Fixed penalties for transport offences are introduced here

Driver and Vehicle Agency officers here will now be able to issue fixed penalties to non-compliant drivers. The move is part of a concerted effort by DVA to promote greater compliance by road freight operators

Environment Minister Edwin Poots says the new powers will speed up the whole process without tying up the courts in expensive legal proceedings.

"They will hit non-compliant drivers and operators where it hurts - in the pocket. And of course those who comply with the law won't be affected."

Enforcement officers from the DVA can issue fixed penalties for some offences in respect of cars, lorries, vans, buses and taxis; operators accumulating fixed penalties and having defect or prohibition notices issued for defective vehicles, may find that their licence to operate is suspended or revoked altogether.

Depending on the nature of the offence, a driver found to be non compliant with proper requirements can be offered a fixed penalty instead of being prosecuted through the courts. These offences include mechanical defects, overloading, driver's hours and record keeping, failing to wear a taxi driver's badge, and failing to display a taxi roof sign.

Some of these offences may also attract penalty points. However, if an offender has committed an offence that will take them over the limit for penalty points (ie where they may be disqualified from driving) a fixed penalty cannot be offered and they will be prosecuted in court.

The fixed penalties will initially be £30 for a non-endorsable offence and £60 for an endorsable offence. However, it is envisaged that additional legislative powers will be introduced in 2011 to enable offenders to be penalised according to the type and severity of offences.

The introduction of fixed penalties is part of a major drive by DVA to change the behaviour of non-compliant drivers and operators. For example, any fixed penalties applied will be taken into account when the Agency is considering whether to suspend or revoke goods vehicle or operator licences where operators are convicted of offences involving the roadworthiness of lorries, speeding, overloading, drivers hours offences or other transport offences.

Logistics, Haulage, Trucking, Road Transport, Shipping News - Export & Freight

Hauliers Face Losing Licences NEW

The DoE's Transport Regulation Unit has revealed it is investigating 15 local haulage companies over illegal practices, including the use of laundered fuel.

‘More Hauliers Than Ever Using Illegal Fuel’

'More Hauliers Than Ever Using Illegal Fuel'

Environment minister Alex Attwood says he's been told by the Road Haulage Association that they believe up to 50% of hauliers are now using illegal fuel.

Brian Weatherley explores the new Volvo FM at CV show

British auto journalist Brian Weatherley went to the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, UK, to find out what makes the new Volvo FM so special.

DVA Chief Dies in Tragic Accident

Stanley Duncan, Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern Ireland has died after falling into the sea near Portstewart harbour in County Londonderry.

Record Tonnages For Belfast Harbour

Record Tonnages for Belfast Harbour

Belfast Harbour has reported that trade handled by the Port during 2012 rose to a record 19.6m tonnes, up 11% on the previous year.

Commercial diesel rebate - a step in the right direction says FTA Ireland

Following the recent announcement from the Republic's Minister for Finance Michael Noonan regarding the granting of a commercial diesel rebate, FTA Ireland has welcomed the statement, saying that it is a step in the right direction for freight operators.

RHA Join Fuel Duty Campaigners

The Road Haulage Association recently joined fuel campaigners at the Palace of Westminster to tell MPs, face to face, about the hardship being forced upon their constituents as a result of high fuel prices.

Mercedes Benz Actros 'A Premium Long Distance Truck'

World Premiere for New Volvo FH

The world premiere of Volvo's new FH has just taken place - and Export & Freight's Garfield Harrison has flown to Gothenburg to see it being exclusively unveiled to an international gathering of journalists.

Untitled Fears of More Closures after Target Express Ceases Trading

Fears of More Closures after Target Express Ceases Trading

Fears are growing of more haulage companies here having to close in the wake of the demise of Target Express, one of the industry's most high profile haulage companies; it ceased trading after negotiations with the Revenue Commissioners in the Republic broke down.

