VOSA vows to ramp up enforcement to improve van standards
Van operators have been warned that those failing to comply with regulations will be targeted by VOSA officers, as part of a renewed focus on van operational standards.
Gordon Macdonald, the agency’s head of enforcement policy, delivered the warning in a keynote speech at the first FTA Van Excellence Conference, held in Sheffield.
Macdonald said VOSA was: “determined to improve van operational standards and makes no secret of its intention to significantly ramp up the number of roadside inspections and other enforcement activity.”
He also used his speech to praise the industry-led Van Excellence scheme, saying it was a good example of how “the industry can take responsibility for itself”. Accredited operators of the Van Excellence scheme were recognised by VOSA for demonstrating good practice in the industry, he added.
“Van Excellence contributes to improve road safety recognition, and is very beneficial in changing the public perception of the ‘white van man’. The scheme ensures that better standards are met so that vehicles operate in a safe and viable way and therefore should be nurtured.
“VOSA needs support from the industry to ensure that our resources are best directed at the right target audience. I see Van Excellence as a very positive initiative and congratulate the FTA on the scheme.”
Mark Cartwright, FTA’s head of vans, added: “Van Excellence demonstrates that operators… are entirely capable of self-regulation. FTA applauds the efforts of VOSA to increase general operational standards.”
Further Van Excellence conferences are scheduled for Thursday 16 May in Slough, and Tuesday 29 October in Dunblane. Key topics featured include road risk management, fuel spend, vehicle specifications, future technology, VOSA enforcement and legislative issues.
