Drivers and people will be the main focus of the Freight Transport Association's three Van Excellence Operational Briefings in April.

The programme will examine the ramifications of something going wrong, and will look at the strategies and processes operators could and should be putting in place to measure, manage and reduce the risk and impact of shortfalls.

The briefings will take place on Tuesday, April 5, at Nottingham Belfry; Thursday, April 7, at Mercedes-Benz World, Weybridge Surrey; and Thursday, April 14, at Westerwood Hotel and Golf Resort near Glasgow.

Mark Cartwright, head of vans at FTA, said: "Many people behind the wheel of a van probably use their vehicle as a mobile toolbox.

"The likelihood is they think of themselves first and foremost as plumbers, electricians or civil engineers, and the chances are they don’t think of themselves as drivers.  But they are still commercial drivers in the eyes of the law.

“This year’s Van Excellence Operational Briefings will take a closer look at the way drivers’ actions can impact on how a fleet operation works, and will reflect on how planning and consideration can improve the way they work and the image of the van driver here in the UK.”