Should commercial vans be regulated in the same way as larger vehicles above 3.5 tonnes? It’s a debate that’s boiling over within the fleet industry right now, where there’s a split between those who believe self-regulation is the way forward and those who think government regulation is the only way to ensure van fleets adhere to best practice.
A rise in home delivery operations and an increase in the number of vans and light commercial vehicles on the road is bringing the subject to the fore in many people’s minds, as it effects their daily lives. And it’s steadily becoming more and more of an emotive issue. At the 2012 Fleet Van conference 91% of the delegates agreed that Britain’s van fleet operators need to be more professional, and at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Forum there was much debate about how to improve the UK van fleet’s dreadful maintenance record.
“Vans aren’t covered by much of the legislation that their truck colleagues are subject to. That isn’t, however, any excuse for vans to be operated in anything other than a safe and roadworthy manner,” says Mark Cartwright, Head of Vans and Logistics Buyers at the Freight Transport Association.
“It will always be in the interests of van users, large and small, to aspire to the highest of operating standards. Failure to do so will not only add to the risks and costs they are exposed to but could also prompt government to impose truck-like legislation on to van fleets, with all that implies.”
“It will always be in the interests of van users, large and small, to aspire to the highest of operating standards. Failure to do so will not only add to the risks and costs they are exposed to but could also prompt government to impose truck-like legislation on to van fleets, with all that implies.”
Mark Cartwright, Head of Vans and Logistics Buyers at FTA
Why Regulate?
Where the two sides agree is that van regulation is needed. But a stumbling point is that many of the people that operate a small van don’t consider themselves as fleet managers. The builders, couriers, plumbers, bakers – these are the people that use their vehicles to get from A to B and don’t necessarily see themselves as part of the fleet or commercial vehicle industry. And this is the same for much of the home delivery industry – even companies that adhere to regulations regarding their fleet of lorries, but don’t do the same for their smaller vans.
What’s more is that many of these companies don’t use fleet management software to help them efficiently organise the running and maintenance of their vehicles. This puts the operators of these fleets at an immediate disadvantage when it comes to scheduling in necessary regular checks and monitoring vehicle usage.
“Vans don’t have to have an official MOT until they’re three-years-old,” says Sharon Clancy, Editor of m.logistics. “That’s fine if you’re the butcher or the baker and you’re only doing 30-40,000 miles a year. But if you’re a supermarket home delivery fleet, you’re doing 80-90,000 miles a year. So by the time that vehicle needs an MOT, it’s done a quarter of a million miles and it’s had no regulatory checks on it at all.”
“Driven, often at high speed over long distances, heavy vans (2.8 to 3.49 tonnes) are used in the same way as heavy commercials and often pose a greater threat to road safety.”
Peter Shakespeare, Road Haulage Association
The maintenance of vehicles is a huge issue, especially when the shadow of corporate manslaughter looms over all fleet operators, large and small. In a recent study by AXA – carried out among 300 businesses with vans – 45% weren’t even aware of the term ‘corporate manslaughter’. And, according to VOSA, the first-time MOT failure rate for vans is 50%, compared to just 5% for HGVs.
“The issue of the roadworthiness of LCVs is a big issue. Up to 3.49 ton GVW vans can be driven on a car licence and currently require no operating licence,” says Peter Shakespeare from the Road Haulage Association. “Driven, often at high speed over long distances, heavy vans (2.8 to 3.49 tonnes) are used in the same way as heavy commercials and often pose a greater threat to road safety.”
Time For Action
It’s clearly time for action – but what should that action be? Having annual MOTs is one solution and is favoured by both sides as a way of raising standards in the industry.
“Make them have an annual test in the same way trucks over 3.5 ton have an annual test,” says Sharon Clancy. “It could also be mileage based. Even the vehicle manufacturers say it should be mileage based.”
But herein lies the rub. While the industry seems to be united in the belief that action does need to be taken and that it should heavily revolve around vehicle maintenance and driver safety (making sure drivers take proper breaks and don’t spend excessive amounts of time behind the wheel), many people don’t believe the industry has what it takes to regulate itself and think that the government won’t introduce legislation.
