Tests For Van Drivers Made Easier

The tests van drivers need to take will be relaxed — but it’s not necessarily a good thing.

You may have heard about the very serious hoo-ha of a shortage of HGV drivers and van drivers facing the UK at the moment.

Some are blaming Covid-19 and the number of tests that have had to be cancelled.

Others are firmly pointing their fingers at Brexit.

Some are blaming an accumulation of both, alongside other resulting factors in the past, very unusual, year. 

We’re not one to accuse people or pandemics (although perhaps we should), but there is a major concern here.

With the tests being made easier, it could be argued that they’re being relaxed a smidgen too far.

And with the ease of passing the tests, there is a rise in numbers of people being concerned about safety issues.

Depending on where you live, you may have also noticed a few empty shelves at your local supermarket.

Again, sparked by Brexit or the COVID-19 app pinging left, right and centre, telling people to isolate and keep the country safe?

Once again, it could be a bit of both. 

Whatever the reason is for the cause of these shortages, from empty shelves to delivery drivers.

This could really affect the safety of our HGV and van drivers out there.

For example, this relaxing of the requirements to pass the test follows a decision that affects breaks that lorry drivers can take.

Now, drivers have to drive for longer before they can take a break, as if it wasn’t exhausting enough already.

The Secretary for Transport, Grant Shapps, has launched a plan of action.

This could increase the number of van drivers passing their tests to over 1,500 successful passes a week.

Off-road manoeuvres are also in the plan to be discarded. 

Are you a van driver and feel strongly about this?

Or, are you going to be sitting your test soon?

Let us know how you feel about the latest news.

Whilst you’re here, whether you’re a seasoned van driver or a new one.

Something we can all agree on is where you get the cheapest van insurance from. Guess what? It’s right here.

Tailgating: Avoid Fines From The Latest Driving Law

Are you guilty of tailgating?

Okay, own up.

Maybe you’ve done so in the past.

Perhaps, that one Tuesday when you were running late and the Nissan Micra in front of you was crawling along at a snail’s pace?

The Nissan needed a hint, or you were going to fall behind on deliveries. 

Or, perhaps reading the above makes you angry.

Are you on the side of van drivers who absolutely hate tailgating?

Have you ever fallen victim to it yourself? 

Well, whether you’re guilty or not, you may want to rethink driving too close to other cars.

This is solely down to the latest driving law that may be on the cards and introduced very soon.

A law that penalises drivers who might be driving, let’s say, a little too close for comfort. 

And surprisingly, it’s you, the drivers, who are backing these proposals from recent campaigns.

Nearly 90% of motorists would happily support these plans to hand out fines to offenders, as it would unequivocally promote and increase road safety.

Do you agree that more needs to be done?

Recent results from trials surrounding tailgating indicate a likelihood of the new rule catching potentially thousands of offenders.

The UK government trialled the technology that would be used to catch tailgaters in Northamptonshire, specifically across the M1.

The tech is able to detect whether motorists – yes, that even includes you in the Ford Transit there, sir – are keeping a 2-second gap from the vehicle in front of you.

And this is at all times! 

Tailgating is a potentially risky and major problem for drivers on the road, especially for our lovely, innocent drivers.

Did you know it was listed as the reason for nearly 600 severe accidents in the previous year?

Tragically, in 28 of these, death was the result for some people.

Perhaps this is an excellent time for the government to put these proposals into action, especially with recent campaigns gaining so much support.

So, what do we think?

Not worth the risk, eh.

The last thing you want after being out and about in your van is to come home to a letter stating you’ve been caught tailgating.

Safer roads are something we definitely stand for – that, and cheap van insurance, of course!

Should We Be Cautious Of Driverless Vans?

You may have heard the recent rumors of the latest government plans surrounding driverless cars.

If you haven’t, allow us to help:

The UK plans to legalise driverless cars later this year.

However, there are some people out there who fear this could bring a whole range of additional headaches.

While some people feel that this move aims to keep drivers safer out there.

others feel it could be distracting.

The government believes road safety could be improved by a reduction in human error,

which causes over 85% of road accidents.

However, necessary training will need to be deployed for anyone considering using self-driving vehicles,

which could bring about a busier workload to some industries.

At the moment, there are only plans for driverless cars to allow assistance for speeds that go up to 37 miles per hour,

and on motorways.

However, just like with cruise control options on some motors,

handing over control to your vehicle doesn’t mean you will be free to do something else.

