Stamping out counterfeit driving licenses – Swannells – Warehousing Cambridgeshire

Local Buzz Marketing Uncategorized May 23, 2017 0 Comment

The number of people who have fallen victim to identity theft last year rose 57% from the previous year, according to the most recent figures. The annual cost of fraud in the UK is around £190bn – amounting to nearly £3,000 per person in the UK.

While the UK finance industry is making moved to attempt to stamp out fraud by developing secure verification software such as voice biometrics, other industries have been slower to respond, including the transport industry.

Driving licenses are regularly used as a means of identification and the DVLA could and should be doing more to tackle the growing number of illegal drivers on the roads, some of which hold counterfeit driving licenses. Whilst it is difficult to put a precise number on the problem, as there is no data available on the number of counterfeit driving licenses in circulation. You only have to search Google to find a number of UK and overseas websites who are prepared to sell you fake driving licenses, as well as other ID documents.

A Great Threat – Swannells – Warehousing Cambridgeshire

According to License Check Ltd, counterfeit driving licenses pose a great risk to fleet operators, deliver companies and almost any organisation that requires employees to drive. Managing Director of License Check Ltd, Richard Brown, had this to say: “Ensuring an employee holds a valid driving licence is one of the required checks that organisations should carry out, in order to address their Duty of Care obligation. If such basic checks do not take place, employers (including senior management) may be criminally liable for any deaths or serious injury that occur as a result of a road traffic accident, involving an employee who is driving on company business.

“Whilst many organisations are prioritising driver compliance, some fleet managers with a small number of vehicles, simply take a copy of an employee’s driving licence, without undertaking any further checks. This is worthless, especially when a counterfeit licence can be quickly and easily purchased online.

Warehousing Cambridgeshire, warehousing companies in cambridgeshire

Warehousing Cambridgeshire – Swannells

He continued: “The simple answer is for the DVLA to supply third party licence checking providers with more data. For example, each driving licence carries a Unique Identifier (generated by the card manufacturer) which is a unique reference etched into a Driving Licence. If the DVLA made the Unique Identifier available to licence checking providers, an enhanced check could be carried out and lost, stolen or forged cards could easily be flagged up and withdrawn from circulation.

Swannells Transport – Warehousing Cambridgeshire

Thank you for reading the latest news form Swannells Transport. For more information on our warehousing services, get in touch with us today.

Clean Air Policy – Swannells – Warehousing Companies in Cambridgeshire

Local Buzz Marketing Latest news May 11, 2017warehousing companies in cambridgeshire

Trading conditions on British high streets could be more difficult for businesses following the announcement of the government’s plans on air quality, according to the Freight Transport Association (FTA).

The plan fails to give any clarity or certainty over what will happen, but it could result in diesel vehicles being restricted in 38 cities and towns across the UK. The FTA, says these kinds of restrictions could potentially directly penalise operators who are providing vital goods and services to businesses and consumers. The FTA also say that high street prices could increase to cover the costs of transportation.

Swannells – Warehousing Companies in Cambridgeshire

Christopher Snelling, Head of National and Regional Policy of the FTA, had this to say: “At a time when British businesses, particularly sole traders and SMEs, are under intense financial pressure, a clean air plan that will penalise vital logistics operators and prevent them from reaching customers in our towns and cities would be a massive blow,”

He continued: “With hardworking families already feeling the strain caused by rising inflation and continued economic uncertainty about Brexit, the announcement will increase the pressure on small businesses and the high street, the backbone of the UK’s trading environment.

Warehousing Companies in Cambridgeshire – Swannells

He continued: “Truck and van users will be furious when they see how the Government is targeting commercial vehicles in its proposals. The latest generation of HGVs are the cleanest vehicles on the road but also the most expensive. The real problem is 12 million diesel cars yet there is nothing in the Consultation to support commercial vehicle users through these changes. This is another example of politics getting in the way of progress.”

Under the new plan, which was announced on the 5th May, vans older than just 2 and a half years, as well as lorries older than 5 years, will be charged a fee every day for entering a Clean Air Zone. According to the FTA’s Van Excellence Report 2016, there are currently more tan 4 million vans on Britains roads.

Swannells – Warehousing Companies in Cambridgeshire

Thank you for reading the latest news from Swannells Transport. For more information on our services, including our warehousing and general haulage, contact us today.

