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Created: 28 September 2021

Van drivers caught in roadwork delays on the A1 in Northumberland between Newton on the Moor and West Cawledge, south of Alnwick,  might be interested to know that the new road surface being laid is something of an engineering innovation and could prevent future delays.

National Highways is trialling a high-tech road surfacing product which incorporates 'graphene' following testing carried out at the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) at The University of Manchester and Pavement Testing Services (PTS).

National Highways Asset Needs Manager Graeme Watt says that graphene is just one atom thick, but is stronger than steel and when added to other materials it can turn them into 'super materials'. It is hoped that this will mean road surfaces will last longer and result in fewer road repairs.

Graphene roads – whatever next?

As the building block of graphite (pencil lead) graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms in a honeycomb pattern which is incredibly strong. Graphene is also conductive and flexible and is already being used in a variety of technological applications such as digital electronics, anti-corrosive paint, aeronautical engineering and biomedicine.

The road surfacing trial is said to be a world first because although graphene has been previously mixed with plastic to augment new asphalt, the trial in Northumberland will see the graphene added to recycled asphalt on site.

The plan is to remove the asphalt already on the three-mile stretch of road then add the graphene before relaying it – a recycling project that could see the road lasting years longer and help to improve the journeys of hundreds of thousands of road users.

More uses on UK roads

Research is also being carried out into whether graphene could be used to enhance the life of road markings and steel safety barriers, both of which erode over time and then need to be replaced, which often damages the road surface during the renovation works. So, graphene could be a win-win product.

Van drivers could see fewer road works and less delays

We know from recent research that some of the main areas of concern for car and van drivers is the quality of road surfaces and the management of road works, so hopefully the new trials could mean that road surfaces stay intact and durable for longer, and this in turn will mean fewer delays due to accidents and road works.

Van insurance from iVan

So, if you're caught in delays caused by resurfacing works in the near future it could mean that the road you're travelling on is being improved with graphene and this is good news.

While we can't offer you graphene-enhanced van insurance policies which last longer, we can offer you great deals on all your van insurance needs, such as any-driver van insurance, which can help to smooth your journey to saving money.

Call iVan today to see if we can find you a cheap van insurance that does everything you need it to.

 

 

 

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Created: 31 August 2021

In our recent blog "Starting Work as a Delivery Van Driver" we looked at the basics of becoming a van driver. In this blog, we look at one factor that delivery van drivers, and in fact all commercial vehicle drivers, will need to take into account as they drive throughout the UK – Clean Air Zones.

What are Clean Air Zones?

As a bid to improve urban air quality, the government announced plans to introduce Clean Air Zones in 2015. The plan was slated to be in place by 2020, but at the current time, not all local authorities have implemented the CAZs in major their towns and cities. Originally, the CAZ mandate for minimum emission standards was intended to apply to buses, taxis and HGVs only, but a legal challenge meant the plan now includes non-compliant privately owned vehicles, as well as small commercial vehicles and vans.

Types of Clean Air Zone

There are two types of CAZ – charging and non-charging – and four classes of charging depending on the type of vehicle and the Euro standard classification that vehicles of that type must reach. Charging zones with either a C or D classification will include Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs) in their charging schedule. To avoid a CAZ charge, vans (LGVs) must reach a minimum standard of Euro 4 for diesel and Euro 4 for petrol engines.

Where are the CAZ zones?

Currently, two regions have CAZ charging zones in place – Bath (Class C) and Birmingham (Class D). More regions are scheduled to have CAZs in place in the future, including Newcastle city centre (Class C – from late 2021) and Sheffield inner ring-road area and city centre (Class C). London already operates a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) which applies to all commercial vehicles in many areas of Greater London. In central London, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is due to be implemented in October 2021 and will apply to all vehicles.

Check and pay to use a CAZ

The GOV.UK website has a tool to help you check whether you will need to pay a charge when entering a CAZ, LEZ or ULEZ. To use the service you will need the UK-based registration number of your vehicle. Go to https://www.gov.uk/clean-air-zones for more details.

Keeping costs down as a delivery van driver

If your van does not meet the required Euro emissions standard, you may be able to retrofit approved technology under the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme. Find out more here: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/service/clean-vehicle-retrofit-accreditation-scheme/ You can also keep your overheads down by shopping around for the best van insurance deals, especially if you need any driver van insurance and under 25 van driver insurance. Get a quote from iVan today.

 

 

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Created: 13 September 2021

If you could tell the Government how to spend their road investment budget, what would you suggest?

Recent research carried out by independent watchdog Transport Focus revealed that almost two-thirds (65%) of focus group participants said it was more important to maintain existing roads than build new ones.

