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Welcome to August’s edition of Business Van Manager, the new web magazine aimed at small business van users.
The words ‘health’ and ‘safety’ strike fear into the hearts of many small businesses. But if you ignore the tabloid tales of jobsworths and officialdom, there are many reasons to be careful when driving or loading your van. Firstly, it’s more important than ever to concentrate when you’re at the wheel. Don’t use your phone, or try grabbing lunch on the move. If you’re involved in a fatal accident and the courts decide you were a ‘distracted driver’ you’ll be in serious trouble.
The same applies to your load. Loose tools or equipment in the back, or on a roof rack, could become lethal projectiles in a shunt – so make sure you’re racking is of a decent standard, and properly fitted. And remember to take care when you’re loading up – a self-inflicted back injury could put you off the road – and that’s the last thing a self-employed van man needs.
On a more cheerful note, we’ve tested the new Peugeot Partner, as well as a golden oldie that’s back in the Nissan range – the D22 pick-up, now renamed NP300. And we’ve news of new LWB LDV Maxus chassis-cabs.
Mark Bursa - editor
Snack on the go? Think again. Newly introduced careless driving laws allow courts to jail ‘distracted drivers’ who cause death by not paying due care to the road.
New Extended Frame Chassis Cab, Dropside and Luton derivatives of LDV’s Maxus have an extra 750mm of wheelbase and uprated rear axles. More here.
That’s what you could end up with if you don’t fit quality racking inside and outside your van, according to a report from TrukRax Vehicle Racking Systems.
Lower emissions mean cheaper running costs, less pollution. So Citroen has created a special brand for its cleanest vehicles called Airdream. Details here.
The original Partner has given 10 years’ stalwart service – it’s a hard act to follow. But new Partner is not only bigger – it’s a lot more flexible too.
By popular demand – Nissan has reintroduced its basic D22 Frontier pick-up, with a new name – NP300. It’s not sophisticated – but it makes up for that in practicality.
Loading heavy or awkward items can result in serious back injury. Which could have a big financial impact on the self-employed. David McNeill on how to do it properly.
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