Van sector to drive up excellence

Tuesday 13 April 2010

Accounting for over three million vehicles on our roads and having grown by almost 40 per cent over the last decade, the van fleet sector is one that warrants serious self-regulation. With the backing of some of the largest van fleet operators in the UK, the Freight Transport Association looks to establish a comprehensive and realistic code of conduct that will benefit businesses, the environment and all road users.

Richard White, FTA’s Van Project Leader, said:

“Businesses and consumers rely heavily on the van industry, which already boasts many shining examples of well-honed and proven van working practices. Using that knowledge and having formalised an agreed code of conduct, it is now a question of getting accord from all van operators, large and small.”

The Van Excellence Code, which has been developed by the van industry for the van industry, looks to share and formalise working practices that are already used by leading companies in the sector. Its aim is to provide mandatory and audited parameters for all aspects of van operations including key areas such as driver behaviour, vehicle safety/maintenance and risk assessed operating methods.

With backing and input from some of the largest van fleet operators in the UK as well as commitment from van makers Mercedes, Ford and Nissan, FTA is confident that the Code will set the standard for future working practices.

Signatories to the Code will follow tried and tested operating procedures to improve safety levels, reduce environmental impact and promote professionalism.

White concluded:

“As an industry we have the knowledge, the will to improve and the belief in self-regulation that is needed to make the Van Excellence Code work and it will provide those inside and outside the sector with a clear set of standards by which they should expect all vans to be operated. By seizing this initiative the sector can help to forge a greener, safer and more professional future.”

Notes for Editors

For more information about the Van Excellence Code visit FTA’s stand at the Commercial Vehicle Operator Show 2010, which takes place on 13-15 April at the NEC, Birmingham. FTA will be in Hall 5, stand 5850.

The Code’s development group comprised:

AAH Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Amey 
Birmingham City Council 
BT Fleet Ltd 
City Link 
DHL International (UK) Ltd 
Enterprise Managed Services plc
Iron Mountain Europe 
Leeds City Council 
Menzies Distribution Ltd. 
Morrison Utilities 
Royal Mail 
Sainsbury’s 
United Utilities 
Wakefield District Housing

For further press information contact FTA’s media team on 01892 552255/01892 552253 or, out of hours, on 07985 874248 or 07818 450425.

Companies or operators interested in finding out more can contact Mark Cartwright, FTA’s Van Project Manager on 07818 450365.
 

FTA Press Office

01892 552255
press.office@fta.co.uk