Earlier this week a Scottish courier company was in the news for being unable to source red vans for their fleet. Most vehicles come off the assembly line white or silver and are then customised. In the article I read, they had scoured western Europe looking for the right vans for their fleet. They take their branding seriously.

Stuart Harris saw this and thought of us-

(c) Stuart Harris

My immediate response was – OMG – it makes my eyes hurt. I was duly reminded that this was business and not personal so the idea would be to have the van remembered. The one above is certainly unforgettable!

Aside from being remembered, there is safety to consider. Despite what people think white vans are actually the safest colour to drive.  Source – Link (via @IanRMcAllister, thanks Ian)

A safety group in Cambridge think Safety is far more important. Last year the local authorities changed the colours of the speed camera vans from white with fluorescent parts to plain blue with the area’s transport/police logos. They did this to standarise their fleet.  The group argue that by not having a standard colour for speed camera vans throughout the UK, they may be causing problems rather than deterring them. Link.

When you buy your vans, what comes first? safety or recognition? Is branding important on a van? or is the ability to undertake work of a confidential nature more important?

Sarah

PS if you click on the van image, it will take you to Stuart’s site where you can read what the images on the van actually say.

Related articles

• Vans Vault Summer 2009 Lowtop Releases
• Vans Sk8-Hi – Red – Black – Reflective Neon
• Speeding tickets double under Labour to earn £250000 every day