Road Haulage Association has launched a new best practice compliance guide aimed at helping van operators manage growing regulatory complexity. The RHA Van Standard is designed for businesses running goods vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, including fleets that primarily operate HGVs but rely on vans for local, time critical or specialist activity.
The guidance responds to increasing DVSA enforcement and ongoing confusion around how regulations apply to vans, particularly in areas such as drivers’ hours, working time, employment responsibilities and international operations. According to the RHA, many operators are facing tighter margins alongside greater scrutiny, making clarity and consistency more important than ever.
The Van Standard sets out what is reasonably expected of a professional operator, covering driver requirements, vehicle maintenance, health and safety, employment contracts, working time and tachograph use. It brings these requirements together in one accessible framework focused on real world application.
The guidance is free to download.