Skip to main content

Features

Safety gains on Europe’s roads with lower KSI rates
February 19, 2014
Better road safety is helping to cut KSI rates right across the EC - Mike Woof writes Road safety continues to improve in Europe, with official statistics for 2012 showing a drop in fatalities of 2,661 compared with the figures for 2011. The latest data from Pan-European police body TISPOL shows an encouraging trend towards better road safety. This highlights safety improvements right across the EU. In 2012, a total of 27,700 people were killed in road crashes in the European Union’s 27 member states, eq
ERF calls for roads maintenance funding
February 19, 2014
On 27 November, six key stakeholders sounded an alarm bell to Member States urging them to stick to their pledges made at the International Transport Forum meeting in May 2013, where Ministers signed a joint declaration on Sustainable Infrastructure Financing On the occasion of the launch the latest consultation paper on ‘Roads that Cars can Read’, The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the International Road Transport Union (IRU), t
Low temperature asphalt and aggregate options’
February 7, 2014
At what point does ‘some technology’ become ‘enough technology’? Less than four years ago industry publications were filled with a persistent message, the reluctance of UK based contractors to adopt machine control to the same extent as near European neighbours, particularly close ones such as Ireland and Holland. However from 2009 onwards we have seen a huge shift in demand for machine control as the success of high profile road and rail jobs such as the M25 widening scheme and Airdrie – Bathgate rail
TISPOL Conference 2013 refocuses road death reduction aim
January 27, 2014
Themed ‘Improving Road Safety – Solutions that Work’, the recent TISPOL (European Traffic Police Network) Conference 2013 in Manchester refocused efforts to improve road safety across Europe, while outlining future initiatives to drive down road accident levels even further – Guy Woodford reports Better cross-Europe cooperation between roads policing officers and thorough use of existing roads policing laws are the best way to ensure good road safety across Europe, according to the chair of the European Pa
Lighting innovations boosting brightness, cutting costs
January 27, 2014
CU Phosco’s new P850 LED main road lantern has just seen its first major deployment – between Junctions 16 and 17 of the A55, a strategic road which skirts the North Wales coastline – Jason Barnes reports The A55 is a grade-separated dual carriageway also known as the North Wales Expressway. Some 139km long, it originally ran from Chester to Bangor but was extended across the Isle of Anglesey into Holyhead Docks in 2001 under a project part-funded by the European Union.
Great opportunities in Asia, conference goers are told
January 23, 2014
Asia’s emerging economies will be building roads for the next two decades, delegates at a recent Argus Asian Bitumen conference in Singapore heard. That means there are big opportunities for suppliers of bitumen, related technology and risk management companies - Kristina Smith reports One of the strongest messages to emerge from the Argus Asian Bitumen conference held in Singapore earlier this year is the sheer volume of road building planned in the region. For many countries there are political and finan
Efficient asset management to trim maintenance budgets
January 22, 2014
Transport infrastructure is taken for granted in many, if not most, developed countries. This has resulted in a shortage of investment in maintenance, posing potential long term cost issues. In many developing nations transport networks are expanding fast, but insufficient thought is also being given to how these will be maintained.
Machine Control sector is the place for acquisitions
January 22, 2014
The machine control sector has been lively in recent months with a major acquisition, the unveiling of new software innovation and landmark testing of new technology to monitor paving temperature. Guy Woodford reports The state road construction authority in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt (LSBB Saxony-Anhalt) has become the first nationally to test MOBA’s new PAVE-IR Scan temperature measurement system at a works site.
Hatz is launching a new compact diesel for 2014
January 22, 2014
Guy Woodford reports on the imminent global market launch of Hatz’s keenly-awaited new four-cylinder diesel engine – the 4H50TIC Due to be available to customers from January 2014, Hatz’s new water-cooled, four-cylinder 2litre 4H50TIC diesel engine is said to be partly the result of unprecedented financial sacrifices made by the German firm’s employees during the global economic crisis.
Key moves for diesel engine sector
January 22, 2014
A series of key moves are being seen in the diesel engine sector, with major firms offering new solutions – Mike Woof writes Several of the major engine builders are introducing key innovations from the beginning of 2014 to meet with tough new emissions regulations for Europe and the US. Another key issue is providing solutions for engine customers in countries with less stringent regulations on emissions. Caterpillar has developed options for customers in lesser regulated countries who may wish to buy seco
Transstroy improving Russia’s aviation infrastructure
January 21, 2014
Aviation is playing an important role in developing Russia’s economy and resolving socio-economic issues. It’s particularly important for the country’s role as an international and domestic hub, ensuring the transportation of residents from remote regions
The ERF had a key presence at the IRF World Meeting in Riyadh
January 21, 2014
Organised every four years, the IRF World Meeting has established itself as one of the most prestigious congresses for road transport professionals. The 17th IRF World Meeting has just concluded its deliberations and lived up to both its reputation and participants' expectations Held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the event attracted over 2000 participants across six continents that were present as exhibitors and/or had the opportunity to participate in many of the numerous high quality technical and scientific s
New equipment for materials testing
January 13, 2014
Leading formwork manufacturers have secured some impressive contracts in Africa, as the continent’s transport infrastructure continues to improve at a rapid pace. Meanwhile, other bridgework equipment companies are also seeing their products in demand in Africa, as well as North America and Australia. Guy Woodford reports
Feature article
January 6, 2014
Feature article
Bridging the gap in African infrastructure
December 20, 2013
Leading formwork manufacturers have secured some impressive contracts in Africa, as the continent’s transport infrastructure continues to improve at a rapid pace. Meanwhile, other bridgework equipment companies are also seeing their products in demand in Africa, as well as North America and Australia.