Target Express Ceases Trading After Tax Demands

One of the industry's most high profile haulage companies has ceased trading after negotiations with the Revenue Commissioners in the Republic broke down.

Truckfest Ireland Pulls in the Crowds

The sun shone brightly on Truckfest Ireland at the King's Hall in Belfast in more ways than one.

McCulla Artic Challenge

Volvo Trucks - The Ballerina Stunt

World record-holding highliner Faith Dickey battles in the wind to cross the line between two speeding trucks. Will she make it before the trucks reach the tunnel that lies behind the next bend? Please like, share and comment!

One in four ‘grey’ fleets not monitored even for basic mileage

One in four 'grey' fleets not monitored even for basic mileage

According to a study, 'Grey Fleet Review,' published by Trimble, in association with Sewells Research & Insight, the majority (83 percent) of Britain's largest fleet-based companies are concerned by their 'grey fleet' operations and intend to make changes during 2012 in order to control business costs and reduce the environmental impact of these vehicles.

Ship crash captain is jailed

The captain of a cargo ship that crashed into a Stena Line passenger ferry in Belfast Lough has been jailed for a year after appearing at Downpatrick Crown Court.

Alternative Transport Fuel Conference

Action Renewables is hosting an 'Alternative Transport Fuels' Conference at the Clarion Hotel at Dublin Airport on June 22nd.

First Volvo FH16-750 in Northern Ireland

V Fraser & Sons Ltd, based in Cookstown, have recently taken delivery of a Volvo FH16-750 tractor unit from Volvo Truck & Bus dealer, Dennison Commercials. The truck is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Double Delight for FedEx Express

FedEx Express has been officially named a Business Superbrand, in the influential annual initiative to identify the UK's strongest business-business brands.

It’s Official: O Licencing Comes Into Force in July

It's Official: O Licencing Comes Into Force in July

The Department of the Environment has confirmed changes to the requirement to have a Goods Vehicle Operator's Licence.

McCulla Artic Challenge

Following last year’s highly successful event which captured the imagination of young farmers across Northern Ireland, the award winning team at Lisburn based McCulla Ireland has really pulled out all the stops to make the 2012 Artic Challenge an even bigger and better competition.

Praise for Stena Line Staff after Collision

Passengers have been praising Stena Line staff for their prompt response following the recent collision involving a cargo ship and a passenger ferry in Belfast Lough about a mile and a half off the coast at Carrickfergus.

Graduated Fixed Penalties Introduced

Environment Minister Alex Attwood has introduced graduated roadside penalties for goods drivers and bus drivers who commit motoring offences.

All new Iveco EcoDaily

�Welcome to my Cab - Italian truck driver Paolo Villa and the �Untouchable�.

Volvo Trucks’ online video series ‘Welcome to my cab’ invites viewers into the cabs of truck drivers from around the world and in the latest episode we visit Italian truck driver Paolo Villa and the ‘Untouchable’.

One Ranger. Four mates. Forty hours of challenges

One Ranger. Four Mates. Forty hours of Challenge

Four mates take a Ford Ranger to South Australia to test it against some of the harshest terrain..

End of the Road for Noel Zwecker International Transport

Noel Zwecker International Transport, based near Armagh, has become the latest victim of the economic downturn.

Operator licensing for Northern Ireland by April

The Environment Minister Alex Attwood has reassured the Freight Transport Association that he is confident Operator Licensing will be introduced into Northern Ireland by April.

Changes To MOT Test for Trucks and Trailers

Changes to MOT Test for Trucks and Trailers

Changes to the MOT Test for Trucks and Trailers come into effect in February after the European Roadworthiness Directive (2009/40/EC) was amended by a new European Commission Directive 2010/48/EU.

Working at Height in the Transport Sector

Every year, maintenance operations lead to serious injury and death in Northern Ireland. Here, we focus on the road haulage industry and more specifically work involved in maintaining vehicles.

