Van operating best practice and compliance will be under the spotlight at the latest ‘master class’ being held by fleet operators' association ACFO.

The number of vans on the UK’s roads totals 3.6 million, according to latest Department for Transport data, but figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) suggest that keeping them in a roadworthy condition is proving difficult for many operators.

The seminar entitled 'A Van for all Reasons' starts at 9.30am, and is being held on Thursday, May 5, at the De Vere Harben, Newport Pagnell.

The event, hosted by Mercedes-Benz and supported by international in-vehicle equipment manufacturer and supplier Bott Group and the UK’s largest vehicle leasing and fleet management company Lex Autolease, concludes at 2.45pm.

John Pryor, chairman of ACFO, said: “Many of our members are predominantly car fleet operators, but also have a small number of vans.

"However, even if in charge of a large van fleet, there will be something to learn from a speaker line-up delivering a master class on operating best practice from vehicle selection and fitting out through in-life management and, critically, embracing legislative compliance.

“The seminar will provide expert advice and information on everything a fleet operator needs to know when running vans.”

Issues under discussion are likely to include driver licence validation, employee health declarations and eye sight checks, corporate drink and drug policies, drivers’ hours, driver responsibilities when at the wheel, vehicle road worthiness and load security, towing regulations and police investigations following a crash.

Speakers will also provide expert advice on how to ensure compliance with the rules of the road and other regulations particularly by encouraging drivers to undertake daily vehicle checks and report defects to management.

The line-up of speakers will include:

  • Scott Neilson and Carol Kirk, strategic account managers, Mercedes-Benz UK
  • Andy Hill, commercial vehicle manager, Lex Autolease
  • Stephen Turner, sales director, Bott Group
  • Graham Short, fleet manager, Zip Water UK, and chairman of ACFO’s East Anglia region
  • Representatives from the Central Motorway Police Group, Freight Transport Association, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme.