Latest News

Team Valley Site Now Open

We are delighted to announce that our new Team Valley depot is fully open for business with all departments now situated in our flagship head office.

 

Mercedes-Benz Dealer BLS Truck & Van is up and running in Aberdeen

There’s a new name for Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles in the north of Scotland, and BLS Truck & Van is already investing heavily to ensure it delivers the exceptional customer service that befits the legendary three-pointed star.

Click the link to see the full article.

Bell backs Britain with seven-days-a-week MB Vans lockdown strategy

Mercedes-Benz Dealer Bell Truck and Van achieved a stunning van sales result after adopting a radical approach designed to keep customers moving during the pandemic.

Click the link to see the full article.

A new era dawns for Mercedes-Benz Dealer Bell Truck and Van

Mercedes-Benz Dealer Bell Truck and Van is poised to embark on a major programme of investment in new and improved facilities, following its acquisition by a leading environmental, renewable energy and recycling company.

Click the link to see the full article.

General News

Research Finds 95% Of Drivers Would Fail Their Theory Test Now

The vast majority of drivers in the UK would not pass their driving theory test if they were asked to sit it again, according to new findings from Direct Line motor insurance. 

Tailgating Named Britain’s Most Irritating Driving Habit Once Again

Tailgating has once again been ranked the most annoying behaviour encountered on the roads, with more than a quarter of drivers citing it as their top frustration, according to new research by the AA.

Urgent Road Safety Strategy Required As Casualty Figures Stall

New statistics from the Department for Transport show that 1,602 people lost their lives on Britain’s roads in the past year, with vulnerable users and young motorists continuing to face the greatest risks.

AI System To Tackle Bridge Strikes Set For Launch

An advanced AI-powered safety system designed to help prevent bridge strikes involving heavy vehicles will be introduced next month at the FORS annual conference in Birmingham. The new low bridge detection technology aims to reduce the 1,800 incidents reported across the UK each year, helping operators cut the risk of costly repairs, traffic disruption and potential rail delays.

Logistics UK Warns Of Driver Shortage As Industry “At A Crossroads”

The UK’s heavy goods vehicle (HGV) sector faces mounting pressures from falling driver numbers, an ageing workforce and training gaps, according to Logistics UK’s Compliance Report 2025.

Mercedes-Benz Actros Awarded Five-Star Euro NCAP Safer Truck Rating

The Mercedes-Benz Actros has achieved a top five-star score in Euro NCAP’s latest Safer Truck tests, joining a small group of heavy goods vehicles recognised for outstanding safety performance.

Overloading Leads The Way In Costly Fines For Van Drivers

Van drivers are facing steep financial penalties for avoidable offences, with new research showing overloading tops the list of the most expensive mistakes.

Research Finds Fleets Are Being Used Over Longer Routes

New research suggests that businesses running electric vans are putting them to work on longer routes than many had expected. The 2025 Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer asked fleet operators who already use electric vans, or plan to do so, whether they anticipated vehicles covering more or fewer than 100 miles per day.

Electric eActros 600 powers the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team’s green push to Dutch Grand

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team has become the first in Formula One history to complete a long-haul journey solely using an all-electric truck.

Solar EV Charging Becomes Focus For 3ti Energy Hubs

3ti Energy Hubs has announced the sale of its solar car park construction business to Phoenix Renewables in a strategic move that will allow the company to concentrate solely on its solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging hubs.

Plug-In Van And Truck Grants Extended Until 2027

Businesses, fleet operators and drivers across the UK will continue to benefit from government support for electric vehicles, after confirmation that the plug-in van and truck grant has been extended until at least 2027.

Half of drivers would rather sit in Bank Holiday traffic or get a parking fine than hit a pothole

A third (30%) of drivers would prefer to sit in hours of Bank Holiday traffic than hit a pothole, while a quarter (24%) said they would rather be slapped with a costly parking ticket, according to new research from Mercedes-Benz Vans Under the Bonnet report.