FedEx Lands in Northern Ireland

FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp., and the world's largest express transportation company, will improve connectivity for firms in Northern Ireland doing business with foreign markets and create employment for 52 people with a new facility in Carrickfergus, County Antrim.

Export & Freight Transport & Logistics Awards Winners

Congratulations to all this years
Export & Freight Transport & Logistics Awards Winners NEW

Winners in the annual Export & Freight Transport & Logistics Awards 2011 have been unveiled at a glittering ceremony at the Ramada Hotel in Belfast.

Woodside Group Acquire All-Route Shipping Ltd

The Woodside Group has acquired All-Route Shipping Ltd., giving its logistics services a global reach.

Ports are key asset for economic growth, says Kennedy

Northern Ireland's ports represent a key strategic asset that can drive economic growth. That was the message from Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy when he visited Warrenpoint Harbour.

Increase in Used Trucks on the Road Here

The latest edition of the Northern Ireland Road and Rail Transport Statistics shows that almost three quarters of trucks registered in the first three months of the year were previously used vehicles.

Stena Line buoyant with new routes clearance

Ferry company Stena Line has expressed its delight that its acquisition of the DFDS routes from Belfast to Liverpool (Birkenhead) and Belfast to Heysham has been fully approved by the Competition Commission.

Mercedes Benz Actros 'A Premium Long Distance Truck'

World Premiere for New Mercedes Benz Actros

The world premiere of Mercedes-Benz first new truck in 15 years has just taken place - and Export & Freight's Helen Beggs has flown to Brussels to see it being exclusively unveiled to an international gathering of journalists.

Calls for Real Action on the Issue of Fuel Tax Reductions

The recent Brent crude oil price jump to $119 a barrel, following OPEC's hold on production has left no doubt that any benefits derived by UK fleets from the fair fuel stabiliser have disappeared, The Fuelcard Company has warned.

FTA survey reveals 'patchy' growth and optimism

Research from the Freight Transport Association reveals a 'patchy' start to 2011 for transport operators, with activity levels varying considerably between industry sectors and from quarter to quarter.

All set for Irvinestown Truck Convoy

The annual Irvinestown Truck Convoy, part of the Lady of the Lake Festival, which celebrates its 11th anniversary this year, gets underway on Friday July 22nd, with Export & Freight again supporting the occasion as Media Partners.

Untitled Document

Exclusive:

Truckfest is Coming to Northern Ireland in 2012

We can exclusively reveal that the highly popular Truckfest is coming to Belfast next year, with Export & Freight having been appointed Media Partners.

Drogheda Port Reports Increased Traffic Levels

Drogheda Port Company's annual report and trading results shows the Port is successfully managing to navigate the global economic downturn with an improved and solid performance for 2010.

Belfast Harbour Outlines Three Year Corporate Plan

Belfast Harbour's new Corporate Plan for 2011-2013 details plans to invest £92m in capital projects related to the Port and Harbour Estate.

New IRHA President

The IRHA has a new President. Eoin Gavin from Bunratty in Co Clare was elected at the recent 38th Annual General Meeting of the Association.

A World Where Art & Freight Collide

Bringing the world of culture into the world of work may appear to be an uncommon marriage, but for Redhead International it has proven to be a perfect metaphor for their working practices. And to this end, they will be exhibiting the gallery of artwork from their successful The Art of Smartfreight campaign at one of the UK's leading freight and transport conferences Multimodal 2011.

Shelbourne accredited Business Centre status by Nissan GB

Having met the high criteria set out by the manufacturer, Shelbourne Nissan can now cater for local business customers and larger fleet operators, who will find a vehicle to meet their requirements from the extensive range of Nissan cars and light commercial vehicles at the Portadown based dealership.

UK’s largest ever fuel laundering plant smashed in Armagh

UK's largest ever fuel laundering plant smashed in Armagh

The UK's largest ever fuel laundering operation capable of producing over thirty million litres of illicit fuel a year and costing the taxpayer an estimated £20m in lost revenue has been dismantled by HM Revenue & Customs in County Armagh.

