CheckedSafe: Van compliance and best practice
Van compliance, a guide by Stephen Buckley, Sales Manager, Fleetmaxx Solutions in Burnley
Van compliance – best practice
With over 4.2 million vans used for business across the UK, light goods vehicles outnumber lorries by a ratio of 7 to 1. The DVSA conducts around 10,800 roadside van inspections each year, with non-compliance potentially costing businesses up to £4,000 per day per vehicle.
Ensuring your fleet complies with all regulations is essential for maintaining safety, avoiding costly fines, and improving operational efficiency. However, uncertainty around legal requirements often leads to a rise in non-compliance.
The importance of van compliance
Did You Know? 59% of light goods vehicles given a prohibition notice during targeted checks in 2013-2014 were due to mechanical defects.
Vans used for business purposes fall under various commercial vehicle classifications based on their Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). Those under 3.5 tonnes are categorised as Class 4 or Class 7 under the MOT scheme, while those over 3.5 tonnes require a goods vehicle operator’s licence. This licence comes with additional compliance regulations overseen by the Traffic Commissioner.
Promoting van compliance and best practice
Drivers
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999) require employers to manage workplace health and safety risks effectively. As part of fleet management, employers must ensure:
- Drivers are competent, alert, and healthy
- Drivers are sufficiently trained and aware of company policies
- Drivers hold valid driving licences
Vehicles
Vehicle safety and maintenance are vital components of fleet management. The HSE work-related road safety checklist outlines best practices for ensuring vehicles are fit for purpose, roadworthy, and compliant with regulations:
- Vehicles must not exceed the maximum load weight
- All contents and equipment must be securely fastened
- Daily walk-around checks should be conducted before each journey
- Preventive maintenance schedules must be followed
Van compliance and legal risks
Charges
Employers may face prosecution under health and safety law, Corporate Manslaughter, or road traffic law violations. Drivers may also face penalties, including causing death by dangerous or careless driving.
Litigation Risks
Beyond legal repercussions, employers may be held liable in civil litigation if an employee is involved in an accident while using a van for work. Many law firms operate on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis, increasing the financial risk of non-compliance.
Balancing responsibility
Work-related road safety is a shared responsibility between employer and employee. A structured approach to compliance ensures a balance between legal obligations and operational efficiency.
By implementing CheckedSafe’s Digital Van Walk-Around App, businesses can streamline compliance processes, ensure vehicles remain roadworthy, and significantly reduce risk.
How Fleetmaxx Solutions can help
Fleetmaxx Solutions can assist businesses in achieving full van compliance by providing tailored fleet compliance checks for light goods vehicles. Our Checkedsafe app helps you meet all safety and legal requirements while improving overall fleet efficiency.
For more information, please contact us at 01367 704 910.
Van compliance quick enquiry