Untrained Van Drivers Trigger Aggressive Event Every Three Miles

Testing conducted by telematics provider Lightfoot has revealed that untrained van drivers in the UK trigger an aggressive driving incident every three miles on average.

The End of MOT Pass Certificates - The Online World Beckons

Having your car successfully pass MOT is one of the things which most adults do with a sense of pride and achievement. It’s always a good feeling to make it and walk away with that coveted certificate which demonstrates a pass, but those days might be coming to an end. Instead, the government, in conjunction with the DVSA, has recently begun an initiative that asks people to look online for their results - and has asked garages to stop handing out paper records. 

RHA Petitions Mayor of London.

The Road Haulage Association - the RHA - has recently waded briefly into the quagmire of politics to petition the next Mayor of London - unknown at the time - to help with supporting the commercial vehicle sector. To this end, they have outlined a list of things which they believe will help to support the commercial vehicle sector and thus have made a list of changes for 2024 and beyond.

Holistic e-mobility: Mercedes-Benz Trucks now offering charging stations

Leinfelden-Echterdingen - Alongside the decision to embrace e-mobility, fleet operators face numerous additional questions, especially concerning the necessary charging infrastructure at their depots. Mercedes-Benz Trucks has developed a holistic ecosystem including consulting and infrastructure services to support customers in this area. Mercedes-Benz Trucks is now offering its customers the purchase of fast-charging stations from its dealerships, in addition to battery-electric vehicles.  The "Depot Charging" package includes consultation, hardware sales, and technical service. Qualified Mercedes-Benz Trucks partners can also carry out the installation on request.

New Development Plans Must Have Parking Facilities For Trucks

The RHA has made news recently as it has petitioned the Lower Thames Crossing Developers National Highways that their development plans must now include parking facilities for trucks and vans. This comes after a visit to the Dartford Crossing Control Centre in Kent and some serious discussions about how things need to be moving forward. 

Private Parking Industry Announces Code of Conduct

The private parking industry has recently come under scrutiny for deciding to announce a homemade code of conduct. An official government code of conduct for private parking has been in the line for many years now but has been delayed due to legal challenges. As a result, the industry has created its own Code, which has been deemed “inferior”.

Eurotunnel Enjoys 30 Years of Operations

Today, the Eurotunnel celebrates 30 years of operation. One of the largest commercial users of the tunnel, Europa Road, is celebrating 2600 journeys through the tunnel each month—averaging 30,000 annually. 

No Fixed Method to Deal With Road Problems Causes Chaos

New reports are unveiling some major issues when it comes to repairing potholes and damages to the road, as there is no fixed way to tackle the problem, and local authorities are causing chaos by trying to solve issues for themselves without strict guidelines. 

New HQ for Daimler Truck UK unveiled

The new headquarters for Daimler Truck UK and Daimler Truck Financial Services at Willen, near Milton Keynes, have officially been opened.

Fuel cell trucks deployed in real-life operations

Daimler Truck starts initial customer trials with five Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Trucks and the customers Air Products, Amazon, Holcim, INEOS and Wiedmann & Winz.
Customers to gain practical experience with fuel cell trucks at an early stage during a test phase of around one year.

Speeding Epidemic by Van Drivers Needs Government Attention

Experts have recently concluded that van speeding problems have reached epidemic proportions.

The postman only rings twice: Delivery drivers more frequent

Half of people (47%) say delivery drivers now play a more important role in their community than posties, amid a boom in online shopping and home deliveries.

RHA Calls For Safe Truck Parking to Prevent Crime

There have been renewed calls by the RHA to increase the number of safe truck parking spaces to reduce crime.

European Roads Prove Safer Than UK Roads

New studies confirm that drivers who have gone from the UK and visited Europe find that European roads are much better than their British counterparts.

Drivers Warned About New AI Cameras

Drivers have been warned about new cameras that came into affecting new areas of the UK recently with the stark warning that being caught by them could result in a fine of up to £1000 and six points on a driving license.

RHA Launches 10th Annual Truck Week Nationwide

At long last, the RHA has officially announced the national truck week campaign for this year. This is an event which is designed solely for the purpose of celebrating the haulage sector, the work it does, and promote careers available within the industry.
 