The same laws apply,

so you can’t use your mobile phone (unless hands-free),

or start eating that KFC you just picked up from Peterborough services.

You will still need to keep full attention on the road.

Should the requirement be there, drivers will need to be able to take control of their vans immediately. 

At the moment, we are waiting for changes to the Highway Code,

and other laws to come into place before any of this can happen.

Others say vigorous testing needs to happen before allowing these plans to come to fruition, too.

Some argue that self-driving vehicles aren’t always the safest options, as a recent Tesla crash has shown. 

So, should we allow technology to fully take control of our wheels?

How do you think it might affect your industry?

If you drive a van for your job, you might welcome this information.

On the other hand, do you feel autonomous vans might be a step too far?

Let us know your thoughts!

For us, vans with drivers, or without, we’re concerned with giving you the best deals.

So, you can bet that we’ve got you covered with the cheapest van insurance deals around.

£17k For Using Your Home Toilet? Every Little Helps…

Okay, so Tesco is not paying their delivery drivers £17,000 to use their home toilet, unfortunately.

If they were, well then sign my partner up, because I’m certain he would end up bankrupting the company.

I’m sure all delivery drivers have been there.

You’ve still got a couple of deliveries to go, and you’re suddenly bursting to use the loo.

What do you do when these situations arise?

Especially if you work for Tesco, whose vans have tracker systems fitted.

This means they can check up on you every 5 minutes or so, alongside monitoring your speed and location.

Well, for one Tesco delivery worker, his solution was his home toilet.

Nothing too crude here, thank you.

This week’s tale fuels itself with justice and a hefty £17k package.

Tesco’s Scottish branch awarded Billy Fitzsimmons £17k in compensation after his unfair dismissal.

Due to his ailments, he required to use the toilet far more than your average person.

An employment tribunal ordered Tesco to pay Mr Fitzsimmons for not taking his medical problems into consideration.

His employer penalised him for using his toilet at home, even though he only stopped by between deliveries.

After discovering these stops, his boss learned about his urinary tract infection and enlarged prostate, which required urgent restroom access.

However, Tesco bosses claimed they were not aware that Mr Fitzsimmons also experienced incontinence.

Although they were aware of his other illnesses.

Unfortunately, he’d also had to visit home on some occasions to change. 

After conducting his business at home, Mr Fitzsimmons would wait in his delivery van until he had to drop off groceries to the next client.

Nothing wrong with that, right?

Deliveries were always made in a timely manner, and not a single person ever made a complaint against him.

Discrimination against disability isn’t a joke.

Fortunately for Mr Fitzsimmons, the judges agreed with him.

Hopefully, many of you will not have faced an illness or a situation like this, but I’m sure we can relate to needing the toilet after a long drive.

We wish Mr Fitzsimmons the best, and if he ever requires cheap van insurance for another role, we’re here to help!

Long Drives? Back Pain? Here’s Some Advice.

Long Drives and Back Pain

How to Stay Comfortable On The Road

We’ve all felt the burn of a long drive.

Whether it’s in a shiny new van or a reliable old one, those hours take a toll.

Sitting in the same position for hours isn’t easy.

And, let’s be honest, back pain doesn’t care about age.

But here’s some good news.

Simon Reynolds, a former driver performance manager at Formula One McLaren,

knows a thing or two about avoiding back pain.

Now a sports therapist, Reynolds has shared his best tips to help you stay comfortable on those long drives.

Start With Seat Ergonomics

Before you even step into your vehicle, take a moment for seat adjustments.

Why?

Preventing back and neck pain begins with full visibility of the road and easy mirror access.

Check your mirrors—they should require just a simple, comfortable glance.

Recline For Spinal Support

Next, consider reclining your seat back just enough to support your spine.

An unsupported head leads to tension, and an unsupported upper spine only adds to the discomfort.

Above all, remember lumbar support.

Without it, the pelvis can shift backward, putting stress on your lower back over time.

Choose The Right Seat Cushion

Did you know that seat cushions come in various shapes and padding options?

Surprisingly, many car seats don’t provide adequate lower back support.

By adding a thin cushion, however, you can help maintain the natural curve in your lower back.

This small adjustment may not only reduce discomfort but also help prevent medical issues over time.

Perfect Your Leg Position

Leg positioning is crucial.

The seat should support your legs without forcing them to stretch too far.

Contrary to popular belief, your leg shouldn’t be fully outstretched when pressing the pedal.

