The Commission for Integrated Transport (CfIT) has announced a new study into the rise in the light commercial vehicle sector.

CfIT, which provides the Government with independent advice on policy issues, wants to explore the increase in van usage, the impact of this increase on congestion and the environment and related issues such as safety.

There have been few studies into this sector, although it is known that:

  • There are now more than three million registered LCVs in the UK, representing 9% of all vehicles.
  • Van traffic has risen by 40% during the last decade.
  • The typical driver of an LCV is likely to be a service engineer, roofer, plumber or caterer.

Richard Turner, the former chief executive of the Freight Transport Association who is leading the work on behalf of CfIT, said: “There has been a 40% increase in van traffic over the last 10 years and vans now account for about 13% of UK vehicle miles.

"Yet there remains a real lack of knowledge about this sector which is often unloved by motorists and regulators.

“This study will be one of the first attempts to really get to grips with this complex area, to find out why there has been so much growth and to assess the impacts of any likely future growth in the market.”

CfIT has issued a brief to researchers to study:

  • The factors behind the recent exceptional growth in the commercial van market and how the market is organised and regulated.
  • The likely future growth of the market and any likely changes that might affect it.
  • The congestion, road safety and environmental implications of such growth and what might be done to mitigate CO2 emissions.
  • Any gaps in knowledge and understanding that might usefully be pursued in future research.

 

  • Anyone interested in contributing should contact David Prescott at david.prescott@dft.gsi.gov.uk