ASDA has just signed up to the voluntary scheme to measure and reduce carbon emissions specifically from lorries and vans. The Freight Transport Association’s (FTA) Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme (LCRS) represents around 50,000 commercial vehicles run by 55+ businesses and ASDA’s signing is seen as a major step forward in the scheme.

ASDA will supply fuel usage, fleet and activity data along with the other 55 businesses in the LCRS, to try and paint an accurate picture of the carbon emissions impact of the logistics sector. The UK has carbon emission targets that commit us to actual cuts in carbon emissions, however the aim of the LCRS focusses on producing less carbon per unit of resource of activity by sharing best practise and learning from all companies across the logistics sector.

Areas of progress to date include driver fuel efficiency training, use of biofuels and increases in vehicle carrying capacities. As fuel accounts for around 40% of all the costs of running a truck or van fleet, this seems a great idea to help all commercial vehicle operators reduce costs and their carbon emission footprint.

The scheme is still open to FTA members and non-members, so if you run a fleet of commercial vehicles and want to find out further information, or join (it’s free of charge), then visit the FTA carbon reduction website.

A new satellite navigation unit has been designed specifically for lorries making it possible for trucks to avoid narrow roads, low bridges and unsuitable routes. The new unit, the TomTom GO 7000 truck navigation solution, is available from the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and costs £379 plus VAT or the SD car on its own costs £139 plus VAT.

All drivers have to do is enter their vehicle’s weight and dimensions and the unit will then provide information on clearance heights, speed restrictions and other problematic obstacles. Driver’s can also make corrections to their map with a map share function and the sat-nav solution can be adapted to suit a variety of different size vehicles.

Lorries from 1960

For British lorry enthusiasts, a nostalgic new book has been launched, by author Malcolm Bobbitt and Veloce Publishing, taking you back to the 1960′s. The book is a highly visual study of British lorries built during the 1960′s and has 120 colour and black and white images.

Malcolm Bobbitt has a well published interest in motor transport and is the author of thirty books, with subjects ranging from Bubblecars and Microcars, Motorhomes and British Police Vehicles, plus features on Citroen, Fiat, Rolls-Royce and Volkswagen.

The books costs £14.99 and is available in most UK bookshops or via www.veloce.co.uk

Bedford OB

Put the date of the 16th August 2009, at the Vauxhall Heritage Centre, in your diary if you fancy a fun day out for all the family.  Tim Wootton, the organiser behind the OB Get-Together is hoping to get a record number of OB buses and coaches together to mark the 70th anniversary of one of the most iconic vehicles of the 20th century. Twenty seven OBs have already signed up to the event.

“There are 73 known survivors” Tim said ” And we want as many of them as possible to turn up -although obviously not all of them are on the road. To see one OB is special, but to see several together is truly something else”.

The OB Get-Together will form the centrepiece of an open day at the Vauxhall Heritage Centre. Classic vehicle owners are being encouraged to just drop in and not only OB buses will be on show. The organisers are hoping for many classic vehicles to turn up including bikes, cars, vans, lorries and of course the OB buses. The Heritage Centre can be accessed via Park Street, via the GM UK staff car park entrance and will be open on the day between 10am until 4.30pm.

As well as the many OBs and other classics on show there will be several trade stands and autojumble pitches plus refreshments will be available. Full details can be accessed via www.bedfordob.com