Current News Stories

No reprieve for missed CPC deadline

With six months to go to the deadline for completion of Driver CPC training for passenger carrying vehicles, the FTA has warned that there will be no last minute reprieve...

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Five star review for Mercedes-Benz Citan

The new Citan van has won a 4.9 out of 5 rating in Auto Trader's latest 'expert test', thanks in particular to its great looks, fuel efficiency and 30 years' of breakdown cover...

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Give your van a thorough spring clean

With the new spring season having just begun, now is the time to get your van ready for the promise of warmer weather...

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Driving tips for the motorway at night

Britain's top advanced driver offers some tips on driving in the dark on the motorway, to make your journey as safe and enjoyable as possible...

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The Commercial Vehicle Show 2013

Visit the Mercedes-Benz Vans exhibit at The Commercial Vehicle Show 2013, and discover why Mercedes-Benz Vans are winning new fans in all trades and industries.

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New law for short-sighted drivers

Short-sighted van drivers involved in an accident or caught driving dangerously will now have their licences revoked within hours rather than days, to prevent them posing a risk to other road users...

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Scotland top of the league for pothole damage

A third of motorists around the UK have damaged their vehicle by hitting a pothole in the last two years. In Scotland it is 44%, a new survey has found...

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New Mercedes Atego

The fourth of the Mercedes-Benz truck family to undergo a complete makeover is the new Mercedes-Benz Atego

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Commercial vehicle speed limit could be raised

The Government planning to increase the speed limit on single carriageways for commercial vehicles over 7.5 tonnes from 40mph to either 45 or 50mph

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Why a windscreen check should be part of your winter safety routine

Prior to any journey in winter, particularly long distance trips, van drivers should take the time to check not only their tyre pressure, lights, petrol and oil levels, but also the windscreen for scr

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Cost of maintenance will be frozen this year

Throughout 2013, Mercedes-Benz will not be implementing any price increases on service contracts across its range of trucks, vans and Fuso Canter vehicles

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The New Atego

World premier in April 2013 at Commercial Vehicle show in Birmingham. Entirely new four and six-cylinder in-line engines which meet Euro VI specifications.

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Meeting the Transport Challenges of 2013 and beyond

Ley Street Depot Ilford, Wednesday 20th February 2013 - A joint event with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) & Transport Services - London Borough of Redbridge.

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Government mulling abolition of tax discs

The traditional paper car tax disc that motorists display on their windscreens could be scrapped and replaced by an online version

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How a 10% fleet switch could save £350k

Companies could cut fleet running costs by an average of £350,000 by replacing 10% of their current vehicles with electric models, a new study suggests

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The right way to clear ice from your windscreen

Failing to use a proper de-icer and ice scraper can cause permanent damage to your vehicle - notably scratching the glass or damaging the surrounding rubber seals

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Top industry awards for Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has scooped two top awards at the 2013 What Van? awards. The Sprinter won 4x4 Van of the Year, while Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles won the Safety Award...

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New tyre labeling system goes live

New tyre labeling regulations provide valuable like-for-like guidance for commercial fleet managers and should help inform purchasing decisions, says the FTA.

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Mercedes-Benz to debut new construction truck

From 2013, all Mercedes-Benz trucks and tractor units used for on and off-road applications in the construction sector will be known under the name Arocs

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Congestion charge discount mooted for 'green' vans

Transport for London is proposing to make the greenest vans eligible for exemption from the London Congestion Charge

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The new S&B Cafe

On Wednesday 28th November 2012 we revealed our new cafe at S & B Commercials, Welham Green.

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S & B Commercials Plc Movember Team

This month S & B Commercials; Thurrock Mo Bros and Mo Sistas have been raising funds and creating awareness for mens health, specifically prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

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Charging scheme will level the playing field

The Government has announced firm plans to introduce a charging scheme which will mean, for the first time, that foreign commercial vehicles will pay to use UK roads.

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New driving licence rules for towing trailers

New driving licence rules come into force next year, for drivers with a licence to drive small vehicles (Categories B and B+E) who want to tow a trailer.

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MOT certificate change good news for buyers

As of 18 November, MOT certificates must show the mileage of the vehicle for the last three certificates, along with the mileage for the current test.

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Are you prepared for winter driving conditions?