Instead, aim for a slight bend in your leg when braking or accelerating.

And keep your bottom snug against the driver’s seat.

Find Your Best Steering Position

For optimal steering, keep your elbows slightly bent.

But lock your shoulders back against the seat.

If this feels off, adjust the steering wheel height for a more natural fit.

Take Regular Breaks For Physical And Mental Health

The most important tip?

Take breaks.

Ideally, stop every hour for a quick stretch or a short walk.

These breaks help prevent aches and keep your body in good shape for the road ahead.

With these tips, you’re set for a more comfortable, healthier drive.

So, will you be trying these tips?

Whether it’s in your comfy new van or an old banger, we hope it helps you in some way.

At least you can rest easy and search for cheap van insurance deals with us, without breaking the bank (or, your back).

Transit Drivers, Get Ready for Smart Mirrors

Why Ford’s New Smart Mirror Is A Game-Changer For Van Drivers

When you’re behind the wheel of a van, you often have a limited view behind. Think smart mirror.

Even with side mirrors, there’s always that lingering question: is something lurking just out of sight?

Whether it’s a cyclist, a pedestrian, or a car sneaking up behind, these blind spots create real challenges.

But here’s the good news:

Ford has developed a solution to make driving safer and easier.

They call it the Smart Mirror.

Meet The Ford Smart Mirror

Ford’s Smart Mirror is designed specifically for their Transit vans and Transit Custom vans.

Unlike regular mirrors, this one shows a live video feed from the back of your van.

You might ask, why does this matter?

Most vans have limited rear visibility—especially when loaded with cargo or missing rear windows.

Blind spots can make driving tricky, especially for van drivers.

With the Smart Mirror, you’ll see exactly what’s behind your van in real-time, giving you peace of mind.

How Does the Smart Mirror Work?

The Smart Mirror replaces the standard rearview mirror with a digital display.

A camera mounted on the van’s rear door sends a live feed directly to the mirror.

This setup allows you to monitor everything trailing behind your van without obstructions.

Even if your van has opaque rear doors or a packed cargo area, the view stays clear.

And there’s more.

Automatic Brightness Control For Any Time Of Day

The Smart Mirror adjusts brightness automatically.

This means no more struggling with glare from the sun or dim lighting at night.

You’ll always have a clear view, whether it’s daylight or dusk.

Twice The View Of A Standard Mirror

Ford’s Smart Mirror offers double the visual range of a typical rearview mirror.

This increased range means more visibility and a better sense of your surroundings.

And when you’re aware of what’s around you, you can drive with more confidence.

What’s The Cost Ff Enhanced Safety?

Like any advanced tech, the Smart Mirror isn’t cheap.

If you’re interested, be prepared for a price tag of around £675.

Yes, it’s an investment, but for the added safety and visibility, many drivers may find it worth every penny.

How To Save On Van Insurance And Upgrade Your Safety

Considering the Smart Mirror?

You might want to start by reducing other expenses—like your van insurance.

With savings on insurance, you could invest in this cutting-edge mirror, adding an extra layer of safety to your daily drive.

Safety on the road starts with visibility.

And with Ford’s Smart Mirror, you’ll have more of it than ever before.

Save on your van insurance costs with us here, and perhaps you can use the rest of your savings on a brand-new sparkling Smart Mirror.

DPD CEO Dismissed Amid Controversy: What It Means for Van Drivers

Chief Executive Of DPD Waves Goodbye

But if you’re a van driver for DPD, you may be caught off guard by the latest news about the company.

This week, Dwain McDonald, the CEO of DPD, has reportedly been dismissed.

In his place, Yves Delmas is stepping in temporarily until a permanent replacement is found.

Why was McDonald let go?

An internal investigation claims his departure is due to “personal conduct reasons.”

Shocking News For DPD Staff

McDonald has held the chief executive role since 2008.

For many at DPD, the news came as a complete shock.

They were informed by an email from Yves Delmas.

The message stated McDonald’s departure was effective immediately but offered no further explanation.

McDonald’s Long Tenure With DPD

Though he’s leaving, McDonald’s career at DPD has been substantial.

He joined the company back when they still called it Parceline.

At just 22, he started as a sales executive and worked his way up.

Over the years, McDonald earned a £1 million annual salary, a sign of his loyalty to DPD.

Past Controversy Resurfaces

In 2018, McDonald faced scrutiny when a recording surfaced.

In the recording, he admitted to breaking the law.

