URGENT WARNING.

[Big_Spark]

But what about VDCs (Van Derived Cars), like that execrable Mercedes people carrier?

Or on a more serious point - what about 4-door pick-up trucks?

To pick this up and Pipme's points above.

The Highway code is a Guide published by the DVLA, however the DVLA do not make the law, and herin lies the confusion. I have checked the law on this to get some clarity, and the law does NOT distinguish on the chassis of the vehicle, as in CDV's.

As far as the law is concerned (RTRA sec 6)

a Light Goods vehicle is any vehicle whose main role is the transportation of goods, has no rear seats and no rear side windows (excluding any glazing in rear doors)

further it goes on to say

There is no minimum weight which defines such vehicles, but the maximum weight is 7049 kg

This clearly states that any Van, if it has not side windows behind the front seats is a LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE, and as such must comply with the maximum speeds as laid out in the Act, and in the Act it clearly states that on Dual Carriageways Light Goods Vehicles must not exceed 60mph (97kph)

 

[pipme]

Thanks to http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post?t=23988

Light(ish) Van Speed limits - Stuartli
new Wed 21 Jul 04 15:59
This is what I read recently (can't remember just where) and sent it as a "Worth noting" e-mail to a friend who runs a business where the staff also all use the vans privately:

"I am a retired academic who uses a light van for private motoring, a
Peugeot Expert 1·9 that is classified on its V5 registration document as a
light goods vehicle. On the windscreen disc it is graded LGV1. In November
2003 I received a speeding ticket for travelling at 57mph on the A5 in
Shropshire. The police confirmed that this stretch of road carries a
national speed limit of 60mph. I queried the notice and was told that my
vehicle is registered with the DVLA as a "light goods vehicle under 7·5
tonnes maximum laden weight" and as such is "restricted to 50mph on normal
roads". I accepted my fine and three penalty points but have queried my
vehicle's classification with the DVLA. What is going on?
N.M., Ross-on-Wye


a.. According to Hughes Guide to Traffic Law for the Enforcement Officer
(www.hughesguides.com), a "car-derived van" is subject to the same vehicle
speed limits as a car. Unfortunately an Expert is not a "car-derived van"
and the fact it has spawned a car does not alter that fact. Car-derived vans
are defined by being under two tonnes maximum laden weight. Vans above that
but under 7·5 tonnes m/w are restricted to 50mph on single carriageways and
60mph on dual carriageways. Drivers of mid-sized vans such as the Peugeot
Expert or Ford Transit Connect (some of which are CDVs, some light goods
vehicles) should be aware of this. It's all written up in The Highway Code.

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Blimey ... any colour van man under sustained attack !!

 

[david and julie]

The law relating to rear side windows in vans was succesfully defeated by Ford. When they introduced the Escort MK3 van. For those old enough to remember(such as an old g** like me ) the case centred around the small windows behind the side door glass. As well as the normal door glass there was a further glass about 5"or 6" wide, the design was intended to improve vision when pulling out of junctions. Anyone who drives a van knows what a pain it is having to almost climb onto the passenger seat to see properly. However the inland revenue took Ford to court in a VAT ruling about whether this changed the van into a car, which would be liable for both more tax and also to stop people claiming back the tax.

Ford won the case.

Regarding the case in point. It would not be the first time the Gov had changed the rules and not told anyone or changed their info sites. The whole area is a minefield, just there to create work for lawyers really.