UK Roads not ready for autonomous HGVs – Swannells – Warehousing Huntingdon

Local Buzz Marketing Latest news April 19, 2017warehousing huntingdon

There’s no doubt that one day autonomous HGVs will have a place in the haulage and freight industry, but according to a report carried out by the Road Haulage Association (RHA), roads all across the UK are nowhere near ready for autonomous HGVs.

The government published a report claiming that “an early example of CAV (connected and autonomous vehicles) close to deployment.”

The report also stated that “HGVs may be one of the first that will take the advantage of CAV technologies because, if you are an operator, you have an interest in pence per mile rates and you can benefit in fuel economy platooning”

But the majority in the industry recognise that there will be a number of challenges if these plans are to go ahead, especially as you would still need to have a driver at the wheel along with the autonomous vehicle, does this mean you pay them less as they are not driving?

The RHA released a statement saying that the idea of CAV is being treated with caution.

Swannells – Warehousing Huntingdon

Before we see autonomous vehicles involved in the haulage industry, it is clear that serious change is needed for UK roads. While manual drivers have years of experience and are now used to the road conditions, autonomous vehicles may have only been tested on well layered, even roads.

Before the government looks to invest further into autonomous vehicles in the UK, the majority of the haulage industry recognises that the more serious issue is the state of the roads in the UK, and it is an issue that continues to hold the industry back. Once the roads have been sorted, then the government can look to invest further in autonomous vehicles.

Swannells – Warehousing Huntingdon

Thank you for reading the latest news from Swannells Transport. For more information on our warehousing services, get in touch with us today via the contact us page.

Our New Scania

Local Buzz Marketing Latest news March 30, 2017

Here at Swannells Transport, we’re proud to announce we have added a new vehicle to our fleet.

Our new truck is a new generation Scania R520 model with a V8 engine and is one of the first in the country.

Like any job, the right working environment can improve efficiency levels as well as job satisfaction, which is something we take into consideration.

When talking about the new purchase, Andrew Swannell said: “We are lucky; our drivers are loyal and take great pride in their vehicles. They are like our extended family and we want to give them a great working environment where they continue to enjoy their job. With the Next Generation Scania, we have just that, you can tell the interior has been designed with the driver’s needs and comfort in mind,”

Here’s a couple of photos of our new truck:

10,000 haulage firms on ‘red list’ – Swannells – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

Local Buzz Marketing Latest news March 15, 2017haulage companies in huntingdon

Around 10,000 haulage firms are on a ‘red list’ because of the threat they pose to other road users, according to the body that enforces lorry safety in Britain.

The list represents one in eight transport companies and is used by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to target enforcement.

Swannells Transport – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

According to the DVSA, the hauliers are failing to ensure adequate maintenance and safety or to monitor drivers’ hours. The body went on to say that the sanctions for repeatedly flouting the rules are inadequate.

Gareth Llewellyn, DVSA chief executive said that the regulatory system was ‘ripe for review’.

Transport companies with vehicles that weigh 3.5 tonnes of more need an operator license, which carries obligations to ensure vehicles are safe, road worthy and regularly inspected.

The DVSA enforces the regulations through roadside spot checks. During 2015, almost 30,000 were checked at the roadside or companies premises, and nearly 9,000 were served with prohibition notices.

Impound Vehicles – Swannells Transport – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

Depending on how severe the defect, a vehicle is immobilised until repaired or the operator is given a deadline to get it fixed.

The DVSA scores operators on the likelihood their vehicles will be operating, with a green, amber or red rating.

Mr Llewellyn said: “Where we believe there is something of imminent impact for the public, we will impound that vehicle – it is about making sure those things that are really posing a risk to the public are taken out very quickly.”

But Chris Snelling from the Freight Transport Association, said the red list in itself was not an indicator of the industry’s safety record, but of the capability of the DVSA to undertake enforcement.

He went on to say if safety standards across the industry rose, he would anticipate the DVSA would still maintain a red list of 10,000 lower-performing operators.

Swannells Transport – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

Thank you for reading the latest news from Swannells Transport, for more information on any of our services, get in touch with us today.

Lack of Investment To Blame For Poor Road Conditions – Swannells – Warehousing Huntingdon

Local Buzz Marketing Uncategorized March 2, 2017warehousing huntingdon

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) have displayed their disappointed to the claim from Local Government Association (LGA)’s stating that freight transport is to blame for the poor condition of the roads in the UK. The FTA have instead pointed the blame on the lack of investment that infrastructure in the UK receives. The FTA have called on the government to reverse the downturn in spending on local infrastructure.

