Derek Boulton, EHS and transport manager at Invensys Rail, said: “We operate 200 vans and see the installation of speed limiters and proximity sensors as an important step in further improving both the safety and efficiency of our business”.

There are also a number of fleets looking to reduce the risks associated with the use of mobile phones.

“I have proposed an updated mobile phone policy and recommended a blanket ban on all use while driving, including hands-free,” said Morgan.

Public perception and the stigma of “white van man” remains an area of concern for many operators. We asked what the van operating industries should be doing to improve the way vans are viewed in UK…

Leonard summed the views of many operators: “Speed limit all vans to 70mph. No responsible operator can possibly justify their vehicles being used on company business exceeding the national speed limit.”

Tim Bright, group transport manager at Paragon Laundry Group, added: “The use of speed limiters in vans will do more than anything else to improve public perception of vans and challenge the white van man stereotype.”

Chris Carver, head of logistics, Healthcare at Home, argued: “It must be recognised that vans are of just as much importance (if not more) to the economy as HGVs.”

John Blakeley, of Clancy Docwra, agreed: “Van operators are not the bad guys.

“Vans are essential for the work we and many others carry out.

“We have been part of FTA’s Van Excellence programme since the very beginning because these are exactly the messages the scheme sends out to the public and Government.”

Not surprisingly, the Government finds itself on the receiving end of the magic wand with one four letter word dominating responses – FUEL!

Rory Morgan summed views up with: “Fuel, fuel, fuel... do I need to elaborate?”