Researchers analysed the views of more than 5,628 road users (4,818 of whom were car or van drivers) about what they felt should be the top priority for road improvement. Among all user groups, the No 1 priority was 'improved quality of road surfaces'. And this was followed closely by safer design and upkeep of roads.

Car and van drivers were asked to describe in their own words how National Highways (formerly Highways England) could improve the overall experience for road users – 15% mentioned potholes and the fixing of potholes to be the main area where they would like to see improvement.

Repair and maintenance of the roads, including better quality roads, came in second followed by removal and reduction of the number of smart motorways (which were perceived as dangerous by some respondents).

Maintain existing roads rather than build new

Car and van drivers overwhelmingly agreed (91%) about the importance of providing proper maintenance of motorways and major A roads already in use – 63% agreed strongly. When asked about whether it was important to build new motorways, A roads and create more lanes on existing highways, only 29% agreed strongly with this statement.

When asked which of the two routes for improvement was more important 65% (almost two-thirds) of car and van drivers said the maintenance of existing roads should be the priority.

Don't just patch the potholes

Road users told the researchers about their feelings on potholes and the maintenance of damage to road surfaces.

One respondent said, "All they seem to do is patch it, say if there’s a pothole or a winter frost. Patch it up, and three weeks later it needs doing again.” While another said that National Highways should “fill in the potholes at least. Preferably resurface as most roads are terrible."

Other areas of concern

While improved quality of road surfaces and safe design of roads were the top concerns, other top priorities for improvement included:

• Better management of road works
• Better management of unplanned delays (such as accidents or breakdowns)
• Better information about unplanned disruptions (including accidents)
• Better behaved drivers

Anthony Smith, chief executive of Transport Focus, said of the findings, "There are clear messages from road users. The majority want the focus to be on keeping National Highways’ existing roads in good order before building new ones.

"I hope that this insight will be helpful to the Government, National Highways, and the Office of Rail and Road as they each contribute to the development of the third [Road Investment Strategy]."

Van insurance deals for the future

While van drivers can only make suggestions for how the Government spends its money on the upkeep of the road network, they are able to spend their own hard-earned cash wisely – by ensuring they get the right van insurance for their needs.

Whether you require any driver van insurance, young driver van insurance or fleet van insurance, iVan's team of van insurance specialists can help you find the policy that's right for you. We're not just about helping you get cheap van insurance, we want to make sure that you are covered for the risks most pertinent to you and your business.

Call iVan today on 0345 646 1396 or click on the big orange "Get a Quote" button at the top of this page.

 

 

 

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Created: 17 August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a deep-seated affect on all our lives, in so many ways. And for many, it meant the loss of their job. If you are now considering becoming a van driver, our guide can help you understand some of the details about the job.

Can anyone become a van driver?

You will probably need to be at least 18 years old; older van drivers, with more road experience, are more likely to get cheaper van insurance. And, you will need to be physically fit as delivery drivers have to lift and carry packages and boxes to and from their van.

To be a delivery van driver you will need a good level of English, both written and spoken, and you will need to have a good driving record with the appropriate driving licence for the role you are taking on.

You will also need some basic maths ability and good organisational skills. If you have any experience of the logistics industry, warehouse work or any other driving jobs then these will be useful when applying for delivery van driver roles.

What type of van can I drive?

Those who passed their car driving test before 1 January 1997 are allowed to drive vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes without the need for a separate licence.

If your car driving licence was issued after 1 January 1997, you can drive vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. You will require further training to get a category C1 licence which allows you to drive vehicles from 3.5 tonnes to 7.5 tonnes (fully loaded weights).

Many of the most common types of van for delivery purposes are under 3.5 tonnes, such as the Ford Transit, Vauxhall Movano, Renault Master, Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer and Citroen Relay. Some box vans, such as the Luton box van, are also available in this category.

Larger vans, up to 7.5 tonnes, are typically cargo vans, such as the Iveco Eurocargo, Isuzu Curtainsiders, Renault Midlum and Mitsubishi Fuso Canter.

Will I need to provide van insurance?

This will depend on the type of role you take on. For instance, if you start working for a large company, such as Royal Mail, they will have their own fleet of vans and their own fleet van insurance. Smaller firms may still have their own vans and use any driver van insurance to cover their commercial vehicles.

However, some delivery companies will require you to be an owner-driver on a self-employed basis. You may be able to use a car for this type of role, but having a van means you can carry more packages and do longer routes.

You will need to make sure you have the right type of van insurance and if you intend to let someone else use your vehicle, you will need any driver van insurance.

Where is the best place to get cheap van insurance?

If you're thinking of using your own van to start work as a delivery driver, you're already in the right place for great deals on van insurance.

iVan insurance can help you find the van insurance quotes to suit you. You could be covered in minutes and have all your policy documents ready to go today.

Get a van insurance quote now with iVan.