FTA briefings to highlight the dangers of complacency in van operation

The Freight Transport Association’s Van Excellence operational briefings will highlight the fact that there is no place for complacency in van operation.

The message they will aim to convey is that even those who think they are doing the right thing, and become comfortable with what they’re doing, should be continuously looking to improve their operations because if they don’t, the consequences could be severe.

Sergeant Jon Butler, of Central Motorway Police Group, will open the briefings in Nottingham and Weybridge, and Inspector Darren Faulds, of Police Scotland West, will open the Glasgow event, with a session underlining the risk and impact of crashes, including a 'mock interview under caution' emphasising that even if you think you're doing all the right things, you're a heartbeat away from the world coming crashing down on you and the driver, managers and directors could all be culpable.

Mark Cartwright, head of vans and LCVs at FTA, said: “The operation of vans is one of the biggest areas of risk many businesses are exposed to.

"Our briefings are designed to reinforce the safety and compliance message and, importantly, demonstrate industry best practice in managing drivers to reduce risk.”

Other subjects to be covered at the briefings include:

Driver distraction
Driver psychology
Hidden costs of crashes
Pulling it all together

There will be three briefings around the country this year - Tuesday, April 5, at The Nottingham Belfry Hotel, Nottingham; Thursday, April 7, at Mercedes-Benz World, Weybridge Surrey; and Thursday, April 14, at Westerwood Hotel and Golf Resort near Glasgow.

One free place is available to the Van Excellence Governance Group, Van Excellence accredited operators and Guide to Van Excellence subscribers.

The cost of further places and for all other delegates is £50 plus VAT per delegate, or 10 places for £200.

For further information or to book a place go to http://www.fta.co.uk/events/van-excellence-operational-briefings-2016.html or call the FTA Member Service Centre on 03717 11 22 22.