He claimed he used his mobile phone to photograph a DPD van while driving on the motorway.

For a CEO of a delivery firm, this raised eyebrows.

The Covid-19 Surge In Demand

As the pandemic unfolded, demand for delivery services skyrocketed.

Many Brits, facing layoffs or redundancy, applied for delivery driver roles.

With a surge in online shopping, DPD promised to add 6,000 more delivery drivers to keep up.

DPD: A Delivery Giant In The UK

Did you know you’re part of one of Europe’s largest delivery firms if you’re a driver at DPD?

DPD has 68 locations across the UK.

Each year, it delivers over 250 million packages for some of the biggest retail brands.

The company’s scale is immense, and so are the expectations.

As DPD moves forward, the search for a new leader begins.

DPD uses over 8,000 delivery vehicles, so is your van one of the 8,000 needing cheaper van insurance?

Look no further.

You’re in the right place.

Dogs, A Van Driver’s Best Friend

Man’s Best Friend

Dogs…

Or, in this case, a van driver’s best friend.

Recently, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles conducted a very important study.

It concluded that a whopping 41% of you would rather take your loyal canine buddies to work with you.

This is instead of leaving them at home (potentially alone) or even with a trusted dog-sitter.

The Importance Of Restraining Your Dogs

Unfortunately, 29% of you also confessed to not securing them safely in your vans, meaning your pooch may not be restrained properly.

Big deal?

Well actually, yes.

If you plan to take pets on work journeys, you must restrain them properly.

This rule comes from the Highway Code (Rule 57).

This is to avoid accidents that could consequently be caused by your dog (or other pet) distracting you.

You could also be looking at a fine, and above all, potentially nullify your van insurance.

This means that, as much as we might love our goofball pups up in the front seat with us, it’s best to safely secure our dogs in an alternative fashion.

Safe Restraint Options

There are a few options you could try if you haven’t already done so.

For example, use a harness that doubles as a seatbelt or a secure cage or carrier.

Or the ever-popular method of using the boot (as long as you’re able to use a dog-guard).

It goes without saying that whichever choice you make, ensure your dog is as comfortable as possible.

A Cautionary Tale

In other van and dog-related news…

There have been reports of an unfortunate case of a delivery driver spending time at a police station (approximately five hours!) because of dogs.

The police arrested the delivery driver from Wales after someone wrongfully accused him.

Authorities suspected him of stealing a couple of sheepdogs.

In reality, the hard-working driver was actually carrying out his deliveries and found the dogs on the road.

Following this, he tried to get them to safety.

Be Mindful On The Road

So, whether you’re out and about in your van with your beloved dog as a companion,

or if you’ve found a stray and you’re trying to help it, be careful not to be mistaken as a dog thief!

Conclusion

Safety First

Secondly, and most importantly, secure your furry companions safely and keep your van insurance policy valid.

It’s as simple as that.

Whilst you’re here, why not prepare for renewing your premium and have a browse for cheap van insurance quotes?

Vans, Vision, And A Greener Future: Ford And Turkey Drive Change

Two Things To Thank Ford And Turkey For Today

First, Ford Otosan announced they will produce the latest versions of Ford Transit vans.

This includes fully electric vans as well.

We all know the future is green.

In light of this, many automotive companies are pledging to become fully electric within the next 15 years.

Specifically, Ford aims to be completely green by 2030.

Furthermore, they currently lead the commercial market in Europe.

In the UK, they’ve topped the van market for an incredible 56 years.

So, this is a big deal.

We anticipate success in selling these Transit vans to delivery and courier companies.

They want to offset carbon emissions and improve their environmental impact.

But Wait, There’s More!

Have you heard of Dagenham Engine Plant?

This British company, owned by Ford, plays a crucial role.

It will manufacture diesel engines for the new Transit vans.

Not the electric ones, of course.

In the midst of Brexit uncertainty, this news is welcomed.

It will help ensure the safety of 2,000 jobs at the plant.

It’s a good deal.

The hardworking staff at Ford’s Dagenham branch send diesel engines to Turkey.

In turn, Ford Otosan equips these engines to the Transit vans.

Consequently, you can expect around 30% of these vans to be exported back to Britain.

Moreover, keep in mind that a substantial 85% of Ford engines are shipped from Britain to over 15 countries across six continents.

Ultimately, this trade is valued at an impressive £2.5 billion annually.

Thank you, Ford.

Thank you, Turkey.

