VOSA focus on improving van operating standards

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) is determined to improve standards of van operation and makes no secret of its intention to significantly ramp up the number of roadside inspections and its other enforcement activity. 

At the third event in the Freight Transport Association’s Van Excellence conference series, to take place in Dunblane next month, the focus will be on improving van operating standards and providing operators with the information they need in order to manage their fleets efficiently and safely. 

Gordon MacDonald, VOSA’s Traffic Enforcement Policy Manager, will be making the keynote address at the conference, on the impact of the recession on operator practices and providing the opportunity for delegates to hear at first hand VOSA’s views on the operational standards of vans across the UK and on the van world generally. 

Mark Cartwright, FTA’s head of vans said: “Van Excellence proves that operators are entirely capable of self regulation.  FTA applauds the efforts of VOSA to increase general operational standards and we are delighted that VOSA has agreed to come along and provide its views on the issues facing van operators.”

Other key topics to be covered at the event include managing road risk; an examination of the Van Excellence scheme through the eyes of an accredited operator; reducing operational costs; current and upcoming legislative issues; VOSA’s view of enforcement in the world of vans; future van technology; and vehicle specifications.

The conference will take place on Tuesday 29 October in Dunblane, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro, Dunblane between 9.30am and 4.30pm.