Van operators are being urged to improve maintenance arrangements and safety to avoid being bought into the O-licensing regime.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has launched its van maintenance campaign at the CV Show today, which it hopes will help operators meet their self regulatory requirements.
The organisation, which has published a van safety guide, claimed that of the 10,800 vans stopped by the DVSA at the roadside annually, 63% have a serious mechanical defect, while 93% are overloaded. Some 50% of vans failed their MoT first time, compared to 22% of HGVs at annual test.
The SMMT is working closely with the DVSA and other industry stakeholders to ensure that vehicles under 3.5 tonnes GVW remain exempt from the O-licence system. It estimated the total bill for bringing the van industry into the system could total £2.1bn, based on the 3.2 million vans currently on the road.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "Britain’s 3.2 million vans are essential for the smooth running of the economy but their recent safety record is a matter of concern.
"We’re launching a new campaign to promote maintenance so businesses can take the necessary steps to ensure their vehicles are safe, protecting their drivers and other road users without the need for further fines and regulations.”
