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DROWNING IN A BRITISH SUMMER
Page 10
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It's traditional that we British moan about the weather at every opportunity and lets face it, this summer has given us plenty of excuses for a good whinge. As well as ruining many a summer holiday, the atrocious conditions we've been experiencing of late have serious implications for business. Operators are facing an increased danger of accidents, worsening congestion and the risk of flooding, not to mention damage to loads. But these are all minor — or at least localised — problems compared with the detrimental effect it has on fuel economy. When operators come to assess their annual fleet figures there's a reliance on a decent slice of weather during the summer to keep up the averages. Sadly, that's not going to be the case this year. So, as if fuel wasn't expensive enough, UK transporters are then hit with the second weather whammy.
Our road testers reckon wet weather can increase fuel consumption by anything from 10 to 15%. The effort involved in pumping the water from under the tyres is a severe drain on power and anyone monitoring fuel economy (you do monitor your fuel bills, don't you?) will already have seen a big dip compared with previous years. The delights of an English summer? Mmmm, we'll take Spain — the fuel's cheaper there too you know...
• This week's legal focus is on drink and drugs (see page 38). While we're not suggesting it's a major problem in the road transport sector it is a subject we should be aware of. Random drug testing is something best reserved for athletes and footballers, But all truck and van drivers should be asking themselves a serious question every time they get behind the wheel of a vehicle: "Am I fit to drive safely?" If not, then for heaven's sake, don't turn the key.
• Elsewhere this week we've got £15,000-worth of 4x4 to give away (see page 60). You can't win if you don't enter, so get your entries in now!