Page 8 - issue-27

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timebomb’
Growing use of vans could present a ‘ticking accident bomb’ for businesses not running comprehensive road risk management procedures.
So says IAM RoadSmart as it highlights a rise in van traffic in recent years compared to HGVs. DfT figures show van traffic has risen 12% from January 2013, with research suggesting that vans are being used to substitute for HGVs, for reasons including the lower wages of van drivers, the rise in home deliveries and lastly, the fact that both the fleet management and drivers of vans are less regulated than HGVs.
IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research, Neil Greig, said: “There is no additional test or qualification required to drive
a van, over the basic car licence. This compares directly to drivers of HGVs, who must undertake
a test in the vehicle they drive and continued professional development through the driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). As more and more orders are made online, it
is very likely that the increased growth in the number of van drivers will continue.
“But whether your fleet is made up of vans or HGVs, the same corporate manslaughter laws apply and as an employer it is not enough to assume that just holding a driving licence will keep your drivers safe. With additional pressures on them, including often overly optimistic delivery schedules, van drivers face challenges car drivers rarely will.
“With the Christmas delivery surge fast approaching, be stringent in your risk assessment process and ensure every individual you have on the road receives the training they need
to get their valuable cargo and themselves delivered on time and in one piece.”
8 TVD lssue 27 2016
New FORS standard tightens up the rules for van drivers
FORS upgrades its sFtandards for van use
ORS, the Fleet Operator streamlined document, making it Recognition Scheme, has more user-friendly and even more released the latest issue of its engaging.”
ffFORS Standard (version 4.0) with specific guidance on how it applies to vans as well as trucks and public service vehicles, as well as its strongest environmental credentials to date.
Available online, FORS Standard 4.0 is designed specifically
for FORS members and is the scheme’s definitive reference source governing key operational factors surrounding safety, efficiency and environmental protection – combining to increase productivity and overall operational performance.
“This is our greenest ever FORS standard,” said concession director John Hix, “NOX and particulate matter, noise, alternative drives, tyre and fuel management all come under the spotlight in this update.
“And we’re responding to best practice development within the industry,” he said. “For example, FORS standard 4.0 introduces
at bronze licence checking
using a risk-based verification system that directly accesses the DVLA database. Above all, it’s a
The FORS standard is reviewed and updated on a two-yearly cycle, and covers pathways to FORS bronze, FORS silver and FORS gold accreditation.
Developed and approved by the FORS Governance & Standards Advisory Group (GSAG) – a collective of leading operators and industry bodies from across the transport sector – the new FORS Standard 4.0 represents all the latest regulatory updates, additions and amendments.
Rest assured
John added: “Operators can rest assured that training courses, free to FORS members, and eLearning modules are available to provide help and support on all aspects of FORS membership.
Further, we are expanding our reach by offering a growing number of FORS training courses right across the UK, updated to help operators get to grips with FORS Standard 4.0. The new standard really is the ultimate best practice resource in the transport industry.”
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