Export & Freight Launch New Video Service

4 Square Media, publishers of Export & Freight magazine, have launched a new Export & Freight TV service on its website that will benefit both the local transport and logistics industry, and the magazine's growing off line and online readership throughout Ireland.

Scrap fuel duty revenue raising ruse, FTA tells Treasury

In its submission to the Treasury ahead of the Budget on 23 March, the Freight Transport Association has called on the Chancellor to abandon plans for an above-inflation fuel tax increase this year.

Irish hauliers to withdraw services in absence of fuel surcharge

The Irish Road Haulage Association has formally notified trade bodies and customers that its members can no longer guarantee 'the provision of professional and reliable transport services without the introduction of a fuel surcharge to offset rising fuel costs.'

Deputy Harbour Master Killed in Air Crash

Belfast's deputy Harbour Master Michael Evans was one of six people killed in the plane crash in Cork.

Competition Commission investigates Stena Line Irish Sea acquisitions

The Competition Commission has been called in to investigate Stena Line's acquisition of two Irish Sea ferry services from DFDS; the matter has been referred to the Commission by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

Fixed penalties for transport offences are introduced here

Driver and Vehicle Agency officers here will now be able to issue fixed penalties to non-compliant drivers. The move is part of a concerted effort by DVA to promote greater compliance by road freight operators

Belfast Set To Become Leading Renewables Centre

Belfast set to become Leading Renewables Centre

Belfast could become one of the UK's leading renewable energy hubs. It is after Belfast Harbour and Danish firm, DONG Energy, one of the leading energy groups in Northern Europe, signed a letter of intent for an historic agreement.

Nomadic teams up with Harland & Wolff again...100 years on

The 100 year link between the SS Nomadic and Harland & Wolff is about to be rekindled.

Belfast Port tonnages rise after three years of decline

Figures just published by Belfast Harbour reveal tonnages through the Port during 2010 grew by over 5% to stand at 16.5m tonnes – the first increase after three years of decline; tonnages had previously fallen by 10% since 2007 in the wake of the global credit crunch.

Truck Makers Commit to CV Show 2011

Truck Makers Commit
to CV Show 2011

Some of the leading truck makers have committed themselves to supporting this April's CV Show at Birmingham's NEC.

Time To Enter The Transport & Logistics Awards 2011

Time flies - and if you are not in, you can't win! With preparations well underway for the annual Export & Freight Transport & Logistics Awards 2011, it's time YOU considered entering what is the Irish industry's premier awards event.

Beware Road Fuel Rip Off

Filling your truck with fuel at a price that seems too good to be true could end up costing much more than you think.

Irish ´Cowboy´ Drivers Can Expect More Heat from VOSA

VOSA is to step up its targeting of non-compliant operators, with Northern Ireland drivers likely to bear some of the pain, as both the DVA here and the Road Safety Authority in the Republic are now sharing intelligence and exploring the possibility of mounting joint operations.

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Fixed penalties for transport offences are introduced here

Driver and Vehicle Agency officers here will now be able to issue fixed penalties to non-compliant drivers. The move is part of a concerted effort by DVA to promote greater compliance by road freight operators

Hauliers Face Losing Licences NEW

The DoE's Transport Regulation Unit has revealed it is investigating 15 local haulage companies over illegal practices, including the use of laundered fuel.

Environment minister Alex Attwood says he's been told by the Road Haulage Association that they believe up to 50% of hauliers are now using illegal fuel.

British auto journalist Brian Weatherley went to the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, UK, to find out what makes the new Volvo FM so special.

Stanley Duncan, Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern Ireland has died after falling into the sea near Portstewart harbour in County Londonderry.

Belfast Harbour has reported that trade handled by the Port during 2012 rose to a record 19.6m tonnes, up 11% on the previous year.