Swannells – Warehousing Huntingdon

Head of Policy at the FTA, Chris Snelling said:“Freight levels on our roads are still not back to the pre-recession totals of 2006,”

He continued: “so the LGA’s assertion that HGVs are solely responsible for the increased number of potholes on Britain’s roads is incorrect. It also indicates a clear lack of understanding of the impact of freight vehicles. Larger lorries do not cause increased damage to the road surface – in fact, they have more axles which spread payloads more evenly. When combined with road-friendly twin tyres and road-friendly suspension, this reduces the impact of road usage by lorries. Moving to a greater number of smaller vehicles would not ease the problem, but would simply compound the impact on an already weakened infrastructure.

“For the LGA to make this sort of statement, instead of discussing the issue with the freight industry, is simply a cheap attempt to make headlines and pass over responsibility for an issue which sits in their remit. The real issue is the need for increased funding from central government to address the potholes problem nationwide. Local authorities are facing large bills – one-off costs of approximately £69 million* per council – to bring their roads up to a reasonable condition. If local authorities are not able to spend enough to do this now, then FTA wants to work with LGA in securing more support from national government to address the problem.

“The transportation of essential goods on our roads is crucial to the continued health of the economy, and to claim that lorries are the cause of the potholes across the country is simply not true. We call on the government to make a significant investment to ensure that British business can keep moving smoothly, without potholes.”

Swannells – Warehousing Huntingdon

Thank you for reading the latest news from Swannells Transport. For more information on any of our services, including our warehousing, get in touch with us today.

Diesel Cars in London – Swannells – Warehousing Huntingdon

Local Buzz Marketing Latest news February 14, 2017warehousing huntingdon

London’s air is so polluted that motorists should be given up to £3,500 to persuade them to get rid of their old diesel vehicles and replace them with more environmentally friendly vehicles, according to Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London.

The nitrogen dioxide that is emitted by diesel cars is a key contributor to London’s poor air quality, which is so bad that City Hall now advises the public to avoid leaving the house unnecessarily on the worst-affected days.

The Mayor of London is urging the government to introduce a scrappage scheme, costing around half a billion pounds, that would offer incentives to low-income households and businesses to scrap their older vehicles.

Kahn would also like to see the car tax redesigned so that it no longer gives drivers an incentive to choose a diesel car. “The toxic state of our air leaves us with no choice but to rid our city of the most polluting diesel vehicles. It is shocking that nearly half of new car sales in the UK are still diesel vehicles and the national system of vehicle excise duty still incentivises motorists to buy these polluting cars,” Khan said.

“I’m urging the government to immediately review this policy, and today I’ve delivered a detailed report on how it can deliver an effective national diesel scrappage fund. One that both fairly compensates motorists and rapidly helps clean up our filthy air.

Air pollution is thought to cause around 50,000 early deaths every year while costing £27.5bn to try and maintain. Last April it was called a ‘public health emergency’ by MPs.

Under the mayor’s proposed scheme, van drivers in London would be given up to £3,500 towards the cost of a cleaner model, and low-income households could receive a credit worth £2,000 that they could use on alternative transport, such as joining a car pool, or on a new vehicle.

Swannells – Warehousing Huntingdon

Thank you for reading the latest news from Swannells Transport. For more information on any of our services, get in touch with us today. Like us on Facebook to keep to date with our blog.

Seize Phones Used Illegally By Drivers – Swannells – Haulage Companies in Cambridgeshire

Local Buzz Marketing Uncategorized January 31, 2017haulage comapanies in cambridgeshire

Campaigners say a blunt and brutal measure may be needed after 8,000 people are caught using their mobile phone while driving in one week.

Police could be given the power to take mobile phones away from anyone caught using it illegally on the roads, according to the Police Federation.

Constable Jayne Willetts said the measure could act as a deterrent.

“As technology is rapidly progressing, I fear our legislation is already behind the times,” she said.

“Is the seizure of mobile phones or their Sim cards – along with an education system – the way forward, combined with fines? I don’t know, but it’s a question worth asking.”

The idea comes after figures reveal a record umber of drivers were caught using their phones in a week-long police crackdown on illegal phone use while driving.