RHA Calls For Government Aid to Tackle Freight Crime

As freight crime continues to rise, the RHA has once again called upon the government to provide aid in helping to tackle it.

Fake Prize Emails Scam AA Customers

The AA is warning consumers to be careful in the week of a large cam which has begun circulating whereby the offer of a fake emergency car kit given out for free to AA users has resulted in many becoming victims of a phishing scam. 
 

1 in 3 Young Drivers Admit to Filming While Driving

A new survey has recently revealed that up to 30% of young people are filming themselves while they drive for the sake of creating social media content. The figures include those who are taking pictures and also those who are making full videos. Furthermore, 57% of those who confessed to this put the content on social media with no issues. 

Welcome Break Rolls Out Major Enhancements for HGV Drivers!

To mark National Lorry Week 2024, one of the UK’s leading motorway service providers, Welcome Break, announced a number of significant upgrades aimed at improving the safety and well-being of HGV drivers. This initiative underscores the brand’s commitment to supporting the more than 440,000 HGV drivers who park overnight and over 6 million who visit its sites each year.

Points Don’t Make Prizes!

How many penalty points have you got on your driver’s licence? Shocking data from the DVLA found that over 10,000 motorists in the UK still legally drive despite exceeding the standard threshold for penalty points! 

DVLA Simplify Licence Checks With New Digital Service

The DVLA is preparing to introduce significant updates to driving licence services as part of its ongoing digital transformation efforts. Set for release in March 2025, one of the primary features will be a new online “share my driving licence” tool, accessible through the DVLA’s Driver and Vehicles account platform. This tool will allow drivers to generate unique share codes directly from their accounts, enabling quick, secure sharing of their information.

Driver CPC Updates Approved By Parliament

Parliament has recently approved a range of updates to the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC), a move that many see as a significant step towards enhancing road safety across the UK.

Over A Third Of Light Commercial Vans Fail Their First MOT

New data from the DVSA has revealed that more than a third of Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) failed their first MOT between 2023 and 2024, raising concerns about vehicle maintenance standards among businesses and sole traders. 

Don’t Fall Foul Of Fake Parts!

Over the last few years, counterfeit parts have become a growing concern in the UK, posing a significant risk to drivers and passengers alike. These fake components are often easily accessible and can visually appear identical to the genuine ones, but they lack the critical safety and quality standards required for reliable performance. 

The Importance Of Keeping Your Key Fob Warm!

As the cold weather arrives, our cars and vans need a little more care and attention to keep them running smoothly, and drivers should be aware of the importance of keeping their key fob in a warm location when not in use! 

Why Long-Term Logistics Investment Is Critical

Logistics UK has unveiled an eye-opening new report, The UK Logistics Network, which highlights the vital importance of the nation’s supply chain infrastructure and the pressing need for long-term investment. 

How Working From Home Is Increasing Traffic

In recent years, the rise of remote work has been hard to miss, and 39% of UK employees now embrace some form of flexible working. While it might have once been hailed as a solution for easing congestion and lowering carbon emissions, experts have recently warned it could have the opposite effect. 

First VAN.EA prototypes ready to go

Mercedes-Benz Vans is implementing the next stage of its electrification strategy with VAN.EA. Starting 2026, all newly developed medium and large vans from Mercedes-Benz will be based on the modular, flexible and scalable electric architecture VAN.EA (Mercedes-Benz Van Electric Architecture).

Fact versus Myth: Why we all benefit from Autonomous Trucking

Mauris mauris ante, blandit et, ultrices a, suscipit eget, quam. Integer ut neque. Vivamus nisi metus, molestie vel, gravida in, condimentum sit amet, nunc. Nam a nibh. Donec suscipit eros. Nam mi. Proin viverra leo ut odio. Curabitur malesuada. Vestibulum a velit eu ante scelerisque vulputate.

London’s ULEZ Rules Explained

Introduced in 2019 to improve air quality, driving through the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) can be a costly journey if your van doesn’t meet the required emission standards. 