This trade deal could yield even more benefits.

Despite electric pledges, this ensures UK workers’ jobs are safe for now.

As long as diesel and hybrid cars remain on the market, they can feel secure.

Whichever van you choose in the future—electric, hybrid, or combustion—we’ve got you covered.

You’ll find the cheapest van insurance quotes around.

 

British Gas Vows To Electrify With New Vauxhall Vivaro E Vans

Are electric vans the future…

With potential fuel tax hikes, van and delivery drivers may face tough times ahead.

As it stands, fuel costs are already rising quickly.

Furthermore, an additional 3p per litre could add £1 billion to the UK Treasury.

But for van drivers, this means an extra £250 a year on fuel.

Reports say that after a 9-year freeze on fuel tax, Chancellor Rishi Sunak is considering lifting it.

The aim?

To help pay off lockdown costs.

But at what cost for delivery drivers?

Rising Fuel Costs – What’s At Stake?

For van drivers, these hikes don’t just impact the bottom line.

Each added expense eats into profits, especially for small businesses and independent drivers.

The increase, while seemingly small, compounds over hundreds of fill-ups.

It’s a relentless drain on resources.

So, what options are there?

Could Electric Vans Be The Future Of Britain’s Fleets?

With these rising fuel prices, the future of Britain’s vans could very well go green.

In fact, more motor companies are now pledging to produce only electric vehicles by 2030.

But here’s the real question:

Could this shift not only cut costs but also benefit the environment?

Electric vans, while an upfront investment, can lead to lower fuel costs and reduced maintenance over time.

As traditional fuel costs soar, the cost-benefit of going electric looks more attractive.

British Gas certainly thinks so.

British Gas Takes A Bold Step Toward Electric Vans

In fact, British Gas is taking major steps toward a greener fleet.

Recently, they made the biggest electric vehicle order in the UK.

They’ve ordered 1,000 of Vauxhall’s new, all-electric Vivaro-e vans.

This is just the beginning.

Once available, they plan to add more electric vans to their fleet.

Electric vans can help companies cut down on emissions and lead by example.

British Gas, a significant employer of van drivers, is setting the standard.

The New Vauxhall Vivaro-e: A Game-Changer For British Gas

And they’re not stopping there.

The Vauxhall Combo-e, launching this summer, is also 100% electric.

It’s quickly emerging as a strong contender in the small van market.

Moreover, British Gas, owned by Centrica, has ambitious environmental goals.

Specifically, they’re aiming to transition their entire workforce to electric vehicles by 2030.

This move goes beyond compliance—it’s about future-proofing their operations for sustainability.

Preparing For an Electric Fleet By 2030

How will they make it work?

British Gas has plans to provide electric vans to employees who volunteer for the switch.

Additionally, they’ll prioritise areas with high emissions or places where van replacements are needed most.

This targeted strategy ensures that their electric fleet makes a meaningful environmental impact.

What started as an idea—the switch to electric vehicles—is now in full motion, with real changes underway.

Installing Charging Stations For A Greener Future

Worried about charging stations?

Don’t be.

British Gas is installing home chargers and training engineers in electric vehicle use.

This proactive approach means they’re prepared for a seamless transition.

Their engineers won’t be scrambling for charging points or dealing with long downtimes.

With infrastructure in place, the goal of a fully electric fleet is more achievable.

British Gas Commitment to “Net-Zero” Targets

British Gas’s commitment to achieving “net-zero” targets is truly setting a new standard.

Their efforts focus on reducing van emissions while improving local air quality.

But they’re not stopping at promises—they’re taking action.

Lowering van emissions is key to shrinking their daily carbon footprint.

Over 4 Million Deliveries: Supporting Communities In Need

Since the pandemic began, British Gas engineers have delivered over 4 million meals to those in need.

These deliveries highlight the crucial role that van drivers play in supporting local communities.

Their dedication goes beyond just work; it’s a lifeline for many.

This commitment highlights the importance of protecting these essential drivers for many households.

Thinking About Electric Vans? We’ve Got You Covered

So, is it time to think about an electric van?

Perhaps you already own one.

Rising fuel costs and environmental goals could make electric vehicles the new norm.

Whether you’re exploring electric options or already on board, the right insurance is key.

Having the right coverage can make all the difference when making the switch.

Either way, we’re here to help with affordable electric van insurance.

We’ve got you covered—because the future of vans might just be electric.

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Complete your quick and easy quote

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