The latest initiative in the field comes from the Freight Transport Association (FTA), who has created a “comprehensive and realistic” code of conduct that will benefit business, the environment and all motorists.
“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,” said Richard White, FTA’s Van Project Leader.
The Van Excellence Code aims to standardize working practices that are already being used by the top companies in the sector. It will offer mandatory and audited parameters for all the areas of van operating, such as driver behavior, vehicle safety/maintenance and others.
The Code has been developed in collaboration with some of the most important van fleet operators in the UK and has received support from van makers Mercedes, Ford and Nissan. Signatories to the code will commit to follow procedures that improve safety, reduce environmental impact and promote professionalism.
"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,” White concluded.
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