Drivers Face Stricter Enforcement for Mobile Phone Use in 2025

Starting in 2025, drivers are at greater risk of being caught using their mobile phones while behind the wheel. In an effort to enhance road safety and tackle dangerous drivers, police are rolling out AI-powered cameras that are capable of monitoring driver behaviour. 

Would You Pass Your Driving Test Today?

If you’re like the 75% of drivers recently surveyed by the AA Driving School, the answer would be no! A large proportion of qualified drivers believe that they would fail a driving test if they were to retake it now due to a lack of knowledge of the Highway Code. 

Speeding A Widespread Issue on UK Roads

Recent research from the RAC has found that a shocking 81% of drivers say they regularly see people excessively speeding across all types of roads. However, the majority of this was on motorways; four out of five said it was also a common sight on 20mph and 30mph roads. 

Are Your Tyres Road Legal?

Do you know how to check whether your tyres are road legal? Research undertaken by the RAC and charity TyreSafe has found that only 39% of drivers know the minimum tyre tread allowed by UK law is 1.6mm. That means the vast majority may be driving on tyres that are not only illegal and could land them with three penalty points and a hefty £2,500 fine but are also putting their lives at risk.

Do You Need To Install A Tachograph?

Understanding tachograph laws and regulations can challenge fleet managers, but compliance is crucial to avoid penalties. At first glance, the rule seems straightforward: if your vehicle's total weight is 3.5 tonnes (3,500kg) or less, you don’t need a tachograph, whether you're driving within the UK or across Europe.

Green Light For Lower Thames Crossing

The Chancellor has officially approved the Lower Thames Crossing in a significant address on economic growth. The Government had postponed approval of the new tunnel last autumn, setting a revised decision deadline of May 23, 2025, to “allow more time for the application to be considered further, including any decisions made as part of the spending review.”

No Clean Air Zone For Greater Manchester

The Government has confirmed that fleets and drivers will not face additional charges to drive into Greater Manchester, as a clean air zone (CAZ) charging scheme has been ruled out. Instead, the region will benefit from 117 new lower and zero-emission buses as part of an £86 million initiative to improve air quality.

Plug-in Van Grant Extended Until April 2026

Fleets looking to transition to electric vehicles will continue to receive financial support, as the plug-in van grant has been extended for another year. Originally set to expire in April 2025, the incentive will now be available until April 2026, providing up to £5,000 towards the cost of an electric van.

Urgent Action Required To Stop New Driver Shortage

A new report has revealed that 40,000 new drivers are needed each year over the next five years to avoid a repeat of the 2021 driver shortage. The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has issued a stark warning to both the industry and the Government, stating that it is crucial to recruit 200,000 drivers by 2030.

Driver Wellbeing Takes Priority in Fleet Safety Strategies

UK fleets are increasingly focusing on the mental wellbeing of their drivers as part of their safety plans, with 82% reporting established procedures to assist drivers following incidents.

Changes To Driving Licence Rules For Electric Vans

The Government is updating driving licence regulations to ensure that heavier electric vans have the same allowances as their petrol and diesel equivalents.

Ban On Electronic Devices Used For Vehicle Theft Comes Into Force

The possession and distribution of electronic devices utilised in vehicle theft will soon be outlawed, with offenders facing a maximum prison sentence of five years.

Drivers Call for Improved Signage to Highlight Public EV Charging

A recent study by The AA suggests that drivers believe better signage for public EV charge points is necessary to enhance the visibility of the charging network and encourage electric vehicle adoption.

Over One In Seven Drivers See Others Not Buckling Up

Recent figures from The AA Charitable Trust have revealed that more than one in seven drivers frequently witness others not wearing seatbelts on motorways. According to the data, 15% of respondents reported seeing a driver without a seatbelt, while 14% observed unbelted passengers travelling on these high-speed roads.

One In Three Drivers Ignores Safety Assistance Features

Research from IAM RoadSmart has revealed that a third (33%) of drivers never utilise safety assistance systems such as cruise control or collision warnings, raising concerns about road safety.

