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Modernising Maintenance: Fleet Engineer 2025
Logistics professionals gathered at Logistics UK’s annual Fleet Engineer conference this week to explore the future of vehicle maintenance, technological integration, and regulatory evolution.
The packed agenda led by key industry figures provided critical insights into how the sector can evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing landscape.
Kevin Rooney who was just two days into his new role as Senior Traffic Commissioner opened the conference looking at some of the persistent maintenance failures that lead to Public Inquiries and how they can best be mitigated. Mr Rooney also revealed the cost of vehicle operator licence fees are likely to rise saying that the current approach where an operator with one vehicle pays the same as a company with 1000 vehicles needed to change.
The forward-looking conference featured several talks on the role AI and technology can play in improving maintenance. John Armes, Digital Service Manager at Daimler explained how AI is now able to predict to the hour when a breakdown will occur, but also showed how simply monitoring tyre pressure effectively can generate additional benefits through higher fuel efficiency and reduced brake wear and tear.
Chairman of IRTE Nick Elliot introduced the new Maintenance Provision Rating Scheme (MPRS) describing it as having the potential to be a “game changer”. Logistics UK was instrumental in the development of the industry-led scheme that is steered by IRTE. Mr Elliot described how the initiative brings “transparency” to the vehicle maintenance sector through a simple rating system based on the competency of technicians and the quality of facilities.
The conference was hosted by Logistics UK’s Head of Engineering Phil Lloyd (pictured) and commenting after the event said, “With Fleet Engineer we always try to look to the future to help prepare the industry for the challenges it will be facing but also how it can take advantage of opportunities that are presenting themselves.
“The conference sessions show just how much innovation there is within the sector and how modern design alongside predictive AI technology can optimise inspection and servicing programmes that will hopefully lead to maximum asset utilisation and reduced costs."
Photo credit: Richard Simpson
Published On: 05/06/2025 14:34:05
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