Swannells Transport – Haulage Companies in Cambridgeshire

7,966 fixed penalty notices were handed out during the week-long crackdown back in November – the highest figure yet for a week-long crackdown on ‘distraction driving’

The previous three initiatives were in May 2015 were 2,690 fixed penalties were handed out, September 2015 were 2,276 fixed penalties were handed out and May 2016, were 2,323 penalties were handed out. Since then the figure has grown at an alarming rate.

The director of the RAC Foundation, Steve Gooding has called for a ‘blunt and brutal’ measure might be needed in order to tackle the problem.

“It would be a massive step to give police the power to mete out summary justice in this way.

“But with far too many people still flouting the law maybe it will take something as blunt and brutal as ‘you use it, you lose it’, to get the message across.”

Transport Minister, Andrew Jones has said before that he wants to make using a phone while driving just as socially unacceptable as drink-driving.

Swannells Transport – Haulage Companies in Cambridgeshire

Swannells – Haulage Companies in Cambridgeshire

Thank you for reading the latest news from Swannells Transport. For more information on any of our services, get in touch with us today.

£1.2bn Funding for Roads – Swannells – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

Local Buzz Marketing Uncategorized January 18, 2017haulage companies in huntingdon

Andrew Jones, Transport Minister announces funding to improve roads, cut congestion and improve journey times. The funding includes money from the new National Productivity Investment Fund, announced in the Autumn Statement and the Pothole Action Fund.

Swannells Transport – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

The £1.2bn includes £75m which councils are able to bid for, in order to repair and maintain local infrastructures such as bridges, street lighting and rural roads.

Since the announcement of the funding, the government has also published further information on what it will be spent on – the latest step in the economic plan to stimulate the economy and build a country that works for everyone.

A key part of his is putting in place improves transport links including better roads, to help people access work, school and services.

Transport Minister, Andrew Jones had this to say: “The funding we have allocated today is focused on relieving congestion and providing important upgrades to ensure our roads are fit for the future – helping to build an economy that works for everyone.”

In an attempt to reduce the number of potholes, the Department for Transport will begin a new innovative trail, working together with Thurrock and York Councils which could completely change the way in which potholes are identified and managed.

A pothole-spotter system, mounted to refuse collection vehicles, comprising of high-definition cameras, integrated navigation system and intelligent software will be deployed to help identify any potential road surface problems before they become potholes.

The Department for Transport (DfL) has also announced it will support plans for a new motorway junction on the M11, near Harlow in Essex. This will help ensure the delivery of 15,000 homes and support continued growth in the local economy.

The new junction will be called Junction 7A, and it will sit just to the north of Harlow and should make journeys to Stagnated and Cambridge much easier.

Swannells – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon

Thank you for reading the latest news from Swannells Transport. For more information on any of our services, get in touch with us today.

Delivering This Winter – Swannells Transport – Warehousing Cambridgeshire

Local Buzz Marketing Latest news January 5, 2017warehousing cambridgeshire

The New Year means that winter is well underway, with the official start of winter being the 21st December. The Freight Transport Association (FTA) is supporting Highways England’s winter road safety campaign which this year highlights the dangers of driving in the rain and encouraging drivers to slow down during inclement weather conditions.

Swannells Transport – Warehousing Cambridgeshire

At this time of year, attention is often concentrated on the disruption caused by snow and ice, whereas statistics say driving in the rain, with wet roads and poor visibility, actually poses a greater threat. 85% of road traffic incidents in bad weather take place in the rain and almost 100 times more road deaths occur in rain compared with snow and ice. One reason for this is that the danger of driving in the rain are often underestimated by drivers.

However, snow and ice and other types of severe weather also pose problems for transport operators who are particularly busy at this time of year delivering the goods everyone needs.

FTA’s Head of Road Network Policy, Malcolm Bingham said: “It’s important to be prepared for all types of weather at this time of year, and FTA has a suite of products and services designed to help and advise road users. We work closely with the national highway authorities and the Met Office to communicate vital weather information and provide a traffic information service which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to ensure that vital amber and red winter weather alerts are passed on to members as they are issued.”

Swannells – Warehousing Cambridgeshire

Swannells Transport – Warehousing Cambridgeshire

Thank you for reading the latest news from Swannells Transport. We provide a range of different services including general haulage, hazardous freight, we are also BRC qualified and on top of all of that, we are able to meet your warehousing needs. For more information on any of our services, get in touch with us today.