A hire van can feel very different from a car: it may be longer, wider and much higher, visibility is different, braking distances increase with load and many vans have lower national speed limits than cars. Use this guide before your first journey.
For business or complex loads, current DVSA load-securing guidance should be followed.
Most vans are treated as goods vehicles and have lower national speed limits than cars. For a goods vehicle not exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight, GOV.UK currently gives:
| Road type | Maximum national limit for most vans |
|---|---|
| Built-up road | Follow the signed local limit. Where street-light rules apply, this is normally 30mph in England and 20mph in Wales unless signs show otherwise. |
| Single carriageway | 50mph |
| Dual carriageway | 60mph |
| Motorway | 70mph, unless a lower limit applies |
Car-derived vans and qualifying dual-purpose vehicles can have different limits. Do not assume a hired Transit follows car limits on single and dual carriageways. Check the current GOV.UK speed-limit guidance.
The Luton is 6,760mm long, 2,151mm wide and 3,245mm high according to Alco’s current technical data. That height is particularly important: check restrictions before entering car parks, covered loading areas, drive-throughs or roads with low bridges.
Allow more room when turning and reversing and remember that the box body can catch crosswinds more than a car.
The Alco Luton tail lift has a published 450kg capacity. Use it on firm, level ground, keep people clear of moving parts and do not exceed its rated capacity. Make sure the item is stable on the platform and can be controlled safely at both ground and load-floor level.
Usually not. Most vans follow the goods-vehicle limits of 50mph on single carriageways, 60mph on dual carriageways and 70mph on motorways, unless a lower signed limit applies. Car-derived vans can be different.
The current published overall height is 3,245mm.
450kg, according to Alco’s published technical data.
No. Physical space and payload are separate limits. The van must remain within its permitted weight.
Use current GOV.UK driving-a-van guidance and the Highway Code.
When you are ready to hire, enter your proposed collection and return details below to check the current price and vehicle availability.
If the price and availability suit you, you can continue through the same secure system to make your reservation. If you have a more complex hire requirement and need a full quotation, please contact Alco.
