Using a dot.com van for errands?

[Nomad]

"I was asked today if I could run over to another store to pick something up."

Assuming that all Dot Com Vans are classed as Small Goods Vehicles, in that they are plated at 3.5 tonnes or less. If there is no plate check the unladen weight on the Tax Disc, it should read 1.525kgs or less.

If both of the above apply then the Vans are exempt an:

Operators Licence as per s 2 of the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators)  Act 1995  (GV(LO)A 1995.

Goods Vehicles are defined under  s192 of the Road Traffic Act (RTA) 1988.

'Goods Vehicle' means a motor vehicle constructed or adapted  for use for the carriage of goods.

The term 'Goods' has been held to include not only items for sale or delivery but also items such as tools of a particular trade.

E.g. Window Cleaners ladders and equipment etc.     

Therefore; providing the vehicle is carrying company goods (Stock - Property -Stationary - Equipment) and is laden safely and appropriately in accordance with the vehicle design there is no offence committed.

Basically it is a Tesco owned vehicle and as far as the law is concerned providing it is being used lawfully in connection with the owners business then no offence is committed.

The question of the Driver being validated is irrelevant in so far as the law is concerned providing he /she holds the appropriate licence, and is legally entitled to drive such a vehicle.'

Validations - Company Rules and Procedures are secondary to what the LAW STATES.

The law WILL NOT come down heavily on top of you for not being assessed as the law is only interested in the Driver being legally entitled to drive the vehicle and the vehicle being roadworthy and road legal.

The Manifest is not a legal requirement in this particular issue.

(an extract from forum)