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Van Law
New driving offence targets middle-lane hogs and tailgaters
THOSE irritating motorway middle-lane hoggers who hold you up on the way to a job will now risk a £100 fine and three penalty points following the introduction of new rules on careless driving. Poor lane discipline adds to the problem of traffic flow, congestion, and unpredictable journey times, according the Department of Transport, all… Read more…
Eurocrats vote to limit van speeds
THE top speed of vans could be restricted if new proposals approved by the European Union are accepted by member states. The European Parliament’s Environment Committee recently voted to limit the speed of new vans to 75mph (120kph), with effect from 1 January 2014. a decrease in speed from 80mph to 70mph will increase… Read more…
Top tips for towing
IF YOU drive a panel van and tow a trailer, it’s highly likely that you regularly break the law. The rules surrounding the use of trailers are pretty straightforward but it’s amazing how many people don’t seem to understand them. This article breaks the problem down into two areas – the law, and then the… Read more…
Strong support for ban on smoking while driving
DO you light up behind the wheel and enjoy a drag while driving? Well, apart from the fact that it’s bad for your health, smoking in the ‘workplace’ – which could extend to the van you’re driving – is against the law. And now, a survey by the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) has revealed… Read more…
What happens if I get a fixed penalty notice?
THE UK driving licence system works on a points basis – too many points, and a driver can get disqualified for a while. Not so good if driving is vital to making a living. If you are convicted of a driving offence, you must tell your employer If you work as a van driver for… Read more…
Where can I unload my van?
THIS is potentially the most fraught part of a van driver’s day. In fact, the rules and regs around unloading your van are fairly liberal. But it’s different for loading where there are all sorts of situations where it’s prohibited. Some of the rules are obvious: you can’t stop to load (or unload) your van… Read more…
Drivers who swap penalty points for speeding
AA survey says 13% of people know someone who has taken the speeding penalty points for another driver.
Small businesses punished as London parking tickets jump 50%
VAN operators in London are being hounded by parking wardens working for cash squeezed London councils happy to plaster van windscreens with yellow penalty charge notices (PCNs): parking tickets to most of us. As if things aren’t tough enough for small business, London’s boroughs inflicted a punishing 50% increase in parking tickets in 2012. The… Read more…
Safety and the law when you want to tow a trailer
IF YOU want to tow a trailer with your van, there are safety and legal issues you need to know about. First, are the van and the trailer compatible? Is the coupling height correct? This is essential for ensuring the towbar and trailer meet safely and effectively and can prevent issues such as ‘snaking’ at… Read more…
What’s the law on safe loading?
ACCORDING to VOSA, vans are by far the worst offenders when it comes to overloading. The law on safe loading is enforced by random roadside checks and these show that 20% of vans are overweight. That compares with 7.5% of HGVs and 5.5% of PSVs. Overloading your van can severely compromise its dynamic behaviour. This… Read more…
Speedy places £8.6 million order for new Ford vans
Hardtops increase security and flexibility for Balfour Beatty’s Toyota Hilux pick-ups
Isuzu at the South West and Wales Truckfest
Research uncovers top 10 SME business mistakes
Saving weight saves money