Hire and Rental News - August 2018

The three-month trial saw truck drivers given priority to pass through major intersections. “We need to be able to use technology to get the very best out of our roads,” New South Wales Roads Minister Melinda Pavey said. Trucks were fitted with a wireless transmitter that effectively enabled the trucks to ‘talk’ to a device attached to the traffic lights on approach. The green light period was then extended to allow the INDUSTRY NEWS 12 HIRE AND RENTAL NEWS • AUGUST 2018 Pip Jewson, 1800Buggies Director said: “We would often get inquiries for other services when people saw our buggies at festivals and events, everything from toilet hire to site offices, but we were happy to refer these inquiries to other suppliers we work with. “We decided our sole focus in the hire industry would be ‘Buggies’ and to grow our existing business it made sense to change our name to exactly what we do. And do what we do best." With the free call phone number secured the company has begun rebranding, with a new website, social media, accounting systems, documents, and sign writing over 150 buggies and vehicles in the fleet. “Our buggies are not to be confused with traditional golf carts. They are far from it, Event utility vehicle supplier changes name to 1800Buggies After nearly 20 years trading as ‘Patons Event Hire’ the company has now changed its name to 1800Buggies. all of our buggies are 4x4 and the majority are diesel powered which is ideal because it is a common fuel source for festivals and events. Plus they have large tow and carrying capacities,” Pip said. “We have offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane but also send our buggies around the nation for long-term rentals on large projects. “After recently developing our own app for internal use and with GPS tracking assistance it makes life easy as a business owner to keep a grasp on everything no matter where the assets are located.” 1800Buggies has a growing number of niche buggies. ATV vehicles including: Medical Buggies, Diesel transfer buggies, 6 person 4x4 buggies, and Mine Spec buggies. “We also offer trailers for hire so you can drive in and drive out with a buggy and a trailer. This is a common occurrence when customers need to transport a buggy to various job sites,” Pip said. Visit: 1800Buggies .COM.AU Trucks ‘talk’ to traffic lights to ease congestion For three months during May, June and July, a new technology allowing trucks around Sydney to communicate with traffic lights in a bid to ease congestion was trialled. heavy vehicle to make it through in time. “Having less stopping and starting of heavy vehicles is a really positive way to improve connectivity and journey times for everybody,” Ms Pavey said. In all, 112 trucks were fitted with the new device during the trial and 99 of Sydney’s busiest freight corridors had the traffic light units installed. The roads with the new technology included Pennant Hills Road, Parramatta Road and King Georges Road. With about 270,000 trucks crossing the city every day it’s estimated congestion is costing the country $5 billion in lost time every year. If the trial is deemed a success, the technology could be extended to other modes of transport, such as emergency vehicles. (Nine Digital 2018 – www.9news.com.au/ national/2018/06/03/18/29/heavy-vehicle- trial-reduce-sydney-traffic-confestion) 'Patons Event Hire’ has now changed its name to 1800Buggies