WICKHAM: In keeping with its programme of continual investment, independent timber and builders' merchant Sydenhams, has taken delivery of three Lancer 5 tonne LQ 50 sideloaders for its fleet.

FAREHAM: The valve stock division of Wolseley UK has appointed Harris Transport as a preferred carrier. The company is part of the palletforce distribution network and will handle deliveries of the company's industrial valves and other products in UK and Europe.

MIDDLESEX: As the snow refuses loosen its grip on the UK, Tracker is reporting up to a 32% reduction on journeys by business drivers.  

NORTH-WEST: Spot checks on hundreds of vehicles will take place in the coming weeks in support of a new drive to ensure that loads are being transported securely.

NORTHAMPTON: Travis Perkins plc has developed with Masternaut Three X a real-time, web-based fleet management solution.

NORTHAMPTON: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles launched its new Volkswagen Transporter van using Wickes stores forecourts.

LEAMINGTON SPA: Wolseley UK has become one of the 12 founding members of the Freight Transport Association's new voluntary carbon reduction scheme, which was established after the lack of progress made at the recent Copenhagen climate summit.

SOUTHAMPTON: Independent builders merchant, Elliott Brothers, has taken delivery of four new Iveco Stralis Active Day 26 tonne rear-steering rigids to join its 27-strong truck fleet delivering building supplies across the county.

ANGLESEY: Huws Gray has changed its forklift fleet from solid to pneumatic tyres.

Michelin's XZM tyre has been given the thumbs up by Welsh building supplies company, Huws Gray after it held a year long trial at one of its branches.

LEICESTER: Transmon Engineering's series of devices to help improve the use and management of forklift trucks include 'add-on' technologies that can reduce cost, improve safety and increase energy performance.

LONDON: The RMI Petrol Retailers Association has warned that the price of filling a tank is to rise 'significantly' in 2010.

BERKSHIRE: A web tool, launched by Consolidated Fork Truck Services will guide forklift truck users to local companies accredited to the CFTS Thorough Examination Scheme.

LONDON: Merchants and other commercial vehicle operators in Greater London are at high risk of deliberately induced road collisions said the Metropolitan Police.

LEICESTER: “Even my car has a reversing sensor, yet many businesses fail to address the hazards and related costs associated with poorly reversed forklifts or other heavy plant,” remarks Paul Sercombe from Transmon Engineering. “In many cases there is limited visibility and exceptional power, a damaging combination that can easily be controlled.”

NOTTINGHAM: A £30 fine could spell the end for merchants' operators' licence, said Anton Balkitis, specialist transport lawyer at law firm, Rothera Dowson.

LONDON: The 40th edition of The Transport Manager's and Operator's Handbook 2010, edited by David Lowe will be available in January.

LONDON: The pre-Budget report stated that the Government will support for low-carbon transport.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS: A sat-nav systems that identifies low bridges and other obstacles for trucks is available from the Freight Transport Association.

LONDON: Merchants running trucks in Northern Ireland face more stringent operator licensing with a new commercial vehicle licensing regime due next year when the Goods Vehicle (Operator Licensing) Bill passed the consideration stage in parliament this week.

UTTOXETER: An inquest found that a cyclist died after falling off his bicycle and hitting his head on the back of a passing Travis Perkins lorry.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS: Most merchants need need temporary drivers to cope with sudden or seasonal increases in productivity or staff shortages.

LONDON: HSS Hire, the tool and equipment hire company, is adding a range of plant equipment to its fleet.

By extending its relationship with Irish partners Laois Hire, the company will offer diggers, dumpers, rollers, excavators and large booms and lifts.

BASINGSTOKE: Diesel prices are now at their highest level this year, according to the AA.

ASCOT: The economic downturn is leading some businesses to fall foul of the Corporate Manslaughter Act. And, according to one industry expert, it’s the directors and managers of small and medium enterprises who are “most at risk” of prosecution.

TODDINGTON: Samuk Lift Trucks recently hosted two ‘World Premiere’ Open Days to launch its B Series fork truck range.

WATFORD: Merchants handling bulk high volume deliveries will benefit from calls for longer trailers in the UK.

MIDLANDS: Officers from the Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) are going up in the world to catch dangerous truckers on camera.

NEWCASTLE: Merchants in Northern Ireland will have to comply with a new, more stringent vehicle operator licensing system next year.

VIRGINIA WATER: Police are urging people to keep construction vehicles secure after the theft of a forklift truck from a building site.

BURNLEY: Builders' merchants have been shown how to find the best way to cut fuel costs, with six golden rules produced by The Fuelcard People.