DON’T LET YOUR VEHICLE BE USED AS A WEAPON

In recent years there have been a number of cases around the world where commercial vehicles have been used as a weapon to injure and kill people.

The Department for Transport has now published guidance for drivers and vehicle operators to protect against this threat. The guidance is broken down into three key areas:

• security culture, measures such as pre-employment checks for staff, being vigilant and reporting suspicious behavior
• site security, measures including controlling vehicle access and visitors on site
• vehicle security, including securing and checking vehicles and what to do if a vehicle is taken

The guide concludes with some tips for drivers including:

• Locking and securing the vehicle whenever you leave the cab
• Only carrying the authorised load, never accepting unauthorised packages
• Not carrying unauthorised passengers
• Reporting suspicious behaviour and notifying your transport office if you are forced to change your route

The full guide can be found on the GOV.UK website at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/security-guidance-for-goods-vehicle-operators-and-drivers