Plumwood Ltd

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

18/05/2026

We’re supporting No Falls Week 18 - 22 May 2026!

During this week, everyone with an interest in safe working at height is encouraged to share best practice and shine a spotlight on height safety!

Why don’t you get involved too?

There are loads of free resources you can use; from toolbox talks to posters and promotional material, to help you reinforce the importance of safe working at height!

Get involved at https://nofallsweek.org/

15/05/2026

Good to welcome Rhys Hills from DriveSmart Solutions in for a visit today. 🚛

DriveSmart Solutions are a specialist provider of fleet driver training across Kent and the South East, supporting businesses with driver development and fleet safety. Their services include driver assessments, fleet safety support and collision aftercare.

It was good to have a catch up, talk through industry challenges and share ideas around how we can work together.

Thanks again for coming in Rhys. 🚚

14/05/2026

Today the team are wearing green to work in support of World Mental Health Awareness 💚

Mental health matters in every workplace, every industry, and every conversation.

In transport and compliance, we spend a lot of time focusing on keeping vehicles safe and operations compliant, but looking after people is just as important. A quick check-in, a conversation over a coffee, or simply asking “how are you really doing?” can make a bigger difference than most people realise.

We are proud to be getting involved today and helping keep the conversation going 💚

13/05/2026

Tyres checks are important

Your tyres are the only contact your vehicle has with the road and they quietly carry the weight of everything you’re transporting.

Before setting off on your journey, ensure you inspect your tyres for;
▪️Cuts or exposed cords
▪️Bulges or deformities
▪️Low tread depth
▪️Under or over inflation
▪️Insecure wheel nuts

These aren’t minor defects, they’re early warnings of potential failure.

Ignoring them can lead to:
❌ Immediate prohibitions
❌ Blowouts at speed
❌ Loss of vehicle control
❌ Serious safety risks for everyone on the road

A daily walkaround can help identify issues early and keep vehicles operating safely, while regular tyre pressure checks improve both safety standards and fuel efficiency. Replacing tyres at the correct time also helps prevent unnecessary breakdowns and costly downtime.

A few seconds of checking could prevent a roadside emergency.