Following the recent announcement from the Republic's Minister for Finance Michael Noonan regarding the granting of a commercial diesel rebate, FTA Ireland has welcomed the statement, saying that it is a step in the right direction for freight operators.

The Road Haulage Association recently joined fuel campaigners at the Palace of Westminster to tell MPs, face to face, about the hardship being forced upon their constituents as a result of high fuel prices.

The world premiere of Volvo's new FH has just taken place - and Export & Freight's Garfield Harrison has flown to Gothenburg to see it being exclusively unveiled to an international gathering of journalists.

Fears are growing of more haulage companies here having to close in the wake of the demise of Target Express, one of the industry's most high profile haulage companies; it ceased trading after negotiations with the Revenue Commissioners in the Republic broke down.

One of the industry's most high profile haulage companies has ceased trading after negotiations with the Revenue Commissioners in the Republic broke down.

The sun shone brightly on Truckfest Ireland at the King's Hall in Belfast in more ways than one.

World record-holding highliner Faith Dickey battles in the wind to cross the line between two speeding trucks. Will she make it before the trucks reach the tunnel that lies behind the next bend? Please like, share and comment!

The captain of a cargo ship that crashed into a Stena Line passenger ferry in Belfast Lough has been jailed for a year after appearing at Downpatrick Crown Court.

Action Renewables is hosting an 'Alternative Transport Fuels' Conference at the Clarion Hotel at Dublin Airport on June 22nd.

V Fraser & Sons Ltd, based in Cookstown, have recently taken delivery of a Volvo FH16-750 tractor unit from Volvo Truck & Bus dealer, Dennison Commercials. The truck is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.

FedEx Express has been officially named a Business Superbrand, in the influential annual initiative to identify the UK's strongest business-business brands.

The Department of the Environment has confirmed changes to the requirement to have a Goods Vehicle Operator's Licence.

Following last year’s highly successful event which captured the imagination of young farmers across Northern Ireland, the award winning team at Lisburn based McCulla Ireland has really pulled out all the stops to make the 2012 Artic Challenge an even bigger and better competition.

Passengers have been praising Stena Line staff for their prompt response following the recent collision involving a cargo ship and a passenger ferry in Belfast Lough about a mile and a half off the coast at Carrickfergus.

Environment Minister Alex Attwood has introduced graduated roadside penalties for goods drivers and bus drivers who commit motoring offences.

Volvo Trucks’ online video series ‘Welcome to my cab’ invites viewers into the cabs of truck drivers from around the world and in the latest episode we visit Italian truck driver Paolo Villa and the ‘Untouchable’.

Four mates take a Ford Ranger to South Australia to test it against some of the harshest terrain..

Noel Zwecker International Transport, based near Armagh, has become the latest victim of the economic downturn.

The Environment Minister Alex Attwood has reassured the Freight Transport Association that he is confident Operator Licensing will be introduced into Northern Ireland by April.

Changes to the MOT Test for Trucks and Trailers come into effect in February after the European Roadworthiness Directive (2009/40/EC) was amended by a new European Commission Directive 2010/48/EU.

Every year, maintenance operations lead to serious injury and death in Northern Ireland. Here, we focus on the road haulage industry and more specifically work involved in maintaining vehicles.

FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp., and the world's largest express transportation company, will improve connectivity for firms in Northern Ireland doing business with foreign markets and create employment for 52 people with a new facility in Carrickfergus, County Antrim.

Congratulations to all this years Export & Freight Transport & Logistics Awards Winners NEW

Winners in the annual Export & Freight Transport & Logistics Awards 2011 have been unveiled at a glittering ceremony at the Ramada Hotel in Belfast.

The Woodside Group has acquired All-Route Shipping Ltd., giving its logistics services a global reach.

Northern Ireland's ports represent a key strategic asset that can drive economic growth. That was the message from Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy when he visited Warrenpoint Harbour.

The latest edition of the Northern Ireland Road and Rail Transport Statistics shows that almost three quarters of trucks registered in the first three months of the year were previously used vehicles.