Next generation fuel cell truck: Daimler Truck tests first prototypes in the Swiss Alps

Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany – Daimler Truck’s development team has built up first prototypes of Mercedes-Benz' next generation fuel cell trucks and has recently put them through their paces in a first series of demanding tests. Two vehicles of the next development stage of the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck underwent intensive winter testing at the Simplon Pass in the Swiss Canton of Valais. 

Daimler Truck plans to build Europe’s largest semi-public charging network

• Daimler Truck plans new charging network under the TruckCharge brand

• Semi-public charging provides eTruck owners a larger scale of cost-efficient charging opportunities and enables site operators to open their depot charging infrastructure up to third parties

• Daimler Truck plans to offer a solution for planning, booking and reservation with added cost benefits and simplified payment

EU backs down on new rules to allow teenagers to drive HGVs

The EU has decided against forcing member states to allow 17-year-olds to be able to drive a heavy goods vehicle (HGV). The initial proposal from the European Commission, published in 2023, would have required all EU countries to allow 17-year-olds to train to drive a lorry.  

Do You Know The Dangers Of Driving While Drowsy?

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and the Fatigue Group are warning drivers of the dangers of drowsy driving after more than 430 people were killed or seriously injured and nearly 1,300 collisions were recorded due to tiredness in 2023.

Two Drivers Caught Watching YouTube While Driving

Two motorists were caught watching YouTube videos on their mobile phones during Operation Tramline last month. Supported by National Highways, the operation saw police using an HGV tractor unit to monitor offences committed by lorry drivers on major roads.

Dawn of a new era: the Vision V provides a glimpse of a new segment of luxury limousines

Shanghai/Stuttgart. The introduction of the modular, flexible and scalable Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) will usher in a new era starting in 2026. With it, Mercedes-Benz is redefining the privately positioned van and taking it into the luxury segment with a special focus on the “Private Lounge”. The future model portfolio will range from practical, entry-segment family vehicles and exclusive VIP shuttles to luxurious limousines with an enormous amount of space, each in line with different customer requirements. By expanding the top-end of its model portfolio, Mercedes-Benz Vans is defining a unique segment of its own that bestows true greatness to automotive luxury.

Simple Changes That Could Save You Hundreds A Year!

Independent van drivers and fleet operators across the UK could save over £500 a year simply by adopting more efficient driving habits, according to new data from road safety charity IAM RoadSmart. Alongside the financial savings, these small behavioural changes can also help reduce carbon emissions and improve public perceptions of van drivers.

Blackouts Lead To Safer Driving

During the recent large-scale power outage that disrupted parts of Spain, Portugal, and the south of France, commercial vehicle drivers adapted quickly, showing noticeably safer driving habits despite the absence of traffic signals and road management systems.

Would you Pay A Parking Charge If It Wasn’t Your Fault?

Would you pay a parking fine if you had done nothing wrong? A recent AA survey reveals that one in twenty UK motorists are settling private parking charges even when they believe they've done nothing wrong, just to avoid the stress and uncertainty of contesting them! 

The DVLA Give Their Top Tips For Avoiding Online Scams

Did you know that nearly 20,000 people contacted the DVLA last year to report a suspected scam? As criminals and fraudsters become more advanced, it is becoming harder to sport these scams, which means it has never been more important for motorists to stay vigilant. 

Electric Trucks Now Cheaper Than Diesel Over Lifetime Costs

A new study led by the University of Exeter has found that electric lorries are now the more cost-effective option over diesel counterparts when lifetime expenses are considered. 

Handymen Enjoy The Lowest Insurance Premiums

Did you know handymen enjoy the lowest van insurance premiums in the UK? Their premiums average just £382 annually, according to new data from Go.Compare.

Shocking Number Of Drivers Admit To Using Phone While Driving

A recent study by the global leader in telematics and connected motor insurance, IMS, has found that most drivers in the UK have admitted to not being able to complete a journey without reaching for their mobile phone! 

