From 29th April next year, all light commercial vehicles will be subject to further inspection and will need to pass additional requirements for any modifications made to them.

from 29 April 2013 all light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes will come into scope of ECWVTA, requiring additional approval for any modifications made to them.

Almost all panel vans will have been modified in some way to equip them for work, whether it is ply lining, racking, lamp beacons or side-steps.

The BVRLA – the UK trade body for companies engaged in the leasing and rental of cars and commercial vehicles – is concerned that each vehicle would have to undergo individual re-inspection, testing and approval when the new regulations come into effect, causing chaos for traders and SME business van operators.