New Van Best Practice Programme launched
Driving for Better Business, the award-winning government-backed safety campaign delivered by RoadSafe is fully behind the Van Best Practice programme. The Van Best Practice programme is a reinforcement of the message that good management improves profit and also makes for a safer, cleaner world.
Caroline Scurr, Campaign Director of Driving for Better Business said: “The Van Best Practice initiative will provide an essential environmental and safety resource for fleets. The Driving for Better Business campaign team and its Business Champions are delighted to support this important government-backed initiative. We are interested to see the impact the initiative has on fleets and look forward to working in partnership in order to deliver a direct benefit for businesses.”
Duty of care in respect of effectively managing health and safety on the road has been on the government agenda for a number of years but evidence from the police and the Health and Safety Executive shows that the majority of businesses - particularly small and medium-sized firms - are turning a blind eye.
"An effective driving for work policy is not only a legal requirement under health and safety law and road traffic law, it is part of a good business culture - it makes business better," said Ms Scurr.
Pivotal to the success of the campaign has been the proactive engagement by its Business Champions, who have embraced the challenges and are reaping the benefits - not just with safety but also on the all-important bottom line. The Van Best Practice Programme has drawn on the experiences and achievements of many of these Champions to help shape this latest initiative and Driving for Better Business will continue to offer support and advice to ensure that organisations gain maximum benefit across their business.
Ross Clarkson, Marketing Director of ‘Business Champion’ company Northgate Vehicle Hire, Britain’s largest rental organisation with a predominantly all van fleet of 63,000 vehicles, said:
“Safety and the environment from a fleet operational perspective go hand-in-hand and deliver cost savings.”
“Our customers operate among the very latest vehicles available which are equipped with the newest cutting-edge engine technology, which deliver emission savings and improved fuel economy over older models. Additionally, these vehicles are also equipped with the very latest safety features, such as ABS brakes and electronic stability control, which help prevent road crashes.”
“Taken together, improved MPG and a lower accident risk mean financial savings for business. In addition, companies see their carbon footprint reduce.”
Not only does Driving for Better Business help companies meet their obligations, at the same time it saves them money and improves road safety. With an estimated up to 200 road deaths and serious injuries a week resulting from crashes involving at-work drivers and more employees killed and seriously injured on Britain's roads while driving on behalf of their employer than in any other work-related activity, the campaign is helping cut the carnage.