Geith launches automatic quick couplers at INTERMAT
A new range of safety-focused automatic quick couplers will be launched by Geith at INTERMAT, specifically for mini excavators. The new QC35/40 hydraulic coupler is designed for use on mini-excavators from two- to four tonnes, giving the operator a fully automatic, safe change-over system without having to leave the cab. A patented double pin locking system ensures that the coupler retains the attachment in a safe position even if there is a loss of power, said the firm.
Mitsubishi EV to take on Pikes Peak Hill Climb
Mission Mitsubishi, a Mitsubishi dealer in San Antonio, has announced that Mitsubishi's i-MiEV Prototype will be taking on the historic Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, which will take place in Colorado on 8 July, 2012.
EU rules in favour of two drivers in France in photo enforcement cases
The EU Human Rights Court has ruled in favour of two drivers who received traffic tickets from French authorities, but were not provided the means to contest them. Both men paid the fine required and one lost a point off his driver's permit. Both called for the reimbursement of the fine.
Caterpillar is revamping its range-topping pavers, the AP1000E and AP1055E
Caterpillar Paving is introducing its AP1000E and AP1055E pavers, which replaced the earlier D-Series machines. The machines are said to be able to place smooth mats and deliver high-production as well as redirecting fumes away from operators. The AP1000E is a wheeled model while the AP1055E is the tracked version of the same basic machine. Productivity is provided in part through the heavy-duty screed designs offered, with customers able to choose between the AS2302C, AS3301C, AS4251C and AS4252C.
Q-Free wins congestion charging contract in Gothenburg
Trafikverket has informed Q-Free that the company will be awarded the contract for delivery of the congestion charging infrastructure in the Swedish city of Gothenburg.
Huge programme to develop parking infrastructure in Moscow being introduced
Moscow's Directorate for Investment Project Support and Participatory Construction Oversight (Moskomstroyinvest) has introduced a huge programme for developing parking space in the Russian capital. It provides for the construction of at least two million parking spaces in the city by 2025.
PTV’s RIO method for signal control optimisation wins award
PTV has beaten 70 competitors to win the prize for the best solution in the category Mobility and Logistics, in the Bitkom (the German Association of Towns and Municipalities) Urban Solutions Pitch.
Lithium ion battery prices will fall by over one third by 2017, helping drive EV adoption
According to a recent report from Pike Research, as manufacturing efficiencies improve and access to lithium expands, the installed cost of Li-ion batteries will fall by more than one-third by the end of 2017.
Aviva looks to iPhone app to cut the cost of motor insurance
Major UK insurance company Aviva is said to be experimenting with an iPhone app that will offer discounts on car insurance based on customer's driving speed and style, according to reports in the Daily Telegraph newspaper.
Global Automakers testifies at NHTSA public hearing on distracted driving
The Association of Global Automakers, which represents international motor vehicle manufacturers, original equipment suppliers, and other automotive-related trade associations, has testified about the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) proposed voluntary driver distraction guidelines stressing the importance of an objective, performance-based, and technology neutral approach.
Slovenia puts ETC on hold
Plans for the implementation of a new electronic toll collection (ETC) system in Slovenia have been placed on hold, as the government has suspended the international tender for the project.
ITS World Congress paper submission deadline extended
Organisers of the 19th ITS World Congress & Exhibition, being held from 22-26 October 2012, in Vienna, Austria, have extended the deadline for technical/scientific paper submissions until 27 January, 2012. Six main topics have been identified so as to create a seamless flow of logically progressing sessions.
UK to get tough on road works disruption
Utility companies who take too long to complete their road works in the UK will face higher charges, transport minister Norman Baker has announced. All utility companies who dig up the road must agree a time frame for their works with the local council.
AMP joins list of plug in electric vehicle manufacturers qualifying purchasers for US$7,500 tax credit
AMP Electric Vehicles has announced that it has been qualified by the US IRS for the federal tax credit. The company joins the list of plug-in electric drive motor vehicle manufacturers, including Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corporation, Tesla, Toyota, and 13 EV manufacturers in all, qualifying purchasers for US$7,500 tax credit when purchasing an AMP electric vehicle.
Nepal's new transport drive
Nepal is establishing a new framework through which it will be able to boost the efficiency of its transportation plans and investments. The Nepalese Government is allocating around US$375 million to the Department of Roads (DoR) for constructing the country’s strategic road network.
M100 wireless detector milestone
Clearview Traffic Group has announced the 150th installation of the Golden River M100 wireless vehicle detection system within the UK. This milestone also marks an installed base of over 1,500 M100 sensors and 300 M110 Access Points in the two years since its launch.
Urgent repairs to Forth Rd bridge
Urgent repairs will continue on the Forth Road Bridge in east central Scotland this weekend after work the previous weekend was disrupted by strong winds. The bridge authority has also confirmed that a further three weekends of traffic restrictions will be required over the following weeks. On Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 March traffic will be restricted to a single lane in each direction from 3am until 12noon.
World of Asphalt/Aggregates - strong attendance
The organisers of the 2012 World of Asphalt/World of Aggregates event in Charlotte North Carolina claim records have been broken for this year’s exhibition and conference. The event is run by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AEM.
Tender process commences for Romanian highway project
The authorities in Romania are launching the tender process for a new highway section. The country’s national roads and highways company, CNADNR, is handling the tenders for the project, which involves designing and building a 9km section of the Transilvania Highway between Gilau and Nadaselu in Cluj county.
Navtech Radar to showcase ClearWay radar-based safety and monitoring systems
Navtech Radar will be showcasing the safety and economic benefits of using longer-range radar systems for Automated Incident Detection (AID) and enforcement at Intertraffic 2012. The company’s ClearWay sensor technology is currently deployed in live tunnel and above-ground environments in Northern Europe and has been further developed to provide count and classification capabilities as well as an effective counter to illegal tailgating and unsafe lane-change manoeuvres.