With winter fast approaching, salt stocks are being replenished, new equipment has been purchased and the Met Office is teaming up with the highway authorities to provide the best possible service in

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New Driving Standards for commercial vehicle drivers

New frameworks setting out the competences expected of commercial vehicle drivers have been published by the Driving Standards Agency

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Two years to DCPC Day – promising signs of progress

With the deadline for completion of Driver CPC training now less than two years away, the FTA says promising progress is being reported by the DSA

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U-turn signalled on 80mph speed limit

The Government appears to have cooled on plans to raise the national motorway speed limit to 80mph

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New Actros brings improvements in fuel economy

Two truck operators are seeing outstanding improvements in fuel economy after taking delivery of new Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor units

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Vito Taxi on course for record year

The Mercedes-Benz Vito Taxi is on course for a record year as it aims to build on its 40% share of the Metropolitan Taxi sector

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FTA launches new van excellence courses

The Freight Transport Association is offering two new training courses for van operators

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Thank you to all who attended the St Marys Motor Show

We would like to thank everyone who visited our stand at the St Marys Show on Sunday 16th September 2012.

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Beat Euro VI

With industry experts predicting a lack of product availability due to operators bringing their 2014 plans forward to avoid the Euro VI deadline, S & B Commercials Plc are advising their Customers

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DVLA regional offices set to close in 2013

In a bid to cut costs and improve efficiency, the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency is to close all its 39 regional offices from late 2013

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Suspension threat for CPC non-compliance

Commercial vehicle drivers who fail to comply with the Driver CPC requirements for 35 hours of training face having their vocational licence suspended

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New efficiency labels make buying the right tyres easier

New efficiency labels for tyres have started appearing in dealerships, similar to the labels that come with fridges and other white goods

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New free transport app for Olympics information

The FTA has launched a new free app to keep the logistics industry up to date about this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games

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Visit S & B Commercials on Sunday 16th September at the St Marys Motor Show

On the day there will be a bar, café, B.B.Q, bouncy castle, children’s entertainer and lots more.

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Free Olympic Freight Planner now available

Transport for London has published an Olympic Freight Journey Planner, to help operators navigate the disruption the Games will bring this summer

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How to check your Driver CPC periodic training

Professional drivers can check that their Driver CPC periodic training has been recorded by accessing their online training record.

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New tyre labels 'will change fleet buying habits'

New compulsory tyre labeling is predicted to have a dramatic effect on the buying habits of vehicle fleets - possibly in a short space of time.

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Sprinter enters the record books with yet another award

Mercedes-Benz UK has confirmed its place in the industry's record books with an unprecedented seventh victory at the annual Motor Transport Awards.

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New online planning tool for Olympics road closures

Transport for London’s Olympic Road Freight Management team has launched an online tool to help businesses plan for temporary road changes during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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Vito breaks into the Facebook top ten

The Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport Facebook page (facebook.com/vitosport) has been ranked in the top ten UK brands by response rate.

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Why part-worn tyres are a false economy

Van operators and drivers may be putting themselves and other road users at risk of injury if they choose to fit part-worn tyres to their vehicles.

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Rolling resistance to take centre stage

As fuel prices keep increasing, the rolling resistance of tyres will become more important to commercial vehicle operators than mileage.

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25% of fleets consider alternative fuels

Around a quarter of global companies have introduced, or are considering, vehicles that run on alternative fuels, says a new Greener Fleets report from Grant Thornton.

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New rules for LGV licence holders

LGV drivers will need to renew their driving licence every five years, starting from 19 January next year.

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Night-time deliveries during the Olympics

Operators that need to make night-time deliveries during the Olympics have been urged to adopt Transport for London's Quiet Delivery Code of Practice.

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Three big challenges for CV operators

Commercial vehicle operators face three major challenges over the next five years - cyber security, multi-channel retailing and hiring the right people, says a new joint report from the Freight...

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Mercedes-Benz signs up to Van Excellence

Mercedes-Benz has just become a partner of Van Excellence, the award-winning accreditation scheme that promotes high standards of van operation and driving.

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Mercedes-Benz at the CV Show

With exciting new products from Project-X, the loudest van on the market, to the ultra-quiet Vito E-CELL, Mercedes-Benz' presence at the 2012 CV Show was 50% bigger than last year with double the amou

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Sprinter named as best Large Panel Van

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has scooped two top awards at the VansA2Z Van of the Year celebration - Best Large Panel Van and Best 4x4 Panel Van...