“Regulation will never come from the industry itself,” says Richard Fry, the National Chairman of the Road Haulage Association. “Everyone will want to compete against each other and cut costs. It has to come from the government. But they’re openly saying they want to reduce regulation. So it’s got to come from Europe.”
“Regulation will never come from the industry itself. Everyone will want to compete against each other and cut costs.”
Richard Fry, the National Chairman of the Road Haulage Association
However, those that favour self-regulation believe that the motivation is there and what’s needed, above all else, is education. Schemes like the FTA run Van Excellence are already trying to raise the standards of van operators, without the need for government intervention. But is an initiative launched by the industry for the industry enough?
“Van operators need to understand their responsibilities and learn from available best practice. I often see fleets, which have grown over time, struggle to reach the right standards – not because they’re cowboys, but because they don’t always know what they don’t know. They don’t see themselves as being in transport – they might be a builder or shopkeeper – but they are and their vans are probably the costliest and riskiest element of their business,” says Mark Cartwright.
“Education and the sharing of best practice is where it’s at. It’s not difficult to make sure vans are roadworthy and drivers are competent – it’s really just the application of common sense.”
So, what is the best way forward for companies with small and large fleets of vans and small commercial vehicles? Government regulation or self-regulation? We’d like to know what you think – let us know in the comment section below.
32 thoughts on “The Final Word on Van Regulation”
Maybe the answer is as easy as, if the vehicle is classed as a commercial vehicle(vehicle for business use), then it should be MOT’d annually from new. This could also include company cars.
If you drive said vehicles, then you should not only be able to drive these vehicles safely, but also be able to operate safely around them. So if you’re delivering to a shop in the high street, where is the safest place to park. Keeping in mind the safety of other road users as well as yourself.
Whilst the two suggestions above will increase costs initially. Would it not affect their insurance, especially if their vehicles are better maintained and the drivers are more competent?
The TV program last night on ch.4 about scrap dealers summed up some of the problem concerning driving skills. Those collecting scrap were filmed driving along mostly casually holding the wheel with one hand. One held a cup of coffee in the other hand; and they were all cruising the streets with one eye on the road and the other looking out for dumped scrap.
About time, can they regulate cars while they are at it? I am pretty tired of the dangerous state of our roads. Ask anyone how good their driving is and most people will rate themselves as at least ‘above average’.
How many people would knowingly break a law, consciously deciding to do something illegal? Anyone who speeds…..
The ridiculous part is that fast driving even on a clear road reduces the length of time your trip takes by trivial amounts.
I think it is a no brainer, these vehicles are used commercially and regulation re maintenance and drivers hours should be brought in. High mileage, long hours, pressure to deliver in a timely manner make this sector of the transport industry ripe for legislation and oversight. The taxi industry should also be included for the same reasons.
I have no axe to grind, I am a truck driver with regulated hours, a well maintained vehicle and restrictions on the hours I can be on duty. These circumstances would not be in place without regulation, self regulation would be toothless.
Just persuading them to drive safely and stop the excess speeding, aggressive tailgating, cutting up and under taking wild be a good start. Van drivers are frequently extremely aggressive and need to be taught anger management and good driving techniques.
as a retired raf engineer I knotice things about vans,smoky exhausts=injectors need calibrating,tyres with lack of tread,lights us,bad condiction of bodywork,usual bad inconsiderate driving,no regard for other road users,thats just the tip of the iceburg,regards ken
They don`t get a nice salary and pension for sitting about chatting over mugs of tea,unlike RAF mechanics on the public purse.
Another bunch of regulations to put small businessmen out of the game. I run a very small gardening outfit using my estate car. However this would put me off ever acquiring a van. There are laws to deal with all the problems noted above but the police do not enforce them. They seem to sit beside major roads watching the infringements such as tailgating, using mobiles, stinky exhausts go sailing by.
I am 54 yrs old and have driven a 3.5 tonne car transporter 60/70.000 miles a year for the last 3 yrs. I agree that the law should tighten in respect to the mechanical upkeep and MOT checks on LCV’s.
In the 3 years i have been operating i have always had my vehicle kept well serviced, checked and roadworthy as well as never having incurred a penalty for speeding or any other offence.
