Fleet Point

Van fleet compliance is increasingly resembling that of HGV operations as new legislation places greater legal and operational responsibilities on light commercial vehicle (LCV) operators, according to Arval. The fleet leasing and mobility specialist says a wave of regulatory changes means many businesses can no longer treat vans as lower-risk fleet assets.

Thirty senior executives from Europe’s trailer manufacturing industry have signed a joint declaration urging the European Commission and European Parliament to review Regulation (EU) 2024/1610, warning that its current approach could increase emissions while undermining the sector’s competitiveness. The declaration was signed during a meeting in Koningshooikt, near Lier, Belgium, in the presence of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) Kris Van Dijck of Belgium and Jens Gieseke of Germany.

A new type of penalty charge notice (PCN) appears to have emerged and is being sent to members of the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP). Issued by a company called Forecourt Eye, the PCNs are being used to recover amounts owed when a company vehicle drives away without paying for fuel. Paul Hollick, of the Association of Fleet Professionals, said several members of the industry body had reported receiving PCNs of this type in recent months. Concealed container van drive off (April2026).

The Port of Dover has issued a stark warning to the haulage industry: this summer could bring serious freight disruption — not because HGV drivers themselves are caught up in the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), but because they risk being trapped behind the tourist traffic that is. The warning, delivered by Dover Port chief executive Doug Bannister to the Business and Trade Committee chair, Liam Byrne MP, comes at a critical moment.

Suffolk-based haulier Bartrums has signed a full-service contract with Michelin’s Connected Solutions division, citing the manufacturer’s commitment to sustainable, quality products and service as the primary driver behind the decision. The move away from a premium competitor has already delivered measurable results: in the first 11 months operating under a full Michelin tyre policy incorporating retreaded tyres, Bartrums has saved an estimated 55.7 tonnes of CO2.

Durite has reported a highly successful appearance at Road Transport Expo following the official launch of its new Durite Live AI fleet management platform, with strong interest from operators across the haulage, logistics, utilities, recovery, construction and municipal sectors.

Renault has enhanced its award-winning Master range for 2026, introducing a series of upgrades that improve comfort, practicality, safety and electric performance. Following its rise to become Europe’s best-selling large van at the beginning of 2026 across both internal combustion engine (ICE) and E-Tech electric models, the Renault Master continues to build on its reputation for durability, versatility and low operating costs.

The LCV market increased by 12.2% in June, marking the third consecutive month of growth and signalling a stronger first half of 2026 for the sector. The latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that 31,602 new LCVs were registered during the month. The positive performance lifted registrations for the first six months of the year by 1.7% to 158,648 units, reversing the decline recorded during the same period in 2025. Growth was driven primarily by larger vans.

As connected vehicles become increasingly sophisticated, many motorists assume that built-in tracking technology can help recover a stolen vehicle quickly. However, Thatcham Research has warned there is a “genuine and growing” gap between consumer expectations and the reality of what connected car services can actually deliver. The warning follows the widely reported case of technology analyst Ian Fogg, whose Kia EV6 was stolen from outside his home while he was abroad.

Cespira will introduce the latest generation of its High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI) fuel system technology at IAA Transportation 2026, offering truck manufacturers a faster route to reducing CO2 emissions while retaining the performance and reliability of conventional diesel powertrains. The new HPDI 3.0 system will make its public debut at the commercial vehicle exhibition in Hannover, Germany, from 15-20 September.