The rules for van operations in an EU member state are changing in May 2022 and operators working internationally must be prepared to avoid costly consequences. To help operators understand how this legislation may affect their business, Logistics UK will be holding a free-to-attend Northern Ireland Van Operational Briefing, taking place on 1 April 2022 at the Corr’s Corner Hotel in Newtownabbey between 9.30am and 12pm.

Richard Crawford from the Freight Policy Branch at the Department of Infrastructure for NI will be discussing the latest EU mobility package, which ensures changes to road legislation can be implemented effectively, as well as the new rules for van operations licencing. Representatives from the Road Policing Team at the Police Service of NI will be discussing driver licencing requirements and wider safety issues such as mechanical defects, overloading, towing, speed restrictions and driver walk around checks.

“Operating vans can be a risky and costly business; the penalties for non-compliance can be considerable with the potential for fines and even prison sentences for the worst offenders. Logistics UK’s free Northern Ireland Van Operational Briefing offers the ideal opportunity to hear from the experts on how to achieve compliance with the new EU operator licensing rules for vans, while receiving advice on how to reduce risk and improve the safety of van drivers and the vehicles themselves. With places filling up fast, book now to secure your free place,” commented Seamus Leheny, Policy Manager for Northern Ireland at Logistics UK.

From 21 May 2022, anyone operating a light goods vehicle and/or trailer between 2.5 and 3.5 tons in an EU member state will be required to have a goods vehicle operator’s licence. The changes will apply to anyone operating a light goods vehicle for hire or reward (goods, not owned by the operator, being transported for payment). The place can be booked for free with Logistics UK.