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Politicians can be an easy target for criticism. Their job involves making decisions that affect the lives of others, whether popular or unpopular, which they believe are nevertheless for the common good. But every once in a while politicians; international, national or local, do something so unutterably stupid it defies explanation. And in the US state of Michigan, the Senate has done just that by approving the repeal of the motorcycle helmet law.

There is an array of future vehicle solutions in development - Mike Woof reports. Ever since Henry Ford's Model T showed that the motor car could provide transport for ordinary people rather than being an exclusive toy of the rich, vehicle numbers have exploded. In every country around the world, vehicle ownership continues to grow.

A firm in the US is now offering a copy of the Batmobile, as seen in the 1960s TV series starring Adam West and Burt Ward. The vehicle is based on the running gear of a Lincoln Town Car, with a fiberglass body on top. It does feature a red flashing beacon, a Detec-a-Scope and a functional propane powered flamethrower at the rear to simulate the turbine the vehicle was supposed to be powered by. Costing US$150,000, the retro-Batmbobile is for affluent enthusiasts only and the producer is allowed to build jus

Searching questions are being asked within the construction industry of the need for the Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emissions legislation now coming into force. A senior figure within the European construction equipment sector with an executive role at a major manufacturer said, "Who are we doing this for?" He said that there is a need to reduce engine emissions so as to minimise pollution.

With warmer weather now spreading across the Northern Hemisphere, the impact of a second successive harsh winter can finally be seen on the roads of many nations. The transport links of many countries were affected badly by tough winter conditions. From the US to Russia and the 27 European Union members, heavy snow blocked roads and led to endless delays.

In a bid to set a world record for the most useless vehicle-related product ever, a firm has developed what it calls the Carstache. Designed as an item of fake facial hair to attach to the front of a car or truck, this novelty device is intended to appeal to male motorists who presumably have more money than sense. The utterly pointless product allows an owner to personalise a vehicle according to the company's founder. The Carstache is available in a range of colours including black, brown, orange and pink

Jonyang is a joint venture owned by Guizhou Guiyang Industrial Investment Holding Company and Singapore Technologies Kinetics (ST Kinetics), with excavators forming the main sales focus.

Official statistics can often reveal the blindingly obvious to anyone with the remotest level of common sense. A report from the UK's Office for National Statistics presents a fine example, stating that fewer journeys were made during the recession.

Ontario-based WS Tyler is offering three innovative new systems to the North American market. The company is a subsidiary of German firm Haver and one of its new concepts is the new Haver Pelletising Disc, which converts fines into marketable pelletised product.

As part of its strong commitment to promoting the objectives of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011-2020), IRF will be convening a major international symposium in Bucharest, Romania from 10-11 May, 2011. The symposium, based around the theme Providing Infrastructure that improves Road Safety, will take the form of a high-level, two-day interactive gathering, built around six sessions addressing key themes.

The US infrastructure network requires urgent attention - * T Peter Ruane. America's transportation infrastructure was once the "shining light on top of the hill." Major investments in a national highway, bridge, transit, airport, port and waterway system during the 20th century paid great dividends. The free and efficient flow of goods and people across the 50 states led to unparalleled economic expansion. The mobility and prosperity resulting from an interconnected infrastructure was a model for the world

XGMA has a long history of building construction equipment having commenced production in 1951. Wheeled loaders were the firm’s main output for many years though the range has widened considerably and now also includes excavators, soil compactors and backhoe loaders, for example. Outside of China the firm has strong export sales and sells well into Latin America, the Middle East and Russian and is looking to recruit staff in Brazil during 2012, according to Joaqim Zheng, sales director for Central and South

Shantui is moving steadily up the dozer size scale and its new SD52-5 bulldozer is the largest and most powerful the firm has ever made. This is also the biggest dozer made in China. Powered by a fuel-efficient diesel rated at 390kW, the SD5-5 is said to be both productive and economical to buy and run. The cab meets ROPS/FOPS requirements while also offering operator comfort and all-round visibility.

Sany is introducing several new machines with improved performance, including the SHG130 grader and SSR260 soil compactor. For earthmoving operations Sany has developed the SSR260 soil compactor and SHG190 grader. The 26.7tonne soil compactor is designed for low maintenance needs, with features including positive lubrication air-intake filtering and fuel filtering. Vibration damping makes the machine comfortable to operate for longer periods while an electronic diagnostics system ensures that the operator c

A study by Switzerland's Accident Prevention Office (BPA) has unveiled an interesting cultural phenomenon with regard to road safety.

Work is now underway in Serbia to build a new bridge over the Danube River.

Last year's flooding in the Australian state of New South Wales left the roads in the Richmond Valley in a poor state with 400km in need of urgent repair. To quickly meet the aggregate demand for the work, Richmond Valley Council called on contract crushing specialist M&M Crushing to produce 100,000tonnes of 20mm road base and 7mm, 10mm and 14mm graded aggregates from Peterson's Quarry.

Egis has an innovative approach to addressing construction defects - *Martin O’Flaherty, Jean Pohu. Defects often become apparent after construction projects are handed over to the client and this is a common problem across most highway projects. The problem is shared by highway operators who have assumed the responsibility of managing such projects.

An innovative safety system that could reduce accident levels is being developed in Sweden.

The authorities in Vietnam are taking steps to toughen enforcement against drivers who break regulations.