GLOVE-BOX GUIDE
A roll-on-roll-off freight service between Swansea and Cork could be back in place by the beginning of 2009, says the commercial manager of the Port of Cork.
Captain Michael McCarthy says that he is in talks with two Irish operators, which are keen to restart the service, which ended a year ago when the operator sold the vessel used to run the route. Port of Cork and Associated British Ports, which operates Swansea, are keen to re-start the service.
The European Parliament has been criticised by green lobbyists for falling into line with every demand by car makers over proposed fuel efficiency improvements.
Kerstin Meyer of Transport & Environment said, "The industry committee wants loopholes so wide you could drive a gas-guzzling SUV through them. If their proposals go unchecked by their colleagues in the environment committee, and EU environment ministers, the legislation will be almost completely meaningless."
Toyota will invest an additional €80 million (£65 million) in its European Technical Centre located in Zaventem, Belgium – the first step in a two-phase expansion plan that will initially create 250 new jobs.
Starting in 2009, the Toyota Technical Centre
Safety experts are concerned that car makers are not providing electronic stability control on cars bought by younger people, who are most likely to have accidents.
Whilst the fitment ratings inside highlight an improving picture this year, there is still concern, particularly on smaller cars where Thatcham's ratings show that only 5 'supermini' models from the 43 rated have ESC fitted as standard.
Thatcham’s contribution to improving vehicle safety is globally renowned.
Now the insurer funded centre’s work has received official European recognition from the vehicle safety organisation Euro NCAP, that Thatcham have been selected as the first official testing house for their forthcoming rear impact (whiplash) ratings programme.
Representatives from the motorcycle industry met Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick, to press the industry’s case for a six month delay to the introduction of new test procedures scheduled for the end of this month.
The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI), the Motorcycle Rider Training Association (MRTA) and Riders Edge (Harley-Davidson rider training) were backed by the Institute of Advanced Motorists, the Motorcycle Action Group and the British Motorcyclists Federation. Concerns are centred on the road safety risks to novice riders who in many cases will be forced to ride long distances in order to take a motorcycle test. There is also a strong business case to delay implementation of the new test.