The civil engineering and utilities sector has pledged its support for the Freight Transport Association's (FTA) Van Excellence Code (VEC), which it helped develop.

The Code is aimed at establishing a comprehensive and realistic code of conduct for vans which will benefit businesses, the environment and all road users.

FTA introduced the Van Excellence Code of Practice at its Utilities and Civil Engineering Conference at the end of June. The project was developed with support from companies including Amey, Enterprise Managed Services, United Utilities, Carillion, Anglian Water and National Grid and aims to formalise professional standards, improve road safety and reduce environmental impact by sharing comprehensive and realistic working practices already used by leading companies in the sector.

Richard White, FTA's Van Excellence project leader, said: "The utilities and civil engineering industry is at the forefront of good van working practices. Using the knowledge and experience of some of the leading organisations in this sector, the Van Excellence Code has been developed to provide a clear set of standards by which all vans should operate. With backing and input from some of the largest van fleet operators in the UK, FTA is confident that the Code will set the standard for future working practices in the van sector."