A new compliance guide aimed at helping van operators manage their legal and operational responsibilities has been launched by the Road Haulage Association (RHA), as regulatory demands and enforcement activity continue to increase across the sector.
The RHA Van Standard is designed for businesses operating goods vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight. It applies both to companies that run van-only fleets and to larger HGV operators that also use vans for local, time-critical or specialist work.
According to the RHA, van operators have faced growing regulatory pressure in recent years, alongside increased enforcement by the DVSA and uncertainty about how certain rules apply in practice. Areas of particular confusion include drivers’ hours, working time requirements, international operations and employment responsibilities.
The new guide brings together the main compliance areas operators are expected to manage, including driver requirements, vehicle maintenance, employment contracts, health and safety obligations, working time rules and tachograph use where applicable. It sets out recognised industry best practice and explains what would reasonably be expected from a professional van operator.
Richard Smith, Managing Director at the RHA, said: “Van operators are doing more than ever, often with tighter margins and greater scrutiny. We hear consistently that the rules can feel unclear, fragmented and difficult to navigate – especially for operators running mixed fleets or working across borders. The RHA Van Standard is designed to show what good looks like in practice, reduce uncertainty and help operators protect their businesses.”