The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) will be making the keynote address at each of this year's Freight Transport Association Van Excellence conferences, providing the opportunity for delegates to hear at first hand VOSA's views on the general operational standards of vans across the UK and the van world.

VOSA aims to improve van operational standards and makes no secret of its intention to significantly ramp up the number of roadside inspections and other enforcement activity.

The Van Excellence conferences will be held at three venues around the country during 2013, and is sponsored by Van Excellence industry partners ATS Euromaster, BT Fleet, Hertz, Route Monkey and TomTom Business Solutions, who will be on hand at each event to talk with delegates about their role as industry partners with Van Excellence.

Other issues covered by the conference include:
• Managing road risk in light commercial vehicles
• Reducing operational costs
• Getting the vehicle specification right
• An insider's view of future vehicle technology
• Legal update from the van operator's point of view

Mark Cartwright, FTA's head of vans said: "This is a 'must attend' event for anyone operating vans or involved in the van industry, and we are delighted that VOSA has agreed to come along and provide its views on the issues facing van operators."

The conferences will take place on Thursday May 2 in Sheffield, Thursday May 16 in Slough and on Tuesday October 29 in Dunblane.