According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the UK’s van market is very buoyant thanks in part to the growth of on-line shopping and the huge swing to home delivery during the lock downs and beyond.

Tyrenet has launched its on-line solution so that stricken truck and van drivers can quickly place an enquiry to repair or replace a tyre 24/7. www.tyrenet.net will enable a driver to get back on the road in 90 minutes, halving the usual 3hr ‘downtime’ experienced by most according to MD Mike Riley.

November is the month when vehicles driving in Germany and Austria must have winter tyres and that legal requirement remains until April. In the UK tyres more suited to winter conditions are not legally required but they can be fitted voluntarily.

In October 2019, the Secretary of State asked the Department to carry out an evidence stocktake to gather the facts on the safety of smart motorways and make recommendations.