Vosa has confirmed it is stepping up its LCV enforcement regime, and will be increasing the number of roadside checks on vans and how it monitors compliance activity in this bourgeoning sector of the market, reports Commercial Motor Magazine today. Until now, light commercial vehicles have not been subject to the same strict enforcement regime applied to HGVs, but with the growth in the number of commercial vans on our roads in recent years, especially in the home delivery and utility company markets, action is being taken to increase compliance related to standards of vehicle service and maintenance With hundreds of thousands of light commercial vehicles operating on our roads, from major fleets to one-person operators, the aim is to raise standards and address key issues, namely mechanical defects and overloading. According to Vosa’s ‘Vehicle Safety – Danger of Overloading’ guidance sheet, vans have the highest prohibition rate of overloaded vehicles. So what are the consequences and how can operators ensure compliance? Unsafe loads If a van is overloaded, or its load is insecure, the driver risks being issued with a fixed penalty or being summoned to court. Therefore LCV fleet operators must ensure their drivers are trained in safe loading practices and don’t load the vehicle beyond its maximum weights for its train, gross or axles. Vehicle maintenance It is important to have a structured vehicle maintenance programme in place supported with the pre-use daily ‘walk around’ check. Vosa states that “80% of roadside prohibitions could have been prevented by a drivers walk round”. Driver compliance Underpinning all this, just like for HGV drivers, albeit with less intense regulations to follow, is ensuring LCV drivers fully understand, and comply with the legislation requirements relevant to the vehicle they drive. This will include working time directive, speed limits, safe loading and vehicle roadworthiness.
Posted on: Mon, 16 Sep 2013 12:38:33 +0000
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