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Industry award for van excellence scheme

Van Excellence, the national accreditation scheme for van operators, has been recognised as the Best New Service at the Fleet News Awards ...

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Survey reveals threat of CPC timebomb

Nearly one in four professional drivers could be disqualified from commercial driving because they don't understand the need to complete Driver CPC training...

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VED up in Budget, van benefit charge unchanged

The Chancellor announced an increase in fuel duty and Vehicle Excise Duty in the Budget, and a freezing of the van benefit charge...

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Plug-In Grant makes business sense for buyers

The first vans eligible for the Government's new Plug-in Vehicle Grant have been announced - and they include the Mercedes-Benz Vito E-Cell...

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FTA calls for cut in fuel duty

The Freight Transport Association is calling on the Chancellor to slash fuel duty by at least 5p/litre in the Budget

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From July, all drivers in France must carry a breathalyser

From the start of July this year, all van drivers travelling to or through France will need to carry a breathalyser kit in their vehicles...

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The App to stop distracted driving

As the driver of your Mercedes-Benz Van & Truck it is important to drive safely preventing accidents on the road.

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LEZ lifeline for van operators

Van operators who missed the deadline for retrofitting their vehicles may be able to benefit from a small concession offered by Transport for London.

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New label system to help you compare tyres

From November 2012, every new tyre sold in the UK will come with a label that shows its rating for stopping distance, fuel efficiency and noise levels.

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Report lends support to night-time deliveries

Retail guru Mary Portas recommendation that night-time delivery restrictions could be lifted as one way to reinvigorate the UKs ailing High Streets has been backed by the Freight Transport...

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Sprinter hailed as Best Panel Van, again

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has been voted best large panel van by Fleet Van magazine, for the fourth year in a row.

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Industry in danger of missing CPC deadline

The Freight Transport Association reports that almost half of its members fear they will miss the deadline for Driver CPC

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A surprising statistic about Londons LEZ

With less than a month to go until the new Low Emission Zone is introduced, new research has found that of the 3.57 million vans on UK roads at the end of 2010, 31.1 per cent would not meet the LEZs

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Top prize for Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL

The all-electric, zero-emission Vito E-CELL has won the coveted accolade of Most energy-efficient LCV (in production) at the 2011 RAC Future Car Challenge

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New items added to annual MOT

The Department for Transport is adding a number of new mandatory items to the annual MOT from 1 January 2012

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New Mercedes-Benz Actros lifts Truck Of The Year trophy

Mercedes-Benz's New Actros has been elected International Truck of the Year 2012 by the 24-strong jury of commercial vehicle journalists, representing 24 countries throughout Europe.

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Road Safety Week

Brake is a road safety charity which aims to prevent road crashes and support the victims involved in road crashes

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Taking care of your van in the winter

You can never tell what the weather will throw at you, so it is best to be prepared for all eventualities

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Defective tyre convictions increasing

Court convictions in England and Wales for driving on defective tyres are at a four-year high, new official figures show

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Low Emission Zone van owners urged to act now

There is not long to go before new LEZ standards are introduced in London, and Transport for London is calling on van owners to take action now

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Take the worry out of driving this winter with Cold Weather tyres

A series of tests from the tyre manufacturer Continental have demonstrated that Cold Weather tyres provide significantly better grip for accelerating, cornering and braking than normal radials when th

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The canny approach to CPC training

We wouldn't be surprised if canny firms adopt a strategy of booking their CPC training modules now for their drivers to embark on nearer the deadline, says the FTA

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Multiple benefits from van tracking systems

Vehicle tracking is becoming a critical operational tool for many fleets – and van operators in particular

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S & B Commercials Plc supports Daniel Bentley

S & B Commercials Plc supports Daniel Bentley in the run up to the Boccia Paralympics 2012

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LEZs to 'spread throughout UK'

Low emission zones in towns and cities around the UK are likely to become a reality as the government aims to reach its 2015 air quality targets

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Enhanced BlueEFFICIENCY package for Vito and Viano

A new generator management system will be helping to reduce fuel consumption in the Mercedes-Benz Vito and Viano from September this year

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Winter tyres, why you should start thinking about them now

With weather experts predicting one of the worst winters on record, van operators have been advised to consider investing in winter tyres

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Mercedes-Benz Axor lands an MT Awards hat-trick

The Mercedes-Benz Axor has won an online public vote to carry off its third transport industry ‘Oscar’ in six years.

