping the city moving, building a stronger economy, safer roads as well as looking to reduce pollution. The FTA believe that the London Mayor and London Assembly need to attenuate to work with the logistics industry to achieve these objectives in an ever-growing city where over 90% of good are moved by road.

Warehousing Cambridgeshire – Swannells

Around 360,000 tonnes of goods – everything from coffee to cars – are delivered to London by lorry everyday. That works out ay around 250 tonnes every minute, without taking into account deliveries by van, rail and other methods.

Swannells Transport – Warehousing Cambridgeshire

Karen Dee, Director of Policy at FTA, had this to say: “Reforming night-time delivery restrictions in London would have a huge impact, not only on the volume of HGVs on the roads at busy times but also on air quality and safety.

She continued:

“Increasing air freight capacity, improving connectivity with new river crossings, incentivising the use of trucks with reduced blind spots and avoiding peak-time lorry bans would all contribute to a more prosperous, cleaner and safer London. FTA is keen to engage with the new Mayor and London Assembly on behalf of its members to ensure logistics is high on their agendas.”

Members of the FTA actually operate more than half of the UK lorry fleet and consign over 90% of rail freight and 70% of exports which are done by sea or air.

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New ‘smart’ junctions on M25 – Swannells – Warehousing Cambridgeshire

admin Latest news April 13, 2016warehousing cambridge, warehousing cambridgeshire

A number of ‘smart’ junctions are set to be introduced in a multi-million pounds bid to cut severe congestion on the M25.

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Traffic lights will be linked up to other parts of the road network in the effort to prevent motorists grinding to a halt at the peak times on the UK’s busiest motorway.

A new hi-tech system would feed traffic information to the traffic lights at junction on the motorway. Therefore, if the motorway is getting too busy, the lights can be changed to hold back traffic for different lengths of time.

Highways England believed that the synchronised signalling will mean that they will be able to respond to traffic build ups more effectively.

The plan is set to be introduced later on in the year, the Times reported.

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The plan should mean that vehicles will be able to flow quicker at quiet times – though they may be held at junctions when the M25 is gridlocked.

Swannells – Warehousing Cambridgeshire

President of the AA, Edmund Kind told the Times: “Frankly there are too many junctions on the M25 and lots of the problems are caused by ‘junction hoppers’ who come on and off in the space of one junction and cause a domino effect when they brake.

he then continues to say: “It needs to be managed much more efficiently and hopefully this will help things.”

The introduction of the smart junctions is part of a £150 million plan to try and ease congestion and improve traffic lows on motorways and major A-roads across the country.

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