Were i to detail the amount of idiots i see using the phone, undertaking, tailgating, illegally parking, running red lights, driving in adverse weather and bad light with either side lights or often no lights on, sitting in the middle lanes refusing to move over, etc etc!!!!! every day!!!!!
well i think my point is clear. the real dangers on the road are the irresponsible, uneducated so called drivers on the roads. The motorways in this country are blighted with idiots more interested in their phones than what’s going on outside.
Rant over, but nothing will change!!!!!
Get real everybody, we all order goods to be delivered by small vans, a lot of these drivers are owner drivers on contract to large delivery firms start stating they can only work 8 hours will drive up the costs to us all for delivery, Ok I accept that mot from new every year is a good idea, but hay next you will want us to be French drive for 20 hours per week and have 12 weeks per year holiday and retire at 45.
Most of the big boys (Yodel, DHL, MyHermes, and even Parcelforce us contract drivers so just add a load more work on them form filling, and next we will have to have tacos, operator licences transport managers ect ect
Can someone explain the difference between a light van driven carefully and maintained regularly and a people carrier falling to bits crammed with school kids while the driver (not always female!) gasses away on a mobile?
I’m semi-retired and my van is my place of work. My life and sanity depend on courteous driving and proper maintenance. Anyone can point the finger at others but ultimately the responsibility for road safety depends on ALL road users.
I believe that traffic police observing dangerous driving should be allowed to cancel a drivers licence and force them to re sit the exam to re apply for a new one. That would make people think twice before doing anything stupid on the roads.
Sorry if the idea sounds a bit extreme, but it could be your child thats involved in the next accident.
Yet another attempt by big business to make it harder and harder for the smaller operator to compete. The supermarkets have done it with mountains of regulations thereby excluding most new entrepreneurs from entering their sphere.
Yes regulation is needed for maintenance of all vehicles used on a commercial basis. You cant get on a fork lift truck if you have not passed a fork lift truck test, no matter how long you have held a full driving licence, so where is the sense in putting someone behind the wheel of a LCV without a basic hazard awareness test? Mad when you think about it. As for the EU don’t we already have too many dictates from them without asking for LCV regulation as well? We are BRITISH, no European.
Speed limiters are an option on these vans, they should be standard.
All vehicles should be MOT’d from new.
As a motor mechanic I know full well some brand new vehicles would not pass an MOT due to loose components or wrong tint on indicators or brake lights, even headlamp aim and centres.
Many mew vehicles used to fail the emissions test until they are run in and the piston rings seal
Pre delivery inspection checklists have been pared down and should be re instated as a legal requirement.
All vehicles cars bikes quads (even push bikes if I had my way,) should have an MOT from new and then annually.
Apart from maintenance issues, LEARN TO DRIVE PEOPLE! Don’t forget that much of what the highway code dictates is REQUIRED BY LAW! There,problem solved. Above all build on what your driving instructor teaches you instead of binning it and going your own sweet idiotic way after the first couple months with a brand new drivers license.
When I started to drive a Transit van 50 years ago, the speed limit was 50mph on a van. I got a speed ticket for doing 55mph.!! Perhaps they should introduce the same speed limit now.
Just remembered, all drivers should go on a police driving course. Couple of years ago I was behind a police car doing just under sixty, non emergency, and noticed said driver, one hand on wheel, head bent over to shoulder,other hand on and operating phone on coat, past car,two HGVs and this went on for over three miles. Perfectly safe?
People with small vans, Like i would do, Simply get an estate car, More ways of takeing money easy targets and more red tape.
EVERYONE avoids the obvious as if it were poisonous! Manage the Driver, NOT the vehicle. A car/van/lorry does what it’s told, just like a computer. So sort the Operator and all else slots smoothly in place. EVERYONE, including MI6, Chief Constable, Queen’s driver and Joe Blogs white van driver takes a Qualified Driver’s Retest at 12 months and every 3 years thereafter. The retest should be tougher each time to maintain a status of excellent driving throughout UK, which could be envy of the world. By consensus, FORCE the Coalition to push through the required legislation BEFORE 2015!
