As I go around from place to place plying my services I am intrigued by the concepts that people have of machines and vehicles together with people’s expectations to what they are designed to do seems to bear no relationship to what they are expected to do. I’m even more amazed at the conflicting stories I hear from drivers and owners on what is the correct procedure with any particular regulation on the road or workplace which many seem to think it’s open to the old adage of its up for “interpretation” when it comes to any driving or transport issues which makes me sometimes wonder which copy of the highway code they have looked at.
For the sake of augment, let’s talk about the humble van, there are over 4 million registered in the UK covering a multitude of wheelbases and all owned by individuals and companies alike. The humble van covers a diverse range of businesses and trades, and yet to own or drive one there is no formal requirement other than the normal requirements of a correct driving licence, registration, insurance, and MOT if required, so just how much do you really know about operating a van correctly and what are your responsibilities? For instance, what does the law say about roadworthiness? what about the driver, what are their responsibilities and duties? what checks should the owner make on the driver? what training must you give? and do you need any special requirements to go outside the UK? Do you know the procedure at a roadside check if you are given a PG9 or defect notice? How long have you got to correct any faults, and will the van be subject to another MOT?
It is a misconception that vans can be driven and used for anything – right? Wrong! So, with the increase in the number of stops for vans the average fine per offence has been in the region of £972 it shouldn’t take long to realise that there is a whole range of legislation and enforcement agencies that cover vans, so making sure both the driver and operator know their responsibilities before they take to the road has never been more important than it is today. I leave you with this thought; recently a van driver was stopped on the M25 by the DVSA. They took him to their check site, where the van was weighed and inspected for road worthiness, it was found to be overloaded on two axles plus gross weight, it also had cuts in two tyres and a number of suspension and steering faults. He was then asked for his driving licence by a Police officer who pointed out restrictions on his licence on the back, the van was given a PG9 immediate and the famous steel cable through the wheel, the DVSA gave him advice but made it clear the van is not going anywhere for the moment! The Policeman also had a birthday that day, the driver had 01 and 106 codes on his licence which meant he wears glasses or contact lens for driving and he can only drive an automatic vehicle, the van was manual! And when stopped he didn’t have his glasses on and doesn’t wear contact lenses, the DVLA are now investigating his medical declaration! Oh well what’s £3500 plus costs between friends, and he also has a few points now!
Uckfield Logistics Training Services offer short van driver awareness courses both online and in person, it could save you a lot of time and money. Chamber members can benefit from a FREE 30 minute van driver compliance check online. Contact Dave for more information on dave@ults.co.uk