Legislation

Legislation governing the use of tachographs is not only complex, it’s also evolving – and it’s imperative for fleet decision makers to understand the changes.

Although using a hands-free phone behind the wheel is legal, research shows it is just as dangerous as using a handheld device, which is against the law.

Towing and loading can create a minefield of compliance issues for van operators. Here we help navigate through them.

There are a range of laws that fleet managers and their drivers need to adhere to. These range from road safety laws such as speed limit regulations, anti-drink driving legislation and minimum vehicle standards rules to health and safety regulations in the workplace and even anti-smoking laws that apply in company vehicles.

It may be done to gain competitive advantage, but overloading isn’t worth it

Understanding what fleets need to do to comply with the law in a complex subject. Here, we outline some of the salient points

Driving under the influence costs lives. Andrew Don looks at the law and the policies fleet operators should implement

The FTA provides guidance on what the different colours used on flashing lights denote, with a Q&A from Eamonn Brennan.

The FTA looks at the latest issues to affect vans and trucks. Here, it provides guidance on banksman signals and contraflow systems.

The FTA looks at the latest issues to affect vans and trucks, with a Q&A from Eamonn Brennan

Despite Brexit, vans of 2.5 tonnes-plus may still have to comply with EU rules, especially when deliveries take them across the border. By Steve Banner

Ensuring employees from overseas are legally allowed to drive company vehicles can be a complicated task. Andrew Don reports

A quick guide to speed limit rules from Commercial Fleet magazine, for van and truck operators.

This month, the FTA's Member Advice Centre has been inundated with questions - here are a few highlights answered by FTA manager of van information Eamonn Brennan.

The forthcoming General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will shake up the way personal data is collected, stored and used. Andrew Don reports.

Owning a mobile or fixed weighing system may seem expensive but against potential fines the numbers stack up more positively, John Lewis discovers.

DfT prepares to expand its heavy truck test regieme but observers cast doubts over tester availability and facility suitability. John Lewis reports.

Switching to digital is the first step to Earned Recognition, and operators that comply with KPI requirements will reduce time-consuming roadside checks.

Alphabet has released a drivers guide to smart motorways, highlighting signage and speed limits for unsure drivers.

Ensuring employees hold valid driving licences is vital for the compliance of a fleet – and not doing so can have serious consequences. Ben Rooth reports.

The FTA staged a road fatality at the annual Van Excellence conference giving delegates food for thought about culpability.

New testing regimes aim to give CO2 and economy figures that more accurately reflect true driving experiences. Christopher Smith reports

The launch of the DVLA’s online licence-checking system has made the process quicker than ever before, but what effect has it had on fleets and should they make checks more frequently?

The EC is currently reviewing the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence – although it will be some time before concrete changes emerge. In the meantime, how well does the qualification work for UK fleet operators? And how can they maximise the benefits?

There are many new laws and regulatory revisions ahead, both national and regional, including those related to pay, emissions, validation and leasing. Are you aware of them all?

A key step to achieving value from the Driver CPC training is to plan ahead. Identifying some core objectives will help to ultimately demonstrate Return on Investment (ROI).

Since June, operators have been adapting to the new DVLA system after the paper counterpart was abolished. Ben Rooth looks at how it has changed their processes

Employer-provided petrol and diesel for private use may appear a flaw-free benefit to drivers, but it can be costly to both parties, finds John Charles

Technology advances are making vehicles safer as legislation influences pace of change

Traffic commissioners vow to focus on non-compliant operators with stiff penalties available

A quick guide to O-licences from Commercial Fleet magazine, for van and truck operators.

A quick guide to overloading rules from Commercial Fleet magazine, for van and truck operators.

A quick guide to operator CPC rules from Commercial Fleet magazine, for van and truck operators.

A quick guide to drivers hours rules from Commercial Fleet magazine, for van and truck operators.

A quick guide to towing rules from Commercial Fleet magazine, for van and truck operators.

A quick guide to annual MOT testing rules from Commercial Fleet magazine, for van and truck operators.

A quick guide to roadworthiness rules from Commercial Fleet magazine, for van and truck operators.

A quick guide to driver CPC rules from Commercial Fleet magazine, for van and truck operators.

For many fleet operators, the subject of towing and the laws that govern it cause a great deal of confusion, despite the legislative restrictions being relatively straightforward.