Plumwood Ltd

28/05/2026

A huge congratulations to Mason Scaffolding Ltd on successfully maintaining their FORS Bronze Accreditation 👏

Whilst the business has been operating at FORS Silver level for several years, maintaining Bronze accreditation remains a vital part of supporting and retaining that higher standard.

This continued commitment shows the importance they place on compliance, safety, driver management and maintaining best practice across their operation.

Well done to the whole team for their ongoing hard work and dedication, keeping standards high year after year is no small task! 🚛✅

If you want to see how FORS can benefit your Operation or to discuss how Plumwood can provide some extra guidance, get in touch today!

📲 01634 540094
🖥️www.plumwood.co.uk

26/05/2026

Changes for operators of zero emission vans from 1 June 2026 🚨

If you operate zero emission goods vehicles between 3,501kg and 4,250kg, there are some significant rule changes coming into force.

From June 2026:

✅ Vehicles will move from HGV annual testing to the Class 7 MOT scheme
✅ First MOT due 3 years after first registration
✅ Drivers’ Hours rules will largely align with standard vans up to 3,500kg operating under GB domestic rules
✅ Operators will have access to over 6,000 Class 7 MOT test centres instead of relying on ATFs

This applies to zero emission panel vans, flatbeds, tippers and box vans operating solely within Great Britain. Hybrid vehicles are not included.

One key point to remember — these vehicles will still fall back into Assimilated/EU Drivers’ Hours rules in certain circumstances, including trailer towing or international journeys.

Overall, the changes are designed to simplify the transition to electric vans and reduce operational costs and complexity for operators moving towards zero emission fleets.

21/05/2026

A split second of distraction can change lives forever 🚛📱

A lorry driver has been jailed for 11 years after causing a fatal collision on the M20 whilst using his mobile phone for messaging and video calls behind the wheel.

Investigators found the driver had ignored reduced speed signs, failed to react to hazard warnings from other motorists and did not notice stationary traffic ahead until just one second before impact.

Tragically, Arran McManus lost his life in a collision that police described as “completely avoidable.”

This case is another devastating reminder that mobile phone use whilst driving is never worth the risk.

No call, message or video chat is more important than somebody getting home safely.

Read the full article here; https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/jail-for-killer-truck-driver-who-was-on-his-phone-video?utm_campaign=404216051-FN%20-%20Newsletter%20-%20Daily&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_ha9TfSUiK998Ms9A7lpwE9YcxB8BUlJmjqa2uWkJt8reNAjk76LhAnpz5GsszENe_BbNT-eGy4wH-ZF66RAArJqnijg&_hsmi=136294150&utm_content=136294150&utm_source=hs_email

Dashcam footage captures moment lorry driver was on a video call when he caused a motorist’s death.

19/05/2026

𝗧𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 🚨

From 1 July 2026, light goods vehicles (LGVs) over 2.5 tonnes used for international hire and reward journeys between the UK and EU must be fitted with a Smart Tachograph 2.

If you are being paid to transport goods between the UK and EU in an LGV over 2.5 tonnes, you will also need to comply with the assimilated drivers’ hours rules to remain compliant.

𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲?
A Smart Tachograph 2 is NOT required if:

▪️The vehicle is being used internationally on the operator’s own account, where driving is not the driver’s main activity
▪️The vehicle weighs between 2.5t and 3.5t and operates only within the UK

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼?
Average booking lead times for tachograph fittings are currently around 4–6 weeks, so operators should start planning now to avoid last-minute issues.

Read the full guidance here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/drivers-hours-goods-vehicles/4-tachograph-rules

18/05/2026

We’re supporting No Falls Week 18 - 22 May 2026!

During this week, everyone with an interest in safe working at height is encouraged to share best practice and shine a spotlight on height safety!

Why don’t you get involved too?

There are loads of free resources you can use; from toolbox talks to posters and promotional material, to help you reinforce the importance of safe working at height!

Get involved at https://nofallsweek.org/

15/05/2026

Good to welcome Rhys Hills from DriveSmart Solutions in for a visit today. 🚛

DriveSmart Solutions are a specialist provider of fleet driver training across Kent and the South East, supporting businesses with driver development and fleet safety. Their services include driver assessments, fleet safety support and collision aftercare.

It was good to have a catch up, talk through industry challenges and share ideas around how we can work together.

Thanks again for coming in Rhys. 🚚

14/05/2026

Today the team are wearing green to work in support of World Mental Health Awareness 💚

Mental health matters in every workplace, every industry, and every conversation.

