Have You Been Stopped at an RSA Checkpoint?

With the ban on red diesel coming into effect in April, some countries have been setting up stop points to check on vehicles that shouldn’t be using it. 

So far, there have been stop checks set up in: 

  • England
  • Ireland
  • Australia

Know of any others? If so, please let us know! 

Why are governments checking vehicles for red diesel?

From April, only vehicles that don’t require road use will be able to use red diesel. That mainly covers sectors such as agriculture, fishing, forestry or horticulture. 

You can check the full list of allowances and changes on the government website, right here.

However, unless you’re living under a rock, it has been impossible to avoid the news about the soaring costs of fuel. Whilst this is a global problem, some countries have feared that motorists will illegally be using red diesel. 

As the government loses out on money in England if this happens, a red dye (hence the term red diesel) has been employed to mark the fuel out. This means you can easily be caught with it if you shouldn’t be using it, especially if you’re stopped at an RSA checkpoint.

What’s the craic?

In Ireland, certain rules for this diesel have been in place since the 1960s. They also use a green dye to identify the fuel. 

Authorities use random checks of fuel (called ‘dipping’) to assess whether the diesel in question is being used, by identifying the colour. The penalties in Ireland are also a lot stricter and harsher than in the UK, so you’re not going to want to be found guilty of this.

Very recently, a video of an Irish van driver in a Renault Master went viral. If you haven’t seen it, let us provide a chuckle amidst the havoc of increasing costs.

This particular Renault Master was a fully electric van, but the driver in question still found himself being pulled over for a fuel check. You can watch the video of the start of the interaction on Facebook, linked right here.

Not the smartest move there from the authorities in charge of the checks, but we appreciate the laugh. 

I’m looking for cheap van insurance

Whether you have a fully electric Renault Master van, or a Ford Transit, we’re here for you. You can find the best and cheapest van insurance quotes right here. Simply begin by completing this quick 3-minute form, and you’ll be on your way.

Delivery Driver Camaraderie Saves the Day

Don’t worry, guys and gals. This week’s post doesn’t feature something silly like an oopsie daisy, that a van driver has done, or even any dirty motives. In a refreshing take of delivery driver news, this time we have some superhero-worthy stuff to report. 

Here is a story that is bound to make you feel proud to be a van driver or a delivery driver.

Scottish delivery driver goes above and beyond for his colleague

Derek Stoddart, a commendable Scotsman from Clovenfords, did something that perhaps not all delivery drivers would do. 

Despite the fact that he was supposed to finish his shift at Asda at 2 pm, he ended up staying out and working until 9.30 pm when he was able to return to the superstore. This was because he was helping out a fellow delivery driver whose van had broken down.

Knowing full well that there could be many disappointed customers, the kind Mr Stoddart offered to remain with the faulty van until services arrived, so his colleague could continue making deliveries. 

He was out there with the van for so long, that his family even came to say hi and deliver him his dinner and plenty of coffee. 7 hours later, he was able to get back to Asda, but during his time in the van, it grew dark. Thankfully, the van’s heating was able to keep him warm. We imagine he had a lot of time to think, stuck out there in the van. 

If that wasn’t enough, Mr Stoddart reported for his 6.30 am shift the following morning without any complaints. We’re not sure how many people would be so generous with their time, and we sincerely hope Mr Stoddart was rewarded handsomely. Perhaps some decent overtime pay, or some freebies from Asda? What do you think? 

Do you know of anyone, or can recommend a colleague who has gone above and beyond for their van driver or delivery driver duties? Let us know as we’d love to give them a shout-out. 
Until then, we can offer cheap van insurance deals as a reward for all you van driver superheroes. Simply begin by completing this quick 3-minute form.

New Year, New You?

This one is dedicated to all those van drivers who are working on New Year’s Day. Bank holiday? What bank holiday?

Whilst we know many of you will be breathing a sigh of relief because the roads should be emptier, it’s easy to become complacent over the festive season. 

So, for that reason, we thought we’d provide you with a few reminders of some lesser-known rules, should the urge to rule break or road rage rise.

Keep the expletives to yourself

Though the roads may be clearer, that doesn’t quite mean that there aren’t some terrible motorists out there. However, no matter how bad you think their driving is, try not to let the swear words be heard beyond your own van.

In fact, if you’re found to be a persistent offender of swearing at other drivers, you could find yourself slapped with a fine of up to £1,000. No one wants to welcome in a new year with that.

Leave the fur babies at home

As tempting as it is to bring your loyal companion out on the road with you, you may want to rethink it. 

If your dog is loose in your van, you could be facing a penalty of up to £200. This is because a loose animal in your vehicle could cause you to lose control whilst driving. Even if old Quincy the poodle naps for 75% of the day, it just isn’t worth it, is it? Plus, you get to keep your lovely van fur free.

Leave the horns for the musicians

Here’s one that isn’t known that well at all, and it’s one that we believe a lot of people may be guilty of. 

Ever felt the need to thump down on that horn incessantly? Or seen anyone else do it? Tying in nicely with road rage antics, beeping the horn excessively will result in a lovely fixed fine of £30. 

Now, that doesn’t seem like much, but it all adds up. Especially when we’re tentatively driving into the new year. 

This year, I’m wishing for cheap van insurance deals

As helpful as ever, we’re also providing assistance for those of you looking to purchase cheaper van insurance deals this year. 

Start the new year off right—and just in time for 2022. You can get started right now by completing this quick 3-minute form

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Complete your quick and easy quote

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