Plumwood Ltd

11/06/2026

𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

Driver infringements might look like minor record entries, but they’re often the first sign that something bigger needs attention.

👉 Missing rest breaks
👉 Exceeding driving hours
👉 Incorrect mode switches
👉 Incomplete or inaccurate records

As an operator it is your responsibility to:

✔️ Review them regularly - don’t let them pile up
✔️ Address patterns, not just individual events
✔️ Support drivers with training and reminders
✔️ Act early before they become repeat issues

Infringements don’t just reflect driver behaviour, they reflect how well a system is being managed.

Stay ahead of them, and you stay ahead of compliance issues.

Need help with your driver infringements, get in touch with Plumwood today!

📲 01634 540094

10/06/2026

Our Sharon 🥰

"You're the first person who's held my hand in weeks."

It's a moment Sharon has never forgotten. Nearly 20 years ago, she began volunteering at Heart of Kent Hospice as a qualified aromatherapist and masseuse - and from the very start, she understood how powerful simple touch can be.

When people become seriously ill, even those closest to them can be frightened to make contact, worried they might cause harm. Sharon's role cuts through that. For patients, it's a moment of comfort and unexpected calm. For Sharon, it's something she keeps coming back to - even taking a full day out of her working week to be here.

"I get such a lift from being able to help someone feel a little more at ease. Thursdays are my best day of the week."

Read Sharon's full story on our website:
https://www.hokh.org/sharon-volunteers-week-2026/

09/06/2026

🚛 HGV VED Holiday – What We Know So Far 🚛

Following the Government's announcement of an HGV Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) holiday, many operators are understandably looking for more information on how the scheme will work and who will benefit.

Based on the information currently available, the scheme is expected to:

✅ Run from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027

✅ Allow qualifying HGV operators renewing their VED during this period to pay just £1, plus the HGV levy (which remains unchanged)

✅ Benefit operators who have already renewed at the standard rate before 1 July 2026, although the saving is expected to be realised at the end of the scheme period

The tax classes expected to qualify are:

• TC01 – HGV
• TC02 – Trailer HGV
• TC16 – Small Islands
• TC23 – Combined Transport
• TC57 – Special Types

At this stage, operational guidance is still awaited from the DVLA, and further details are expected in the coming weeks.

We'll continue to monitor developments and keep our clients updated as soon as additional information becomes available.

If you're unsure how these changes may affect your fleet, get in touch with the Plumwood team.

📲 01634 540094

08/06/2026

🌟 Client Feedback 🌟

There's nothing better than hearing that we've helped a client achieve their goals.

We're incredibly grateful to receive this feedback from Chapmans Refrigeration Ltd following their FORS accreditation journey:

Thank you for trusting Plumwood to support your journey. We look forward to seeing your continued success and supporting you on your FORS journey.

04/06/2026

Congratulations to Chapmans Refrigeration Ltd on successfully passing their first FORS Bronze audit! 🎉

Achieving FORS Bronze is a fantastic milestone and demonstrates a clear commitment to fleet compliance, safety, efficiency, and industry best practice.

Passing a first audit is no small achievement and reflects the hard work and dedication that has gone into ensuring the company meets the required standards. This accreditation provides a strong foundation to build upon and highlights Chapman Refrigeration Ltd's commitment to operating professionally and responsibly.

A huge well done to everyone involved in the process. We look forward to seeing your continued success and supporting you on your FORS journey. 👏

01/06/2026

❤️ We are joining Arrhythmia Alliance this World Heart Rhythm Week 2026 to help raise awareness of heart rhythm disorders.

A reminder that heart rhythm disorders can affect anyone, at any age, often without obvious warning signs. Symptoms such as dizziness, breathlessness, fatigue, chest discomfort or heart palpitations should never be ignored. Early detection can make a huge difference.

For those working long hours behind the wheel, in busy offices, workshops or on-site, taking care of your health is just as important as keeping your business compliant. A few small steps such as regular check-ups, staying active, eating well and managing stress can all help support heart health.

Let’s use this week to raise awareness, encourage conversations and remind each other to listen to our bodies. ❤️

28/05/2026

A huge congratulations to Masons Scaffolding on successfully maintaining their FORS Bronze Accreditation 👏

Whilst the business has been operating at FORS Silver level for several years, maintaining Bronze accreditation remains a vital part of supporting and retaining that higher standard.

This continued commitment shows the importance they place on compliance, safety, driver management and maintaining best practice across their operation.

Well done to the whole team for their ongoing hard work and dedication, keeping standards high year after year is no small task! 🚛✅

If you want to see how FORS can benefit your Operation or to discuss how Plumwood can provide some extra guidance, get in touch today!

📲 01634 540094
🖥️www.plumwood.co.uk

26/05/2026

Changes for operators of zero emission vans from 1 June 2026 🚨

If you operate zero emission goods vehicles between 3,501kg and 4,250kg, there are some significant rule changes coming into force.

From June 2026:

✅ Vehicles will move from HGV annual testing to the Class 7 MOT scheme
✅ First MOT due 3 years after first registration
✅ Drivers’ Hours rules will largely align with standard vans up to 3,500kg operating under GB domestic rules
✅ Operators will have access to over 6,000 Class 7 MOT test centres instead of relying on ATFs

This applies to zero emission panel vans, flatbeds, tippers and box vans operating solely within Great Britain. Hybrid vehicles are not included.

One key point to remember — these vehicles will still fall back into Assimilated/EU Drivers’ Hours rules in certain circumstances, including trailer towing or international journeys.

Overall, the changes are designed to simplify the transition to electric vans and reduce operational costs and complexity for operators moving towards zero emission fleets.

21/05/2026

A split second of distraction can change lives forever 🚛📱

A lorry driver has been jailed for 11 years after causing a fatal collision on the M20 whilst using his mobile phone for messaging and video calls behind the wheel.

Investigators found the driver had ignored reduced speed signs, failed to react to hazard warnings from other motorists and did not notice stationary traffic ahead until just one second before impact.

Tragically, Arran McManus lost his life in a collision that police described as “completely avoidable.”

This case is another devastating reminder that mobile phone use whilst driving is never worth the risk.

No call, message or video chat is more important than somebody getting home safely.

Read the full article here; https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/jail-for-killer-truck-driver-who-was-on-his-phone-video?utm_campaign=404216051-FN%20-%20Newsletter%20-%20Daily&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_ha9TfSUiK998Ms9A7lpwE9YcxB8BUlJmjqa2uWkJt8reNAjk76LhAnpz5GsszENe_BbNT-eGy4wH-ZF66RAArJqnijg&_hsmi=136294150&utm_content=136294150&utm_source=hs_email

Dashcam footage captures moment lorry driver was on a video call when he caused a motorist’s death.

19/05/2026

𝗧𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 🚨

From 1 July 2026, light goods vehicles (LGVs) over 2.5 tonnes used for international hire and reward journeys between the UK and EU must be fitted with a Smart Tachograph 2.

If you are being paid to transport goods between the UK and EU in an LGV over 2.5 tonnes, you will also need to comply with the assimilated drivers’ hours rules to remain compliant.

𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲?
A Smart Tachograph 2 is NOT required if:

▪️The vehicle is being used internationally on the operator’s own account, where driving is not the driver’s main activity
▪️The vehicle weighs between 2.5t and 3.5t and operates only within the UK

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼?
Average booking lead times for tachograph fittings are currently around 4–6 weeks, so operators should start planning now to avoid last-minute issues.

Read the full guidance here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/drivers-hours-goods-vehicles/4-tachograph-rules