FTA reveals Van Policy Working Group

FTA has announced its new Van Policy Working Group, which will see a group of 41 sector leaders join together in an attempt help fleet operators with van compliance issues.

FTA’s current van programme includes operational briefings, which are held across the country to promote knowledge and expertise across van operators, and its Van Driver of the Year award. 

Elizabeth De Jong, director of UK policy at FTA, said: “As the number of vans on the UK’s roads continues to soar, it is vital the interests of individuals and businesses operating these vehicles are represented with stakeholders and government.

“The creation of a Van Policy Working Group reinforces FTA’s commitment to the market. 

“As logistics needs change, and vans become increasingly important to UK PLC, this will mean FTA is perfectly placed to lead this sector forwards to even greater success. 

“The new Van Policy Working Group represents just one initiative in FTA’s rich programme of activity, with many new projects in the pipeline, including the development of a specialist emission zone advice service, FTA has positioned itself at the forefront of this burgeoning sector.” 

FTA aims to keep UK logistics as efficient as possible, with the sector having an impact on more than seven million people that work in it, speaking to the Government with one voice on their behalf.

It continues to discuss and solve issues that come from political situations like Brexit, new technology and the changes it brings, and other disruptive forces within the sector.

De Jong concluded “Over the past 12 months, the number of van drivers in the UK has increased by more than 12% and together, they cover 51 billion miles a year.

“With this growth comes the need to evaluate current safety, compliance and efficiency standards and drive improvements wherever necessary. 

“The Van Policy Working Group provide a vital mouthpiece for the industry with government, regulators and other stakeholders and provide a platform to communicate and debate the issues the market is facing. 

“Van drivers and operators provide a vital service to the UK economy; their contributions must be valued and their concerns and hopes for the future heard and acted upon.”