The programme will play a key role in reducing CO2 emissions from the van sector, and in helping to reduce the numbers of road incidents involving vans.
Delivery of the programme will be executed through a number of channels including a high profile launch, trade and consumer events, targeted campaigns and endorsement. AEA will also be responsible for a Van Best Practice web site, and for carrying out underpinning research to understand the needs of the sector.
AEA has been awarded the contract following the completion of a pilot study to determine the key factors affecting the operations of the van fleet on our roads. The programme will be delivered over a period of three years with a value of GBP1.8 million, funded by the DfT.
AEA also run a number of driver training schemes under the SAFED (Safe And Fuel Efficient Driving) programme. Van Best Practice will extend the scope of SAFED but will not include any formal training.
The objectives of Van Best Practice include:
– Lower CO2 emissions;
– Improved safety;
– Lower operating costs through improved van specification and utilization;
– Improved air quality;
– Improved investment in training and equipment;
– Improvements in other areas such as journey time reliability, congestion, noise reduction, competitiveness and resilience.
Commenting on the contract award, AEA’s Knowledge Leader for Sustainable Transport, Sujith Kollamthodi said: “With the increasing number of vans on the road and the growing levels of CO2 emissions from this sector, it is becoming more important to ensure that vans are operated in an efficient and safe manner. The Van Best Practice programme will play a key role in reducing the environmental impacts of vans, as well as helping operators to cut their costs.”
