Tag: van

Van Owner Fined And Vehicle Crushed After Fly Tipping

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Fly-tipping…

Authorities fined a man £800 and crushed his vehicle after he used his van to fly-tip in Redbridge.

The Consequences Of Fly-Tipping 

Fly-tippers harm the environment and communities and is a criminal act.

Unfortunately, some individuals continue engaging in this illegal activity despite severe penalties.

In Redbridge, authorities fined a man £800 for dumping tyres and old carpets in an alleyway after successfully tracking him down.

Tracking Down Fly-Tippers

The article highlights how Redbridge Council and the Police actively investigated and seized two vehicles involved in fly-tipping incidents.

The owner of the van was traced, admitted to fly-tipping, and fined £800. The seized van was crushed due to non-collection.

This incident serves as a reminder that engaging in fly-tipping is a serious offense, carrying harsh consequences such as substantial fines and possible imprisonment.

Moreover, it highlights the importance of disposing of waste responsibly and legally to avoid such penalties.

Fly-Tipping is An Illegal Activity

As such, it is unlikely that an insurance company would cover any damage or loss resulting from it.

In addition, the owner of the van may also face higher premiums or difficulty in obtaining insurance in the future due to their involvement in criminal activity.

Van owners should actively act responsibly and adhere to legal practices to prevent any negative consequences on their insurance policies.

How To Avoid Falling Foul Of The Law

The article offers several useful tips to help homeowners avoid breaking the law.

First and foremost, hire only licensed waste removal services and conduct thorough research to find reputable companies or individuals.

Additionally, actively record the vehicle’s registration, use traceable payment methods, and obtain a waste transfer note and receipt as evidence to safeguard against fly-tipping.

By following these steps, homeowners can better protect themselves from legal issues.Conclusion

The article serves as a reminder of fly-tipping’s severe consequences: environmental harm, community impact, fines, and imprisonment for offenders.

Van owners who use their vehicles for fly-tipping may face even harsher penalties, including difficulty in obtaining insurance in the future.

Disposing of waste responsibly and legally is crucial, and the tips provided in the article can help homeowners avoid legal troubles.

Furthermore, by taking responsibility for waste disposal and following legal procedures,

we not only avoid penalties, but also contribute to a cleaner and safer environment for everyone.

Car or Van? How To Ensure Your Insurance Policy Fits Your Vehicle

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Today, knowing the difference between a car and a van is crucial for tax and insurance.

The Definition Of Cars And Vans: Understanding The Difference

Cars and vans are both vehicles that we use daily, but what exactly distinguishes the two?

Understanding the difference between cars and vans is important for several reasons,

including taxation, insurance, and practicality. 

Car-Derived Van: A Grey Area

Car-derived vans are a unique type of vehicle that often confuses people.

According to HMRC, a car-derived van is a goods vehicle that is constructed or adapted as a derivative of a passenger vehicle.

These vehicles are vans that you can buy as a car, such as the Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa.

From the outside, they look like a cars, but inside, they function like vans with no rear seats and a large payload area.

However, they typically have no side or rear windows.

Double Cabs

The area that causes the most confusion is double cabs, also known as crew or kombi vans.

These are vans such as the Volkswagen Transporter or the Ford Transit that have a second row of seats.

To qualify as a commercial vehicle for tax, a van needs a minimum payload capacity of 1000 kg.

But if the load space is small and the second row of seats takes up more room, it may be seen as more suited for passengers than goods.

Pick-Up Trucks: The Payload Predicament

Pick-up trucks like the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and Nissan Navara can cause confusion with classification.

The key thing for a pick-up truck to become a commercial vehicle is if the vehicle’s payload is over 1000kgs.

Most double-cab pick-ups have a carrying capacity over this, but it’s important to ensure it stays over this figure.

Small payload vehicles are considered passenger-carrying vehicles and are taxed and insured as cars.

What happens If My Commercial Vehicle Is A Car?

If your commercial vehicle is classified as a car, it may affect your insurance.

This could leave you without coverage in an accident.

You also won’t be able to reclaim VAT on the purchase or lease unless you prove 100% business use.

And you’ll lose the Benefit in Kind taxation, resulting in a higher rate of tax.

How To Determine If Your Vehicle Is A Car Or A Van

Your V5 logbook can offer guidance on whether your vehicle is a car or a van.

Manufacturers must declare the class of the vehicle at the point that it leaves the factory gates, using four classifications:

M1 for cars, M2 for minibusses, and N1 and N2 for commercial vehicles.

