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Tip of the iceberg maybe ...... (long post)

  • Thread starter mikew
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mikew

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Coming back from the continent last week, I saw this article about HGV vehicle monitoring. Whilst it's not immediatley applicable to bikes, our company has just finished installing a very similiar system to all it's company vehicles, and several peeps have been "caught out" already. It makes me wonder about how soon before some bright spark (read car/bike hating MP (Ken Livingstone for example) ) starts to push something through Parliament via the back door.

Sorry if it's a bit long, but I found it interesting and the potential aspects of this a little worrying.
What do you all think ....

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Donald M. Armour, Manager - International Services, Freight Transport Association

For many decades road transport has proved to be by far the most efficient and cost effective means of moving the majority of freight from manufacturers to consumers and we consumers have become accustomed to the fantastic variety of goods available in the shops, whenever and wherever we want, as a result. Unfortunately with increased congestion on our roads the lorries and vans which distribute goods are being delayed by congestion, accidents and roadwork?s. Delays, in turn, disrupt delivery schedules and can cause problems in relation to drivers' hours rules. The result? Customer dissatisfaction, higher operating costs and perhaps even a need for additional vehicles in order to maintain the same level of service. So how can we ensure that we are still able to deliver the goods?

Recent technological developments have enabled transport companies to work smarter than ever before. The development of in-vehicle telematics has revolutionised the way in which driver and vehicle performance can be measured as well as the ability of roads and motorways to handle the traffic travelling along them.

The use of telematics can also signal when a vehicle or trailer is due for a service or if particular components need checking. Information on a vehicle's mechanical condition can be remotely downloaded as it passes a radio beacon in the yard and is then logged on an office computer system and action can be taken as necessary. It is also possible to monitor remotely the conditions inside vehicles, this is particularly useful for operators transporting chilled or frozen goods.

In addition to the benefits for vehicles and drivers, the implications for traffic management on a national and European level are widespread. Much traffic-oriented activity is underway at both national and European levels. Many towns and cities have already introduced telematics-based bus-priority schemes and variable message signs on main roads are increasingly able to advise drivers of traffic conditions ahead in almost real- time. Telematics devices can also aid enforcement of traffic regulations.

The European Commission has given the go-ahead for a new satellite network called Galileo which will be Europe's answer to the US developed GPS system and will greatly enhance the number of possible telematics applications. Meanwhile, various countries are also considering the revenue opportunities offered by the new technologies.

Many drivers will be aware of the Swiss lorry road user charge 'Heavy Vehicle Fee' system which was introduced in January 2001. The charge levied depends on the emissions category of the vehicle (Euro I, II or III etc), its maximum permitted weight (not the actual weight on a particular journey) and the distance it travels on the road network. Both Swiss and foreign lorries can be equipped with an on-board computer unit (OBU) which, using microwave technology, registers entry and exit from the country and allows the authorities to automatically send an invoice to the operator. Drivers of foreign vehicles may, alternatively, be issued with a vehicle- specific smart card which is swiped through the reader at border-crossings. The driver then manually inputs details such as odometer reading and the route he intends to follow. Non-account holders can pay by a variety of means at Customs Offices.

Germany looks set to become the next European country to introduce road tolling, on a similar basis to the Swiss model mentioned above. A consortium known as Toll Collect, comprising Daimler-Chrysler Mobility Services. Deutsche Telekom and French motorway operator Cofiroute has been confirmed as the Government's choice. A computer will store details of vehicle journeys on toll roads, calculate the fees automatically and transmit the data back to the system operators for invoicing. Drivers of unequipped vehicles will be able to either buy tickets for specific journeys from eurovignette-type machines located nearby, or register and pay via the internet. Enforcement will be by vehicle classification and registration number identification. (This is expected to begin on 1 August 2003. Average charges will be ..0.15 per km but different rates will be applied according to the number of axles and emissions category. All HGVs over 12 tonnes will be affected.)

Finally, the Nether lands is worth a mention if only because their scheme is, or was, the most adventurous of all. Put on hold after May's general election this year, the idea was to charge all vehicles for all distances on the entire Dutch road network. The GPS- based Kilometerheffing (or mileage tax) would have required installation of up to 8 million aBU's by 2006 after an initial roll- out date of 2004.

Following the 'polluter pays' principle, it was estimated that motorists would reach break-even point as compared with existing taxation at 18,000 kms driven p.a. Road tax would be abolished and vehicle purchase tax and fuel tax reduced. Given the move across the Member States to introduce road-user charging it seems likely that sooner or later the Dutch will join the party. Remember that the UK government are also planning a UK charging scheme, for 2006. That's a story for another occasion!

Telematics can provide a whole variety of benefits to operators:

Customers can be advised when their delivery is due, facilitating a Quicker drop for the vehicle -also if a driver has been delayed, the operator can adjust the schedule accordingly
Some systems alert the driver of congestion on the road ahead allowing for re-planning of deliveries and route. This may be done by a driver themselves using in-cab mapping facilities or via instructions, verbal or visual, sent by the traffic office
Vehicles can be advised of re-routing to pick up a late collection. Turn by turn directions can be transmitted to the driver to avoid getting lost. Vehicles straying off a pre-determined course can be detected -signalling that a vehicle may have been stolen and a driver may be in danger.
A reduction in accidents and improvement in fuel consumption via driver monitoring. Systems can indicate instances of speeding, over-revving and harsh braking Drivers abusing their position and taking extended breaks or making late starts can be identified.


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regards

Mike
 
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