We have more news on yesterday’s fuel protest in London, with comment from the co-organiser as well as some of the hauliers who took part. From direct action to strike action: union Unite says “the dispute still exists” between workers at Grangemouth oil refinery and the refinery’s owner, Ineos; perhaps this is why the DfT is canvassing Scottish hauliers’ views as to whether drivers’ hours rules should be relaxed for fuel delivery drivers.
Some interesting vehicle developments as well today: Hino is pushing ahead with further additions to its 500 Series range, including a 7.5-tonner, while supporters of longer, heavier vehicles (LHVs) say they will continue to fight for on-road trials of the concept in the UK.
Over in the blogs, BigLorryBlog hits countries in three continents – looking at truck manufacturing in Iran, an old bonneted LP 1418 Mercedes tractor in Australia, and FedEx’s commercial hybrid truck fleet in North America.