Ferry company Stena Line has expressed its delight that its acquisition of the DFDS routes from Belfast to Liverpool (Birkenhead) and Belfast to Heysham has been fully approved by the Competition Commission.

The world premiere of Mercedes-Benz first new truck in 15 years has just taken place - and Export & Freight's Helen Beggs has flown to Brussels to see it being exclusively unveiled to an international gathering of journalists.

The recent Brent crude oil price jump to $119 a barrel, following OPEC's hold on production has left no doubt that any benefits derived by UK fleets from the fair fuel stabiliser have disappeared, The Fuelcard Company has warned.

Research from the Freight Transport Association reveals a 'patchy' start to 2011 for transport operators, with activity levels varying considerably between industry sectors and from quarter to quarter.

The annual Irvinestown Truck Convoy, part of the Lady of the Lake Festival, which celebrates its 11th anniversary this year, gets underway on Friday July 22nd, with Export & Freight again supporting the occasion as Media Partners.

Exclusive:

We can exclusively reveal that the highly popular Truckfest is coming to Belfast next year, with Export & Freight having been appointed Media Partners.

Drogheda Port Company's annual report and trading results shows the Port is successfully managing to navigate the global economic downturn with an improved and solid performance for 2010.

Belfast Harbour's new Corporate Plan for 2011-2013 details plans to invest £92m in capital projects related to the Port and Harbour Estate.

The IRHA has a new President. Eoin Gavin from Bunratty in Co Clare was elected at the recent 38th Annual General Meeting of the Association.

The UK's largest ever fuel laundering operation capable of producing over thirty million litres of illicit fuel a year and costing the taxpayer an estimated £20m in lost revenue has been dismantled by HM Revenue & Customs in County Armagh.

4 Square Media, publishers of Export & Freight magazine, have launched a new Export & Freight TV service on its website that will benefit both the local transport and logistics industry, and the magazine's growing off line and online readership throughout Ireland.

In its submission to the Treasury ahead of the Budget on 23 March, the Freight Transport Association has called on the Chancellor to abandon plans for an above-inflation fuel tax increase this year.

The Irish Road Haulage Association has formally notified trade bodies and customers that its members can no longer guarantee 'the provision of professional and reliable transport services without the introduction of a fuel surcharge to offset rising fuel costs.'

Belfast's deputy Harbour Master Michael Evans was one of six people killed in the plane crash in Cork.

The Competition Commission has been called in to investigate Stena Line's acquisition of two Irish Sea ferry services from DFDS; the matter has been referred to the Commission by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

Driver and Vehicle Agency officers here will now be able to issue fixed penalties to non-compliant drivers. The move is part of a concerted effort by DVA to promote greater compliance by road freight operators

Belfast could become one of the UK's leading renewable energy hubs. It is after Belfast Harbour and Danish firm, DONG Energy, one of the leading energy groups in Northern Europe, signed a letter of intent for an historic agreement.

The 100 year link between the SS Nomadic and Harland & Wolff is about to be rekindled.

Figures just published by Belfast Harbour reveal tonnages through the Port during 2010 grew by over 5% to stand at 16.5m tonnes – the first increase after three years of decline; tonnages had previously fallen by 10% since 2007 in the wake of the global credit crunch.

Some of the leading truck makers have committed themselves to supporting this April's CV Show at Birmingham's NEC.

Time flies - and if you are not in, you can't win! With preparations well underway for the annual Export & Freight Transport & Logistics Awards 2011, it's time YOU considered entering what is the Irish industry's premier awards event.

Filling your truck with fuel at a price that seems too good to be true could end up costing much more than you think.

VOSA is to step up its targeting of non-compliant operators, with Northern Ireland drivers likely to bear some of the pain, as both the DVA here and the Road Safety Authority in the Republic are now sharing intelligence and exploring the possibility of mounting joint operations.

Congratulations to all this years
Export & Freight Transport & Logistics Awards Winners NEW