News

Last Sunday's episode of Top Gear was discussed in depth on the forums even before it aired - and after transmission, the programme's coverage of trucks and truck driving was the subject of further postings. Most seem to feel that on the whole the programme was sympathetic to the difficulties of driving an LGV, and made some good points aimed at car drivers  on the problems of manoeuvring such vehicles.

Many forum members point out that, first and foremost, Top Gear is an entertainment show, not a serious motoring news show - a lot of the comments dismiss the programme as a bit of a laugh. However, a few drivers are unhappy with the way they were portrayed. It would be interesting to hear more views on this: was the episode good for the industry?

Continuing the theme of 'trucks in the media', News of the World columnist Carole Malone has made a couple of comments that have bought her to the attention of the forum users. In her column she claims she was over taken by a articulated truck weighing 10 tonnes and doing 90mph. To say her statement has been greeted with a little  scepticism on the forums is to put it mildly. Apart from comments about Malone's journalistic talents and ability to research, others wonder which model of truck it was and who the trailer manufacturer was, as many would be only too happy to find an artic and trailer combination that weighed just 10 tonnes empty.

Tyres are an issue this week for the owner-drivers on TruckNet UK. Is it worth buying cheaper, lesser-known brands - or should you stick with the brand leaders? Opinion seems fairly mixed on this. Some owners will only buy the best while others will go solely on price. No one manufacturer seems to have the monopoly on good or bad - although plenty of scare stories about tyres are posted in the thread.