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Latest technology on show at Van Experience

Around 1,500 guests attended Mercedes-Benz’ popular Van Experience event last month, at the Prodrive Performance Centre in Warwickshire

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There is money in old cat converters

Instead of being regarded as scrap, used catalytic converter units could be a lucrative source of income for vehicle fleets

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Number of qualified drivers to fall by 30 Per Cent

Britains commercial vehicle drivers are falling behind schedule to meet the professional training requirements required by EU directive 2003/59

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Bottleneck threat as CPC deadline approaches

Commercial vehicle operators run the risk of having to park up their vehicles if drivers have not done their CPC training by the 2014 deadline

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Trials show quiet night-time deliveries work

A Government-backed trial has shown how shop owners and supermarkets can receive deliveries out-of-hours without being a nuisance to residents

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The new Mercedes-Benz Actros

Brimming with innovation and emotion. Easier on the environment than other trucks. Aiming for the very top in terms of comfort, driving dynamics and economy

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Four in a row for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van took top honours in the 2011 Fleet World Honours automotive awards, triumphing for the fourth consecutive year

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Mercedes-Benz Vans joins tyre safety group

Mercedes-Benz Vans has become a member of TyreSafe, the national campaign group for tyre care and maintenance …

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Careless drivers face on the spot fines

The government plans to make careless driving a fixed penalty offence. Van drivers caught tailgating, ignoring red lights or undertaking could all be caught with an on the spot fine

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S & B Commercials shortlisted for the Oscars

S & B Commercials Plc is delighted to announce we have been shortlisted for the category of Dealer of the Year at the Motor Transport Awards 2011

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Stop-start technology cuts fuel consumption

Start/Stop technology can reduce a vehicles CO2 emissions by 8% in average city driving, and up to 15% in dense city traffic

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FTA launches new Van Excellence guide

The Freight Transport Association unveiled a comprehensive guide to running van fleets successfully at the CV Show last month

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Mercedes-Benz at the CV Show

Saving the planet need not cost the Earth. Thats the message that Mercedes Benz took to the 2011 Commercial Vehicle Show

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GPS parking system to end city bottlenecks?

City centre bottlenecks caused by roadside deliveries could become a thing of the past, thanks to a virtual parking and payment system to be launched later this year

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EU sets new standards for CO2 from vans

The European Parliament has voted to adopt a 175g/km short-term and 147g/km long-term CO2 target for light commercial

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Mercedes-Benz Named as UKs No.1 Superbrand

Mercedes-Benz has been crowned the UK’s number one Consumer

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Motorists to be asked to become organ donors

Anyone applying for a driving licence in Britain will be asked if they want to join an organ donation scheme under new proposals to boost the number of donors

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First demonstration of new 'road train' technology

Automated vehicle 'platooning' may be the new way of traveling on motorways in as little as ten years time - but will it gain public acceptance?

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Points for speeding or £100 for road safety course?

Drivers who get caught speeding by more than 10mph over the limit are to be given the choice of three points and a £60 fine - or no points and £100 to attend a 'speed awareness' course

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Top tips for driving on snow and ice

The Institute of Advanced Motorists has issued some timely advice on driving on snow and ice

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Mercedes-Benz puts the break on speeding drivers

A new fuel-saving device designed to put the brakes on 'heavy right-footed' drivers is now available on all Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles

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Fleets vote for Sprinter as Van Of The Year again!

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter scooped the Large Van of the Year gong for the second year running at The Association of Fleet Car Operators Awards last month

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LEZ reprieve for larger van operators

The introduction of Low Emission Zone compliance for larger vans has been deferred until 3 January 2012, Mayor of London Boris Johnson has announced

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Don't 'leaf' anything to chance this autumn

The Institute of Advanced Motorists has called on road users to take extra care in the riskier driving conditions of autumn

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Top 'green' awards for Mercedes-Benz vans

At this year's Fleet Transport Awards in Ireland, Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles won two Green Commercial of the Year titles for the Vito E-Cell and Atego BlueTec Hybrid

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Used van prices rally in August

The average value of used vans increased in August, halting a three-month decline and underlining the return of seasonal trends to the marketplace, according to British Car Auctions

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More News

More news can be found here in our 2009-2010 Archive

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