However, this doesn’t account for car modifications after the vehicle leaves the factory.

It’s also worth remembering that modifying your vehicle could invalidate your insurance.

HMRC and your insurer may have different views.

Weigh your vehicle and check guidelines from governing bodies to be sure.

The Differences Between Car And Van Insurance

Van and car insurance are different, with each having its level of risk, features, and cover.

Your vehicle requires the correct insurance, and you cannot drive a car on your van insurance.

MultiCar insurance can help cover both a car and a van.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between cars and vans is essential for practicality, taxation, and insurance purposes.

Double cabs, car-derived vans, and pick-up trucks often fall into grey areas.

Checking payload capacity, modifications, and guidelines can clarify your vehicle’s classification.

Ensure that you have the correct insurance coverage for your vehicle.

Be aware of the potential impacts on your taxation and insurance coverage if your vehicle is misclassified.

Understand the distinctions between cars and vans.

You can make informed decisions about your vehicle use and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

Why Proper Vehicle Compliance Is Crucial For Road Safety

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Road safety..

Wilts specialist ops #RPU stopped this van on M4 as it appeared overloaded.

The van was over 20% overweight, the driver had no insurance, and held a license for automatic vehicles only.

Furthermore, this van was definitely a manual!

As a result, the driver was fined and reported.

There are several reasons why this incident is important.

Road Safety

Overloading a vehicle can cause significant safety risks for the driver and other road users.

Consequently, it is crucial to address this issue to ensure road safety.

It can affect the handling of the vehicle, therefore increasing the stopping distance.

Moreover, it can potentially damage the brakes and suspension.

Insurance

Driving without insurance is illegal and can result in significant fines and penalties.

It’s important for all drivers to have appropriate insurance coverage to protect themselves and others in the event of an accident.

Licensing

Driving a vehicle that is outside the scope of a driver’s licence can result in fines, penalties, and potentially legal action if an accident occurs.

It’s important for drivers to ensure they have the appropriate licence for the vehicles they are operating.

Enforcement Of Road Safety

This incident highlights the importance of enforcement efforts by the police .

They ensure that drivers are complying with the law and not putting themselves or others at risk on the road.

By stopping this van and taking appropriate action, the police are helping to improve safety and reduce the risk of accidents on the road.

Conclusion

This incident involving an overloaded van driven by an unlicensed driver with no insurance highlights several important issues related to road safety.

Firstly, overloading a vehicle can pose significant safety risks to both the driver and other road users.

Moreover, driving without appropriate insurance coverage or a valid license is illegal and can result in substantial fines and penalties.

By taking appropriate action, the police are helping to improve safety and reduce the risk of accidents on the road.

Save Money On Van Insurance With Telematics

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You can easily and quickly install telematics devices.

Introduction

If you own a van or run a business that relies on a van fleet,

then you will know how expensive insurance can be.

With the cost of van insurance continuing to rise,

it’s no surprise that many van owners are looking for ways to reduce their premiums.

One of the most effective ways of doing this is by installing a telematics device in your van.

What Is Telematics And How Does It Work?

Telematics is a technology that uses GPS to track the location, speed, and driving habits of a vehicle.

Insurance companies can then calculate premiums based on how the van is being driven using this information.

By installing a telematics device in your van, you can demonstrate that you are a responsible driver.

It will reduce the risk of accidents, which in turn, can lead to lower insurance premiums.

The Benefits Of Installing A Telematics Device In Your Van

You can easily and quickly install telematics devices.

Once installed, they provide real-time information about your driving habits.

This information can include how fast you are driving, how hard you are braking, and how smoothly you are driving.

Insurance companies can use this information to calculate how much risk you represent

and offer you a policy tailored to your driving habits.

Using Telematics To Improve Your Driving Habits

In addition to reducing insurance premiums, there are other benefits to installing a telematics device in your van.

For example, it can help you to identify areas where you can improve your driving habits.

This can make you a safer and more responsible driver.

It can also help you to manage your fleet more effectively by providing you with real-time data.

It can provide the location of your vans and the performance of your drivers.

The Positive Impact Of Telematics

The use of telematics technology has been shown to reduce the number of accidents on the road.

This is because drivers are more aware of their driving habits.

Drivers are more likely to adopt safer driving practices when they know someone is monitoring their driving.

As a result, reducing the risk of accidents can lead to lower insurance premiums.

Conclusion

Telematics technology can be a valuable tool for van owners and businesses that rely on a van fleet.

