Loading and Unloading the Van - Vanarama’s Best Practise Guide for Van Drivers

These recommendations for safer and efficient loading and unloading from Vanarama should make lighter work of the load

Always…

• · Use dedicated loading bays. Normally you have around twenty minutes to load and unload your van.

• · Load and unload where there are double and single yellow lines. Check the display plate for restrictions and put a delivery sign in the windscreen. If loading and unloading is prohibited, then find an alternative area to load or unload.

• · If you have to, always load and unload from residents parking areas and meters.

• · Providing the plate confirms that you can park there, load and unload on red routes and other specialist thoroughfares.

Never…

• · Load or unload where there are yellow stripes on the pavement. One stripe indicates that loading and unloading is prohibited between certain times as indicated by the plate, and two stripes mean no loading or unloading during a working day.

• · Load or unload in a disabled parking space, a suspended parking space or a diplomatic parking space. This includes meters that have been marked 'Out of Order'.

• · Load or unload when within 10 metres of a zig-zag white lines or a junction.

Trolley Use

• · Ensure the trolley is up to the job, and the load capacity is marked on the trolley

• · Ensure it is accessible and stored safely on the van

Unloading a Vehicle

• · Avoid working at height when unloading. Remember you maybe able to position the vehicle where it can be unloaded without having to work at height

• · If possible, try and advise drop off receipiants that you are coming to avoid delays and that people who know what they are doing can unload the van

• · Make good use of safety equipment

• · Never walk backwards when in the loading area, and never jump off the vehicle

• · Ensure hazard lights are used when in a busy area