FTA autumn seminars to feature Traffic Commissioners and VOSA compliance

Story: COLIN DAWSON

The FTA's autumn seminar series looks set to be popular with SME van operators

The FTA is again running its autumn Transport Manager series of seminars from this month, with backing from tyre manufacturer Goodyear. And, with bookings having already passed the 500-delegate mark, this series promises to be as popular as ever with SME van operators, says the FTA.

Prominent features this year are an address by the local Traffic Commissioner at each venue plus a feedback session with VOSA on compliance, enforcement and annual testing. FTA’s experts will also be on hand to give updates on the latest transport legislation and vehicle engineering developments.

The decision by Goodyear to sponsor the 2012 Transport Manager series is regarded as a sign of the synergy between the two organisations’ core messages. The tyre manufacturer will be educating fleets on the forthcoming EU tyre labelling regulations as well as equipping those attending with the knowledge to make informed decisions based on their fleet’s particular needs, and understanding the tyre label’s limitations.

Goodyear will also be giving away a full set of car tyres to a lucky delegate at the end of the series, plus a Goodyear ‘goody bag’ at each venue. The seminars, which begin in Chatham on Wednesday 19 September, are also sponsored by Blue Tree Systems and map&guide.

Key sessions at Transport Manager 2012 include: Local Traffic Commissioner address; vehicle engineering updates; safety in logistics; improving fuel efficiency through targeting driver behaviour; VOSA on the compliance; enforcement and annual test experience, employment legislation developments; and Million Pound Drop – an interactive session on compliance issues.

The price for FTA members is £325 plus VAT for the first delegate and £275 plus VAT for subsequent delegates; the cost for non-members is £385 plus VAT for the first delegate and £345 plus VAT for subsequent delegates. Business van operators wishing to book a place should call the FTA Member Service Centre on 08717 112222 or go to www.fta.co.uk/keepuptospeed.

Venues and dates for FTA Transport Manager 2012: Wednesday 12 September – Chatham;
 Wednesday 19 September – Durham; Wednesday 26 September – Warrington;
 Wednesday 3 October – Leeds; Wednesday 10 October – Belfast*: Wednesday 17 October – Huntingdon: Wednesday 24 October – Chepstow; 
Wednesday 31 October – Dunblane;
 Wednesday 7 November – Sheffield; Wednesday 14 November – Birmingham; 
Wednesday 21 November – Yeovil; Wednesday 28 November – Ascot. *A different programme applies at Belfast.

Keep up to date with developments in our business van news section.