By installing a telematics device in your van, you can demonstrate that you are a responsible driver,

reduce the risk of accidents, and potentially save money on your insurance premiums.

With the cost of van insurance continuing to rise, it’s important to explore all the options available to you to keep your costs down.

Telematics is a proven and effective way of doing this.

If you haven’t already done so, consider installing a telematics device in your van today and start reaping the benefits.

Unbelievable Van Driver Stories: Ice Cream and You Tube Chaos

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Amazingly, the driver rolled out of the wreckage and seemed unharmed, though he went to the hospital for a check-up.

Let’s hope he learned his lesson about patience on the road—because the van didn’t survive the encounter.

Ice Cream, Anyone?

Some rather bizarre van stories surfaced this week.

First up, police stopped an ice cream van driver near junction 2 on the M60.

When asked to do a saliva test, the driver tested positive for cannabis.

Afterward, he was taken into custody.

No one mentioned what happened to the ice cream van, but we can only hope the police handed over the contents as evidence before they melted.

Don’t Play Chicken With HGVs

A van driver in Turkey barely escaped with his life after a collision with an HGV.

The van, waiting at an intersection, pulled away ahead of the other vehicles.

Was he being impatient?

The HGV coming from the opposite direction couldn’t swerve or stop in time.

The result? A full-on collision with the van’s cab.

Amazingly, the driver rolled out of the wreckage and seemed unharmed, though he went to the hospital for a check-up.

Let’s hope he learned his lesson about patience on the road—because the van didn’t survive the encounter.

YouTube And The Road: A Dangerous Combo

We’ve talked before about drivers without insurance or proper documentation.

But here’s another story to add to the mix.

On the A50 in Derbyshire, a van driver caught the attention of the police—not for speeding, but for doing the opposite.

He was driving at 40 mph on a road with a 70 mph limit.

Why?

He was watching YouTube on his tablet while driving.

After the police stopped him, he tried to give false details, but a quick check revealed he lacked both insurance and a licence.

Needless to say, he didn’t finish watching that video.

Don’t Get Caught Without Insurance

Getting caught without insurancecould put you in a sticky situation.

Ensure you find the best and cheapest van insurance quotes to stay covered.

It’s easy—just fill out this quick 3-minute form, and you’ll be on your way.

When Good Manners On The Road Backfire: The Surprising Fines Of Courteous Driving

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Did you know that simple acts of courtesy on the road could cost you points on your licence?

Or even lead to a fine?

It’s surprising, but trying to be polite to fellow drivers might land you in hot water.

Let’s dig into why these gestures can be riskier than they seem.

Helpful Honking

You probably think honking to alert other drivers is a good thing.

After all, you’re just trying to keep people safe, right?

But here’s the catch—there are strict rules around when you can legally use your van’s horn.

Imagine this:

You’re stuck behind a car at a traffic light. The light turns green, but they’re not moving.

Your instinct might be to honk to get their attention.

But in this case, that’s actually illegal.

Why?

Because the law considers this type of honking “aggressive” and a form of harassment.

Breaking this rule could leave you facing a fine.

And it’s not just pocket change.

If you honk without a valid reason, authorities can fine you £30 on the spot.

If you take it to court, the fine could go up to a staggering £1000.

So, think twice before reaching for that horn. Only use it when absolutely necessary, and only if it’s to alert others to a true hazard.

Waving

Ever waved to thank another driver for letting you merge?

Or maybe to apologize for accidentally cutting someone off?

While it feels like a polite gesture, it might also be a risky move.

Why?

Waving can distract you and take your hands off the wheel, which the law doesn’t take lightly.

In fact, any gesture that pulls your hands from the wheel, even for a split second, means you’re not fully in control of your vehicle.

During our research, we found that opinions vary on this topic.

The general rule?

If you keep your palm on the wheel and give a small raise of your fingers, that’s probably acceptable.

But raising your entire hand to wave?

That could lead to trouble if spotted by law enforcement.

No Flashing Please

We’re not talking about anything inappropriate here—just headlights and hazard lights.

It’s tempting to give a quick flash of the headlights or a tap of the hazard lights to say thank you.

But did you know this could get you fined?

Hazard lights are for emergencies only.

For instance, if you’re parked on the roadside due to a breakdown, or if traffic ahead suddenly stops.

However, if you use them to say “thank you” or as a way to excuse stopping on double yellow lines, you’re risking a fine.

And flashing your headlights?

The Highway Code specifically discourages using headlights for anything other than alerting other drivers of your presence.

