Van insurance customers have been urged to visit the forthcoming Commercial Vehicle Operator Show, as they could benefit from an increased focus on vehicle maintenance and fleet logistics.

This encouragement came from the Society of Operations Engineers, which has claimed that there is currently a void in the industry for a show, which enables exhibitors to present a wide range of services and products.

The show is scheduled to take place in Birmingham's NEC arena in spring 2010 and has been hailed by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, (SMMT) along with the Road Haulage Association, as a positive event on the industry's calendar.

The Society of Operations Engineer's, chief executive, Nick Jones said: "This industry needs a business-to-business show to cater for professional transport operators' wide-ranging needs and the Commercial Vehicle Operator Show will do exactly that."

Online database

Along with the van show to help drivers decide what model best suits them, van insurance customers are also being helped to make the right decision via a new online website.

The website helps them to base their future commercial vehicle purchase on factors such as fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.

The Vehicle Certification Agency, SMMT and the Department of Transport have launched a new database aimed at outlining the best models for emissions and consumption in a bid to help the decision-making skills when buying a van.

Commenting on the introduction of the service, Andrew Andois, the transport secretary, said it is important to help motoring consumers make the right choice.

He said: "This database is good news for van buyers - it gives them access to emissions and fuel consumption information that could well shape the van they choose."

Police will feel the van force

Meanwhile, The Northumbria Police department will no doubt be considering the van insurance available to them, as it was confirmed that reinforced Peugeot Boxer vans will shortly be introduced to their fleet.

The Boxer vans have been specially converted by Peugeot to cope with all of the associated stresses and strains of front line police operations.

The 12 tonne vans, supplied by the Special Vehicle Operations department of Peugeot, feature reinforced bodywork, glass and tyres.

Each van will carry specialised kit, which will include protective shields, helmets, communications gear, fire extinguishers and first aid equipment.

They will take up front line duties with the Police Support Unit (PSU), and will be used at various crowd control events such as football matches, protests and parades.

Keith Wilson, fleet manager at the Northumbria Police said: "We chose the Peugeot vans as we found that they can carry more equipment than previous vehicles, thanks to their squarer shape. Peugeot's simple one-stop-shop service was also very appealing, as it made the purchasing process as simple and straightforward as possible."

He added: "Finally, they also have a stronger front axle than our previous vans, which means we can distribute weight more evenly within the vehicle. Due to their 24 hour rapid response role, these vehicles frequently operate fully laden and carry nine police officers, so it's important that they are comfortable to travel in and handle safely on the road."

If you need van insurance cover for your vehicle find the right policy at OnlyInsurance.

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