The cut throat competition in the van delivery industry means that safety standards will routinely be sacrificed on the altar of money. The only way to ensure the maintenance of suitable safety standards for both vehicles and drivers is through government regulation. With more frequent and rigorous testing of vehicles plus the imposition of higher standards for the licensing of (so called) professional drivers, the roads should become safer for all, including the van drivers themselves. If you don’t believe me do two things to check my conclusions: a) pass the IAM or RoSPA advanced driving tests so you know what good driving is, b) spend some time on the road watching other drivers and noting how many break the speed limits, tailgate, miss out their mirror checks and fail to indicate when necessary as well as those who just drive like plain lunatics.
Quite simply we need less regulation not more all more will do is create another burden on small business that will grow another load of parasites making money off the backs of others far to many people in this world now make money out of money and training etc etc and actually are no real use. Responsible small van operators will maintain their vehicles etc so lets not set the agenda by the actions of the few.
I am a 59 year old courier driving about 60 thousand miles a year, a self employed owner driver. As it is I barely scrape a living while endeavouring to keep my van legal and serviced fairly regularly. I certainly can’t afford to buy a new van and my current Citroen is on a 53 plate, bought for a few hundred pounds from Ebay.
My colleagues and I have allready agreed that if driving hours, tacho’s etc. came in for our small vans, we would switch to using estate cars and people carriers for our work. Many couriers that only carry small packages allready use cars for their work.
The Japanese tried the same thing when they inaugurated the “Just in Time” manufacturing process. They found out that loads of small vans were clogging up roads all the country and went back to large deliveries with large trucks.
Nt only uk based vans we have foreign vans collect from us, That are driven for hours on end and are very much over loaded and the driver just keeps putting more goods on board and will then drive from the west midlands to Czech republic or north Germany. And arrive the next afternoon it needs to be accepted by all EEC countries so as once again our rules DO NOT PUT OUR TRANSPORT FIRMS AT RISK.There vans are even in a poorer state then some uk based firms.
Exactly how many people have died or been injured as a direct result of poor maintenance on vans? Any proof of this problem at all? Not really. More a case of vested interests wanting regulation to either increase bureaucratic power or disadvantage small companies. Same old story- use fake danger to get what you want via government interference.
all vans should be regulated the same as hgv,s so shoulds all taxis I do not understand the difference between the psv/hgv and the others to may van/taxi drivers work far to long every day just to earn enough I know of one frim who employ couriers to deliver the newspapers 7days a week those same drivers have been working all day delivering parcels and get to sleep in their vans for a couple of hours each day the paper delivery pays for the running of the van for the week so they can afford to live on what they earn on their day job but in the year that I worked for that firm as a driver of their own vehicle the couriers had over ten serious accidents due to falling asleep at wheel
Methinks it is scheme for someone to make money.
The answer is as obvious in this instance as in every other instance since the beginning of time; self regulation never works.
Unfortunately.
you will always get the cowboy who will abuse what ever legislation is inposed my self i would class the light van has a commercial veahicle and make it compulsery like heavy lorries to have a mot one year after fist registration and every year after lots of privatly owned vans are abused and neglected and are unroad worthy i beleive it would keep a lot of unroad worthy veahicles of the roads if they where D9 and took straight of the road till its bought up to standard and a certificate of repair up to road worthyness is produced then the veahicle can go back on the road.it would make the road a little safer and has we all know every little helps.
I work for a large global parcel company driving a 44T artic every day, I`m bound by the tacho laws, WTD laws and the reduced speed limits on the minor roads, six weekly inspection of the company trucks and trailers although our vans also get serviced and inspected every 2 months at the dealers yet the so called desperado white van man can go out in his invincible van with 200 drops a day flying up and down the roads thinking it`s ok to just stop and put on his hazard lights to drop off a small box where ever he likes holding up the traffic without a care in the world. You only have to talk to some of them and listen to their stories “I couldn`t survive without making all these drops”, “I need 200 drops to make a living” “tea break! What`s that?” Yeah I think ANY vehicle used in the line of work should be regulated by the govt including taxis, quite simple to fit a tacho in all these types of vehicles and a body set up to monitor it. The local councils and some of the bigger companies are now starting to restrict their vehicles (how many have you seen with a restricted to 70 sticker on the back, look at the first SKY van thats in front of you) I`m looking forward to the day the brakes get put on the un-regulated sector, it can`t come quick enough especially for the taxi drivers!!!