More than 80 people have so far booked to attend ACFO’s van operating best practice and compliance ‘masterclass’ at the De Vere Harben, Newport Pagnell on May 5 but places remain available.

The seminar, entitled A Van for all Reasons, will run from 9.30am to 2.45pm and is expected to cover: driver licence validation, employee health declarations and eye sight checks, corporate drink and drug policies, drivers’ hours, driver responsibilities when at the wheel, vehicle (roadworthiness) 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 includes:

• Scott Neilson and Carol Kirk, strategic account managers, Mercedes-Benz UK
• Andy Hill, commercial vehicle manager, Lex Autolease
• Stephen Turner, sales director, Bott Group
• Mark Cartwright, head of vans, Freight Transport Association
• Ian Vincent, principal consultant, Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme
• Graham Short, fleet manager, Zip Water UK, and chairman of ACFO’s East Anglia Region

ACFO chairman John Pryor (pictured) 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.”

He added: “Staying legal on the road is vital, but data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency would suggest that not all operators are law abiding with a significant number of vans failing MoTs and vehicle enforcement checks at the roadside and at operators’ premises highlighting numerous irregularities.

“The seminar will delve deep into van legislation and regulations and provide expert guidance on how van fleets can limit their risk exposure.”

ACFO members can book their seminar place by emailing the ACFO Membership Services’ Organisation at info@acfo.org or going to the webiste. Non-ACFO members wishing to attend the seminar can do so by joining the organisation.