So, while a quick flash might seem friendly, it could be seen as a misuse of lights.

Getting caught misusing lights could not only result in a fine, but could also affect your driving record.

Stay Covered

After considering all these rules, there’s one last thing to keep in mind.

Is your insurance all up to date?

It’s always wise to ensure you have the best coverage, just in case.

Fortunately, checking for affordable rates only takes a few minutes.

Simply use our quick 3-minute form form to compare options and secure the best price.

In the end, simple courtesy could cost you big, but staying aware of these rules—and keeping your insurance in order—could make all the difference on the road.

 

Stuck in the middle with you

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Well, actually it was more like stuck in the sand for one unlucky AA driver. After receiving a call to rescue another driver and their vehicle that had got stuck in the sand at Porth Beach in Newquay, the unfortunate AA driver also became stuck.

Locals tried to come to the rescue and were seen attempting to free both vehicles, alongside the AA driver (and we would hope, the driver of the original vehicle that caused all the bother). Apparently, it took nearly an hour to free both vehicles but this is not the first time it has happened and not the first time the AA has been called and ended up stuck as well. The last time it happened, a tow truck was needed to rescue both!

Over Easter, a Transporter Van and a Mazda car were both in need of rescuing after becoming stuck in the sand. This same story is repeated down the road at Great Western Beach with over a dozen cars having to be rescued in the last year.

Why are people driving onto the beach? You may well ask. Who knows? Perhaps they didn’t feel like walking – let’s hope they take more care on their next visit though.

Bridge Over Troubled Water?

Talking of being stuck, another unfortunate van driver found themselves stuck not in sand but under a bridge. The road had to be closed as the van had become lodged under the bridge; despite the wording and warning that it is a LOW BRIDGE, written above the bridge in nice, bright luminous yellow letters (so you can’t miss it?) along with a warning sign letting drivers know of the height restriction. How many times do we read about bridge strikes?

Didn’t  you see the signs?

Even with signs before the bridge, bright yellow writing, more signs, height restrictions and more signs, some folks seem to think they can just squeeze through (or maybe they just don’t see all those signs). They no doubt realise very quickly that no, a van with a height of 7’3” will not fit under a bridge with a height of 7 feet. No matter how much you want it to. That’ll be 4 flat tyres then to get you out; if you’re lucky.

Better check your insurance to see if it covers getting stuck in unusual places then. Luckily for you, it won’t take long at all with our quick 3-minute form.

Sorry for the ear worms this week folks!

Let’s take a bit of time out here folks

Posted on by News Desk

Sometimes it is easy to forget that not everyone has the same driving experience as you. Don’t be one of the (too) many statistics because you’re in a hurry or you think the vehicle in front is taking too long to manoeuvre around an obstacle. 

People who drive for business (such as van drivers) spend a lot of time behind the wheel and it’s easy to become complacent about road safety, but when you think that if you are driving at around 30mph and take your eyes off the road for TWO seconds, you’ve travelled around 90 feet.

That’s the length of two double-decker buses, when your concentration is somewhere other than the road and what is on it. I’ll let that sink in for a few more seconds. Scary, right? It’s wise then, to familiarise yourself with the vehicle and the various controls and features, especially if you are progressing from a car to a van for the first time.

All vehicles are not created equal

The first thing you might just notice (hopefully) is the lack of a rear view mirror, for obvious reasons. You do usually have two pretty decent wing mirrors though and most will have blind spot mirrors on them as well. Get used to not looking over your shoulder for the blind spot. However, Ford, those guys we mentioned in a previous post, have been working on this problem and have come up with a smart mirror – it looks like a rear view mirror but in fact it’s using live images from a camera at the rear of the vehicle.

It has features to adjust the brightness depending upon time of day and also gives more viewing area than a conventional rear view mirror. A handy device to have, especially if you’re not too familiar with the width of your van yet.

Brakes are also something that will react differently to a car; especially if the load is light or no load at all. You might find them a little bit sharp – take your time and you’ll get used to them soon enough. Which leads quite nicely into – speed.  Vans are subject to different speed limits, depending if you’re on a dual or single carriageway, but usually 10mph slower than for cars. Remember, just because it is the speed limit, it doesn’t mean it’s safe to drive at that speed in all conditions. Drive to the conditions of the road and arrive safely. If you are transitioning from a car to a van, you might want to ensure you’re adequately insured by completing this quick 3-minute form.

Step 1

Complete your quick and easy quote

Step 2

Reveal your van insurance policies

Step 3

Pick your favourite and get instant cover