Registrations for small and mid-sized vans have risen drastically 

Registrations for small and mid-sized vans have risen drastically 

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), registrations in the UK for new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) rose by 5.9 per cent in the month of January.

There were 2,465 registrations for small vans (classified as vans weighing less or equal to 2.0 tonnes) in January 2020, a significant increase when compared to January 2019, which saw a mere 1,952 registrations. Additionally, registrations for mid-sized vans (classified as vans weighing more than 2.0 tonnes but less than 2.5 tonnes) rose by over a thousand, with registrations booming to 4,366, an impressive jump when compared to January 2019 which saw only 3,082 registrations.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “January’s growth is welcome news for the commercial vehicle sector.

“Especially welcome is the increased uptake of alternatively fuelled commercial vehicles, essential if we are to address both climate change and air quality goals.”

Specifically designed for van operators, the FORS Van Smart Toolkit aims to reduce work related road risk and create long-term behavioural change in the van sector. The toolkit provides helpful information and advice for fleet operators and transport managers, and specifically how to recruit responsible staff, engage with staff to improve their driving standards and professionalism, develop and run an internal road safety campaign, comply with the law and contractual requirements and more.