The Role of Vans

With the growth of vans on UK roads, politicians and policy makers are seeking to impose greater regulation and restrictions on the sector without fully understanding the vital contribution the van sector makes to the UK economy and the benefits it brings to communities across the country. 

In 2019, Logistics UK launched a dedicated Van Policy Working Group to provide a vital platform for the industry with government, regulators and other stakeholders to communicate and debate the issues the market is facing. 

Key priorities for the sector include: 

• Regulatory issues  

• Ultra-light logistics  

• Skills and employment  

• Rural versus urban deliveries and servicing 

• Van security  

• Emissions reduction  

Key facts

• The majority of vans in use are for the service industries (i.e. tradespeople carrying tools) whilst only one third are for freight purposes (RAC Foundation). 

• Only three per cent of vans are involved in delivery of parcels. 

• Van drivers cover 51 billion miles per year. 

What is Logistics UK campaigning for?

Logistics UK has three priorities for The Role of Vans:

• Standard definition for Ultra Low Emission Vans 

• Fairer way of funding grid capacity upgrades for depot electrification 

• Exclude vans from Clean Air Zones 

Policy Manager

Denise Beedell  

Policy Manager - Vans and Urban