Van safety concerns raised over high fault percentage

Van drivers are being implored to take better care of the vehicles after two thirds of van drivers were found to be driving with at least one serious mechanical defect.

Out of 10,800 vans stopped by the DVSA last year, 63% had a major fault, whilst 50% posed such a threat to other motorists that they were taken off the road immediately.

Meanwhile, first time MOT failure rates for vans have reached 50%, compared to 22% for HGVs, causing not only a safety concern but also loss of earnings for operators.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) presented the findings, and is now planning to publish simple safety and maintenance advice for fleet operators.

The RAC is urging businesses utilising a fleet of vans to consider the vehicles as important as their IT systems and other tools, and to take better care of them in future.

Simon Peevers, the RAC’s Business spokesman said: "It almost goes without saying that vehicle maintenance is essential for any size of fleet, not only to keep a business on the move, but also to protect drivers from the danger posed by serious mechanical faults.

"There is now the technology available through systems such as telematics to monitor vehicles and identify when things are about to go wrong before they develop into serious faults, saving a business time and money.

"We would urge all businesses that rely on their vehicles to ensure they are fit for purpose as they are vital to the running of that business.”