VAN fleets are cutting it thin and putting drivers in danger, according to i247 Group.
The driver support and asset management provider says it has seen an alarming rise in very low levels of tread left on van tyres.
It says there has been an increase in light commercial vehicles vans with under 2mm of tyre tread depth – a rise of 10% over the last five years, from 30% in 2019 to 40% in 2023.
The business adds that it has also been a rising number of tyre defects leading to MOT failures on Class 5 vehicles – such as minibuses with 13 or more seats as well as ambulances.
Driving with worn tyres is dangerous, not just for the driver but for other road users too. We’re really concerned about the rise we’re seeing in fleets operating with low levels of tyre tread with some at illegal levels. We know van fleets are under pressure right now but we’re urging fleets to give their drivers time to carry out critical tyre checks regularly. This is especially important at this time of year when delivery volumes are so high.
David Legg, Director of Tyres, i247 Group Tweet
i247 Group points out that SME fleet operators have a Duty of Care responsibility for ensuring vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and drivers are also legally responsible for the condition of the vehicle they drive. Drivers can be fined up to £300 and receive three penalty points or be taken to court if the offence is more serious.
The company believes that the rise in worn tyres is being caused by the increasing pressure on van fleets. Post pandemic, demand for deliveries remains high which means fleets are often double shifting – using one van for two driver shifts. The Grocer recently also reported an ongoing lack of commercial vehicle drivers. These factors combined, added Legg, was putting scheduling pressures on drivers who lack the time to carry out critical maintenance checks.
Legg has this advice for fleets:
Vehicle checks should take place in the same way as any other job critical tool pre-use. Fleets must ensure maintenance checks are being carried out. There are a number of tools and apps on the market to facilitate this which will help to ensure compliance and driver safety.
i247 Group recently published a comprehensive White Paper on the fleet impact of the changing tyre industry.
Leasys UK Teams Up With Allstar To Provide Fleets With Simplified Fuel And EV Charging Payments
Leasys UK has partnered with fuel, EV and business payment solutions provider, Allstar, to offer customers a comprehensive new payment solution.
TRL Acquires ECO Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme
TRL, a global leader in transport innovation, has acquired the ECO Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme, creating a cornerstone for a portfolio of services that help local authorities and vehicle fleet operators meet decarbonisation, clean air and sustainability goals.
EV Charging Emissions Slashed Up to 89% by New DriveElectric Plus Technology
New DriveElectric Plus technology can help significantly change the way electric vehicles (EVs) are charged
ZEV Mandate, New Car Entrants And Insurance Costs Key Issues For Fleets
The Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, new manufacturer entrants, controlling insurance costs and skills shortages are the big issues facing fleets over the next 12 months, this year’s annual conference of the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) heard today.
BMW X5 PHEV Car Review
Can the plug-in hybrid version of BMW’s X5 really do it all for fleet users?
Thrifty Extends Support for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation in Fight Against MND
Thrifty Car & Van Rental – powered by Scot Group Ltd, the UK’s largest privately owned car and van rental business – has renewed its commitment to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation charity for a sixth consecutive year.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
Why not join the conversation on SME fleets – visit our LinkedIn SME Fleet Discussion page