Do vans need a daily walkaround check?

What GOV.UK says

GOV.UK’s guidance for van drivers in England, Scotland and Wales puts it simply: “You’re responsible for making sure your van is safe to drive.” It asks drivers to carry out a walkaround check of the van before the journey.

What to check on a van

These are the 14 things Roadproof’s check covers, plus a photo of each side:

• Lights and indicators
• Number plate and livery
• Windscreen, wipers, washers
• Mirrors and glass
• Tyres and wheel condition
• Wheel nuts
• Bodywork, doors, load area
• Load security
• Fuel and oil leaks
• Seatbelts and seats
• Steering
• Brakes, including parking brake
• Horn
• Dashboard warning lights

How to record the check

For businesses with an operator licence, GOV.UK says the record should include:

• The van’s registration and the date
• Details of any defect, and how serious it is
• The driver’s name, and who the defect was reported to
• “Nil” when no defects are found

What happens if a van isn’t roadworthy

• DVSA can stop you using the van until the problem is fixed, and you may be fined, prosecuted or given points.
• You can get 3 penalty points for each tyre that isn’t safe and legal.
• Using a van in a dangerous condition can mean an unlimited fine and a prison sentence.
• In 2023 to 2024, 64% of DVSA’s roadside checks on vans ended in a prohibition for serious defects. Mechanical defects and overloading made up most of them.

How Roadproof helps

Drivers do the check on their phone in about 7 minutes, with timestamped photos. Anything wrong comes straight to you, and every check is kept, ready for an insurer, a carrier or DVSA.