The warning comes from Gordon Macdonald, head of enforcement policy at VOSA, during his keynote speech at the inaugural Van Excellence Conference held by the Freight Transport Association.
Within his address at the Sheffield-based event, Macdonald stated that: ‘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.’
In addition he praised the Van Excellence scheme, describing it as ‘an extremely good example of the industry can take responsibility for itself’.
The scheme is an industry-led initiative that aims to enhance standards of van operator compliance, celebrate operators who demonstrate excellence and represent the interests of the van industry.
Macdonald added that accredited operators of the Van Excellence scheme were recognised by VOSA for demonstrating good practice in the industry.
He commented: ‘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 and proves that they are entirely capable of self regulation. FTA applauds the efforts of VOSA to increase general operational standards and welcomes the words which Gordon Macdonald from VOSA has delivered t enforcing the message to those van operators who need to improve their standards do so.’
The FTA is holding the second in the 2013 series of Van Excellence events on Thursday 16th May in Slough and the third on Tuesday 29th October in Dunblane. Key sessions during the seminars include managing road risk; reducing fuel spend; vehicle specifications; future van technology; VOSA’s view of enforcement in the world of vans; current and upcoming legislative issues; and an examination of the Van Excellence scheme through the eyes of an accredited operator.
The conferences are sponsored by Industry Partners ATS Euromaster, BT Fleet, Hertz Van Rental, Route Monkey and TomTom Business Solutions who were on hand to speak with delegates at Sheffield about their role as industry partners with Van Excellence.
Further information on Van Excellence can be found at www.vanexcellence.co.uk