In transport and compliance, we spend a lot of time focusing on keeping vehicles safe and operations compliant, but looking after people is just as important. A quick check-in, a conversation over a coffee, or simply asking “how are you really doing?” can make a bigger difference than most people realise.

We are proud to be getting involved today and helping keep the conversation going 💚

13/05/2026

Tyres checks are important

Your tyres are the only contact your vehicle has with the road and they quietly carry the weight of everything you’re transporting.

Before setting off on your journey, ensure you inspect your tyres for;
▪️Cuts or exposed cords
▪️Bulges or deformities
▪️Low tread depth
▪️Under or over inflation
▪️Insecure wheel nuts

These aren’t minor defects, they’re early warnings of potential failure.

Ignoring them can lead to:
❌ Immediate prohibitions
❌ Blowouts at speed
❌ Loss of vehicle control
❌ Serious safety risks for everyone on the road

A daily walkaround can help identify issues early and keep vehicles operating safely, while regular tyre pressure checks improve both safety standards and fuel efficiency. Replacing tyres at the correct time also helps prevent unnecessary breakdowns and costly downtime.

A few seconds of checking could prevent a roadside emergency.

11/05/2026

Mental Health Awareness Week is a reminder that behind every steering wheel, desk, workshop and office… there’s a person. 💙

In our industry, people are often under pressure:
⏰ Tight deadlines
🚛 Long hours
📞 Constant demands
📋 Compliance responsibilities
⚠️ The stress of keeping everything moving safely and legally

But mental health matters just as much as physical safety.

A quick check-in with a colleague, taking a proper break, or simply asking “Are you alright?” can make a bigger difference than you realise.

Strong businesses are built on strong people and strong people still need support sometimes.

Let’s continue creating workplaces where conversations are open, support is available, and nobody feels they have to struggle in silence.

Because looking after mental health isn’t a weakness… it’s part of keeping people safe. 💙

07/05/2026

Vision-related driving safety concerns on the rise

New data obtained via Freedom of Information requests to the DVLA, DVSA and police—analysed by Confused.com—shows a concerning year-on-year rise in collisions linked to drivers with eyesight issues:

📊 2023: 152 incidents
📊 2024: 170 incidents
📊 2025: 214 incidents

Certain regions have seen particularly sharp increases, with Essex rising from just 5 incidents in 2023 to 29 in 2025.

Other findings highlight a wider issue:

🚫 19,715 driving licences have been revoked in the past three years due to vision issues
🚫 6,069 of these were in 2025 alone
🚫 Over 1,000 drivers under 50 lost their licence last year
🚫 1,499 driving tests were failed due to poor eyesight

Despite this, many drivers may still be unaware of the risks:

👀 23% have experienced a near miss due to poor visibility
💡 57% report issues with glare from headlights
🌞 35% struggle to see clearly in glare conditions
🧑⚕️ 21% only get their eyes tested when reminded

Driving with uncorrected defective vision is a serious offence and can result in fines, penalty points, and even immediate licence revocation.

This data is a clear reminder that regular eye tests aren’t just about health, they’re a critical part of road safety.

Read the full article here: https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/driver-eyesight-problems-lead-to-year-on-year-increase-in-collisions?utm_campaign=29_04_2026_FN_daily_newsletter&utm_content=FN%20-%20Newsletter%20-%20Daily&utm_term=Driver%20eyesight%20problems%20lead%20to%20year-on-year%20increase%20in%20collisions&utm_medium=email&utm_source=adestra&gutid=42527

06/05/2026

Aftermarket Lighting Devices – Compliance Reminder 🚨

A new blog post has been published covering compliance requirements for aftermarket lighting devices fitted to vehicles, particularly HGVs.

This includes guidance on:

🔹 Vulnerable Road User (VRU) signs
🔹 Digital LED eye displays
🔹 Blue warning beacons

We’ve seen an increase in non-compliant devices being fitted to vehicles.

While many operators fit these with good intentions, not all devices meet the requirements of the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989. This could potentially lead to enforcement action if they are not compliant.

⚠️ It’s important to check what’s fitted to your fleet and ensure it meets the legal standards.

👉 Read the full guidance here; https://movingon.blog.gov.uk/2026/04/29/how-to-stay-compliant-with-aftermarket-light-products-vulnerable-road-user-signs-decorative-lights-and-warning-beacons/