The Department of Transport (DfT) is to continue SAFED For Vans, a business subsidy, for another six months in recognition of the tough economic challenges operators are currently facing. This will be the last chance for firms with more than 250 employees to benefit from the scheme.
Dan Rapson, SAFED For Vans programme manager, says: "SAFED For Vans training has been extremely popular with van operators and drivers; the demand for the training has been high and it has delivered excellent results. This move from the DfT demonstrates a commitment from the government to support businesses."
Demand for SAFED For Vans has remained steady at around 2,000 drivers per year, even though subsidy levels have been progressively reduced, highlighting fleet managers' growing awareness of how SAFED driver training can promote health and 
safety, lead to environmental benefits, reduce accidents and cut fuel and maintenance costs.
The SAFED scheme was launched in 2006 to help van drivers achieve cheaper, greener and safer driving, and since then the DfT has committed nearly £2.2m to train more than 10,000 drivers.
A network of experienced trainers offers SAFED For Vans to drivers and in-house instructors as a one-day training course involving a mix of classroom and on-the-road tuition to teach driving technique and increase fuel efficiency and road awareness.
SAFED driver training also remains available to HGV drivers in the aggregates industry. For more information, call the SAFED helpline on 0870 190 8440. The Scottish government has announced financial support to introduce SAFED For Vans in Scotland as part of its commitment towards an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050.
The Scottish programme will be fully 
funded to the first 50 instructors and first 100 drivers across Scotland and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to five per business or organisation. For more information, email 