Did you know? With more than 4 million vans registered in the UK, it is a common misconception that there is no legislation governing van drivers and van operations. Due to their size and weight, vans can be driven and used for anything – right? Wrong, in fact very wrong. With an increase...

Sareen reviewed the recruitment of new starters to include licence-checking either during the selection process, or before the employee’s start date. Regular licence checks are then carried out depending on individual driver risk ratings. Initial licence screening has helped to reduce the number...

Did you know? 90% of road collisions are caused by, or involve, human error. Drivers face fines up to £5,000 and up to 9 penalty points for careless and inconsiderate driving if their vehicle causes an obstruction when it has run out of fuel. There are around 3 to 6 major bridge strikes...

Did you know? 56% of van drivers consider themselves overweight. 70% of van drivers say work pressures severely impact their ability to drink enough water and have a healthy diet. Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK, with 1 man dying every two...

Did you know? A driver can be fined up to £300 or get a court summons if their van exceeds its maximum permitted axle weight. Exceeding the manufacturer’s load limit can put serious strain on the vehicle and may invalidate insurance cover. Overloaded vans are a common issue in the UK...

Did you know? There are laws limiting the amount of driving a van driver can do each day. These laws also require minimum rest periods. Drivers breaking these rules can receive large fines and even custodial sentences. There are 2 different sets of rules that can apply. It is important...

Galaxy uses RAM Tracking to monitor its drivers, and line managers read the generated reports weekly. However, Wayne emphasises that when feedback is given to drivers, it is never punitive, but always supportive. Equally their driver training is geared to maximise driver investment in the process....

Did you know? Theft of vans has been increasing over the last 5 years. Over 8,000 vans are stolen each year. Thefts from vans is also a massive problem with over 28,000 thefts per year. Most thefts from a van occur where the driver parks at home. Thefts of contents are often...

Did you know? Each year, DVSA issue over 2,000 prohibitions to drivers of vehicles which present a road safety risk because of poor load security. Where a vehicle’s load is deemed to be in a dangerous condition, the driver can receive 3 penalty points and a licence endorsement. Drivers...

Did you know? Mobile devices are a major distraction but they are not the only one. Distractions can include eating, drinking, setting satnav, radios etc – anything that takes your eyes off the road or distracts your concentration on driving. Distraction is a major cause of collisions...

Did you know? In 2019, there were 60 fatalities involving vans and vulnerable road users. 62% of cyclists killed or seriously injured were involved in collisions at, or near, a road junction. Post collision, drivers could face financial claims from a vulnerable road user covering their...

Did you know? Penalties for speeding range from £100 – £2,500 and between 3 and 6 penalty points. Drivers who go to court for speeding, could be fined up to 175% of their weekly salary and even be disqualified from driving. Speeding fines vary for certain types of roads and for...

Did you know? Drivers can be fined up to £1,000 if they do not inform DVLA about a medical condition that affects their driving. It is an offence for drivers to refuse to submit to an eyesight test when requested to by the police. Drivers may be prosecuted if involved in an accident...

Did you know? The use of vehicles as a weapon to injure and kill people has become a real threat. This is referred to as a ‘vehicle as a weapon (VAW) attack’. Vans pose an increased risk if used in VAW attacks because of their size, profile and weight. Crowded public spaces are...

Did you know? Towing with a van could: Mean you need different driving licence categories. Require use of EU drivers’ hours rules and tachographs (although there may be exemptions you can use). Overload the towing vehicle beyond its legal and / or physical capabilities. Vans with a...

Did you know? MOT Tests - Half of all vans fail their MOT at the first attempt. Two thirds of vans stopped at the roadside by the DVSA have a serious mechanical defect. You are responsible - It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure the vehicle is safe and roadworthy... Learn more and...

Did you know? Driving without the correct entitlement to drive may result in a driver being issued with 3-6 penalty points and a fine of up to £1,000. Penalty points are not displayed on the driving licence photocard. Drivers who receive 12 penalty points or more can be disqualified...

70% of company cars and 100% of vans have dashcams. The company also has telematics in operation on all company vans. Van driver telematics scores improved with those in the low-risk green band shifting from 91% in 2022 to 97% in 2023. Medium risk drivers also reduced from 8% of drivers to 3%....

Did you know? Weight, driving style and maintenance all affect a van’s fuel economy. An unnecessary 45kg in the vehicle reduces mpg by 1%. Engine idling can have a significant impact on vehicle’s fuel economy. Excessive speed is the biggest fuel-guzzling factor. The heavier a...

Did you know? Over 2 million drivers have an out-of-date driving licence Driving without a current, valid licence can result in a fine up to £1,000 and 3-6 penalty points Failure to produce driving documents to the police is an offence resulting in a fine up to £5,000 and 8 penalty...

Did you know? Drivers face fines up to £2,500, a ban from driving and 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition. Wearing a seat belt is law and can result in fines of up to £500 and 3 penalty points if not wearing a seat belt when supposed to. Airbags reduce...

Did you know? Seat belts are simple to put on and save lives. The penalty for not wearing a seat belt when driving is currently a £100 fine, rising to £500 if taken to court. The use of a seat belt by drivers and vehicle occupants was made compulsory in the UK. People not wearing a...

Did you know? An English or Welsh Court has the power to disqualify anyone from driving in GB regardless of where their licence was issued. A driver’s ability to drive in GB on a foreign driving licence depends on the length of their stay and the country where their licence was issued. ...

Did you know? Tailgating is one of the causes of road rage and police have powers to issue on the spot fixed penalties for inconsiderate lane use (including hogging the middle lane). Penalties range from a fine of £100 and 3 penalty points to a driving ban or prison sentence, depending on...