Law tightening on running vans

Among  the vehicles affected are the 4.25 tonne electric vans that many fleets are adopting to replace existing 3.5 tonne diesel models. While recent changes in the UK mean these will no longer be covered by tachograph or year one MOT test rules, they will need to comply with new DVSA heavy vehicle testing changes introduced during January and February of 2026.

Applying to all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, these will include ADAS visual inspection checks, digital PG10 prohibition clearance notices, revised plating certificate processes and – for those used as passenger service vehicles – compliance with door safety testing equipment.

Also, for all vehicles over 2.5 tonnes, newly registered goods vehicles used internationally for hire and reward will require smart tachograph equipment under the final phase of the EU Mobility Package that takes effect this month.

Eddie said this greater regulatory interest had been prompted by the road safety risk that LCVs represented. For example, data from the International Road Union showed commercial vehicles were involved in almost one in five road incidents and one in three fatalities, he added.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said, “The average price of a litre of petrol across the UK has already gone up by more than a penny since the jump in the cost of oil caused by fresh attacks between the US and Iran. After falling to 150.59p on 6 July, unleaded has increased by 1.18p to 151.77p. Diesel prices have risen even faster – up 1.28p in under a week, climbing to 165.8p from 164.52p last Thursday (9 July).

“The speed with which prices have risen is concerning and will be a blow to drivers who were no doubt hoping the turbulent times at the pumps were finally over. Prior to this, petrol car drivers had enjoyed five weeks of falling prices while those with diesel cars had had seen lower prices for 12 weeks.”