Scotland and Wales Top List For The UK’s Worst Lay-Bys

ALA Insurance has unveiled its ranking of the UK’s worst lay-bys to suffer a vehicle breakdown, with destinations in Scotland and Wales topping the list. 

Electric Van Licence Changes Confirmed

From 10 June, new driving licence rules will come into effect, allowing holders of a standard category B licence to drive electric vehicles up to 4.25 tonnes — aligning them with lighter petrol and diesel counterparts.

Government Scraps Planning Permission Requirement for EV Chargers

Installing electric vehicle (EV) charge points at homes, businesses, and public locations has just become easier following a Government move to scrap planning application requirements.

Live Hazard Warnings For Vans Coming Soon!

Euro NCAP has partnered with Data for Road Safety (DFRS) in a new initiative to introduce live hazard warnings for vans. The collaboration involves feeding real-time data on road hazards that are collected by road operators and individual vehicles and then fed into DFRS’s cloud-based system, which will distribute safety-critical alerts to drivers of compatible vans.

Mercedes-Benz Vans delivers nearly 5,000 electric vehicles to Amazon’s delivery partners

Nearly 5,000 electric vans to join Amazon’s transportation network – three-quarters of which are eSprinter, a quarter are eVito panel vans. The vehicles will be delivered to five European countries in the coming months – more than 2,500 of them in Germany.

Scott Mills launches first Mercedes-Benz Vans podcast…for van drivers

Breakfast show DJ launches Under the Bonnet Podcast to support van drivers on the road. Launch episode sees DJ Scott Mills in conversation with BBC Celebrity MasterChef judge Grace Dent discussing their love of service stations.

Calls Grow For Heavier Vehicle Operators To Fund Road Repairs

A growing number of motorists are backing the idea of introducing extra charges for heavier vehicles, with the revenue going directly towards fixing the UK’s worsening pothole problem, according to new survey findings.

Government Axes HGV Skills Bootcamps Despite Driver Shortage

The government has decided to bring an abrupt end to its flagship HGV driver training initiative just three years after its launch, despite widespread concerns about the UK’s ongoing shortage of qualified lorry drivers.

New RTSS Scheme Aims To Strengthen Road Transport Security

In an effort to improve safety across the UK’s road transport network, the Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a new voluntary scheme called the Road Transport Security Standards (RTSS). This initiative is designed to help commercial vehicle operators strengthen their security practices in response to growing threats from organised crime and terrorism.

UK to Begin Self-Driving Taxi and Bus Trials on Roads in 2026

Self-driving taxis and buses are set to be trialled on public roads in England from spring 2026, bringing the launch forward by a full year as the Government aims to position the UK at the forefront of autonomous vehicle technology.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks sparks new life into the music industry’s live future

•    Three Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 electric trucks enabled headline act Massive Attack to put on a 100% battery electric set at the East London LIDO Festival
•    The fully electric trucks supported the festival’s net-zero mission and reduce carbon  emissions by approximately 50 tonnes
•    Massive Attack’s Tour manager Jamal Chalabi said: “Electrification and the elimination of fossil fuels must become top priorities for every band.”

Destination Zero: Reducing Bridge Strikes

A new campaign, Destination Zero – Bridge Strikes, is bringing together stakeholders from across the road transport sector to tackle one of the UK’s most avoidable yet costly and disruptive road safety issues.

Business Drivers Acknowledge Risky Habits Behind The Wheel

New research has revealed that many individuals who drive as part of their job are routinely engaging in poor driving practices, with behaviours such as tailgating, failing to use mirrors and neglecting to monitor speed featuring prominently.

Is The Earned Recognition Scheme Less Attractive?

Logistics UK has warned that a recent decision by the Department for Transport (DfT) could undermine the effectiveness and appeal of the DVSA’s Earned Recognition (ER) initiative for fleet operators.

Van Insurance Premiums Fall By 4.7%

New figures from Consumer Intelligence’s Van Insurance Price Index reveal that the average cost of van insurance has fallen by 4.7% compared to the same period last year. The data, covering the year to May 2025, also shows a 4.2% reduction in premiums over the three months to the end of May. 

Loading...