Sponsored by LeasePlan and motors.co.uk, the competition saw drivers put to the test through five separate tasks that were designed to test their overall ability behind the wheel. Six elements of the event examined driving skills (fuel economy and driver behaviour), manoeuvring ability, the drivers' risk awareness, checked legislative knowledge, and ability to identify pre-use defects of the vehicle. The drivers were scored on each element of the competition and ranked from based on their scores.
The winner was Cameron Weir from Iron Mountain; in second place was Tony Finnerty of Amey Fleet and Plant; and third place was awarded to Matt Kitchin – driver for National Grid.
Mark Cartwight, FTA's head of vans, said: ‘Congratulations must go to every single driver that took part in the Van Excellence Driver of the Year 2014 – to my mind everyone was a winner. The calibre of entries was outstanding and it was hard to pick between them; the level of their expertise, experience and knowledge was thoroughly put to the test, and they are all outstanding drivers. This event offered van drivers the chance to redress the balance of what is an often maligned profession and the reputation of “white van man”. Instead they were able to celebrate the fantastic work they do on a day-to-day basis, and demonstrated how important they take their responsibilities.’
