Van drivers have been issued a warning about the simple things they could do to land themselves with a hefty fine – it’s not just about the punishment – it’s about road safety
Van drivers have been warned.
With road rules and regulations not to be taken lightly, motoring experts at StressFreeCarRental.com issued advice on hefty fines and points on your licence for offences like overloading your van or driving beyond legal hours. If you’re behind the wheel for too long without enough breaks, you could be slapped with a fine. Pile up your van too high and you’re looking at a potential £300 hit to your wallet.
And it’s not just about the van’s load – using your mobile, speeding, smoking inside the vehicle or idling the engine can all cost you dearly. John Charnock, the head of StressFreeCarRental.com, issued a stark warning: “Van drivers can face significant motoring fines for various offences from speeding to overloading their vehicles, all of which compromise road safety.
“Overloading a van, speeding, loading and unloading, leaving the engine running while stationary could all see you land a fine or penalty points, which is the last thing any van driver wants. The fines aren’t just about punishment, they should be seen as a deterrent, encouraging drivers to stick to the rules of the road. It’s not just about their safety, but the safety of other road users too.”
Remember, an overloaded van isn’t just a risk to your pocket it can also mean longer stopping distances and wear and tear on your tyres and suspension. The permissible weight varies depending on your van’s make and model, reports Birmingham Live.
Drivers could face a fine if they exceed the legally permitted driving hours or fail to take the necessary breaks. By law, drivers are not allowed to be on the road for more than ten hours a day and must take regular breaks. Motorists are also being warned that they could receive an immediate fine if they leave their engine running while stationary. They are advised to always turn off the engine when making a delivery, picking up a colleague, or stopping to make a call.
