Last updated: (08.01.2026)
This Cookie Policy explains how VRA Truckparts (“we”, “us”, “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies on vra-truckparts.co.uk. It sits alongside our Privacy Policy and is designed to meet the requirements of the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR) and UK GDPR.
Under PECR, we must:
- tell you what cookies we use and why, and
- get your consent for any non-essential cookies (for example analytics or advertising) before they are set, unless an exemption applies.
1. What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, phone) when you visit a website. They allow the site to:
- remember you between pages and visits,
- keep items in your basket,
- understand how people use the site,
- and (where used) tailor content or advertising.
PECR also applies to similar technologies that store or access information on your device, such as local storage, pixels or tags – in this policy we call them all “cookies” for simplicity.
Cookies can be:
- Session cookies – deleted when you close your browser.
- Persistent cookies – kept for a set period or until you delete them.
- First-party cookies – set by our site.
- Third-party cookies – set by services we use (e.g. analytics, payment, shipping tools).
2. Who is responsible for cookies on this site?
VRA Truckparts is the data controller for personal data linked to cookies on this site. We decide which cookies run here and why, and we must make sure any providers we use also comply with UK data protection law.
Where a third party sets cookies for their own purposes (for example, their own analytics or advertising), they are usually a separate controller and you should also read their cookie / privacy notices.
3. Types of cookies we use
We group our cookies into categories to make them easier to understand and manage. This structure follows common UK guidance for cookie policies.
3.1 Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies are essential for the basic operation of the website and to provide services you actively request – for example:
- keeping you logged in or remembering your session,
- remembering what’s in your shopping basket,
- moving through checkout securely,
- protecting the site against fraud and abuse (basic security and load-balancing).
PECR provides an exemption for cookies that are “strictly necessary” to provide an online service you have requested (such as remembering your basket or ensuring secure login). These do not require consent, but we still explain them.
If you block these cookies in your browser, parts of the site may not work properly.
3.2 Preference / functional cookies
These cookies make the site more convenient, for example by:
- remembering your preferred language or region (where available),
- remembering whether you have already seen certain notices or pop-ups,
- helping us show the site in a way that suits your device.
Where these cookies are not strictly necessary for the service, they are treated as non-essential and we will only use them if you allow them in the cookie banner or settings.
3.3 Analytics / performance cookies
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors use the site so we can improve performance and user experience, for example by measuring:
- which pages are visited most often,
- where visitors arrive from (search engines, links, campaigns),
- how users move around the site and where they drop off.
UK and ICO guidance is clear that analytics cookies are not strictly necessary and therefore require prior consent under PECR.
On our site:
- analytics cookies will not run until you click “Accept all cookies” or enable analytics in the cookie settings;
- if you choose “Reject non-essential cookies”, analytics cookies are blocked.
We use analytics only to improve our website and services – not to identify individual users in day-to-day reporting.
3.4 Advertising / marketing cookies (if used)
If we use advertising or remarketing tools in the future, those cookies may:
- help us measure how effective our adverts are,
- avoid showing you the same advert repeatedly,
- show ads related to truck parts or services you’ve looked at.
Under PECR, advertising and tracking cookies always require consent, and cannot be set until you actively agree.
If we introduce such tools, we will:
- list them clearly in this policy,
- treat them as “Marketing” cookies in the banner, and
- only set them if you have opted into that category.
4. Legal basis & your consent
For non-essential cookies (analytics, most functional, advertising):
- we rely on your consent under PECR and UK GDPR;
- consent must be freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous, with a clear positive action;
- we cannot rely on implied consent (e.g. “By using this site you agree to cookies”) or pre-ticked boxes.
Our banner and settings aim to follow ICO expectations and modern best practice:
- equal prominence for “Accept” and “Reject” non-essential cookies;
- ability to give or withhold consent by category;
- non-essential cookies blocked by default until you make a choice;
- a visible way to change your mind later (see section 6).
Cookie walls
Regulators have made clear that “cookie walls” which force users to accept non-essential cookies as the only way to access content generally do not give valid consent, because consent would not be freely given.
We do not require you to accept non-essential cookies to browse vra-truckparts.co.uk.
5. Our cookie banner & on-site controls
When you first visit our site (and periodically afterwards), you will see a cookie banner:
- It briefly explains that we use cookies and links to this Cookie Policy.
- You can typically choose:
- “Accept all cookies” – allow all categories (including analytics/marketing where used);
- “Reject non-essential cookies” – allow only strictly necessary cookies;
- “Manage settings” – choose per category (e.g. allow analytics but not marketing).
Your choice is stored in a consent cookie so we can remember it on future visits.
We may also show a small persistent link such as “Cookie settings” in the footer. You can click it at any time to:
- review which categories are active;
- change or withdraw your consent.
Withdrawing consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before you withdrew it, but it will stop further non-essential cookies being set.
6. Examples of cookies we may use
The exact cookies can change as we update our site and tools. Below is a typical structure rather than an exhaustive list – you can adapt this table to match your actual implementation. Guidance suggests cookie policies should explain types, provider, purpose and duration.
| Category | Purpose (summary) | Typical retention / notes |
|---|
| Strictly necessary |
Maintain session, basket, checkout, login security |
Session or short-term |
| Strictly necessary |
Load balancing and basic site security protections |
Session or short-term |
| Preference / functional |
Remember language / region choice, hide repeated pop-ups |
Several months (configurable) |
| Analytics |
Measure visits, traffic sources, pages viewed, conversions |
From session up to ~24 months (varies) |
| Marketing (if used) |
Track ad performance, remarketing audiences |
Varies by provider (often days to months) |
If you need an exact list of cookies currently in use (name, provider, expiry), you can contact us or inspect cookies in your browser’s developer tools.
7. Third-party cookies
Some cookies may be set by third parties when you use our site, for example:
- payment providers processing your card details (e.g. Global Payments);
- couriers or shipping tools integrated into checkout (e.g. label, tracking widgets);
- embedded content or scripts (for example, future analytics or support tools).
These providers have their own privacy and cookie policies, which we recommend you read. Wherever possible, we:
- minimise third-party cookies,
- configure them to respect your choices in our banner,
- and avoid third-party tracking that is not necessary for our services.
8. Managing cookies in your browser
You can control cookies through your browser settings as well as through our banner, for example to:
- block all cookies,
- block cookies from specific sites,
- delete existing cookies.
Most browsers explain how to do this in their help pages. Guidance on EU/UK cookie rules recommends providing this information so users can exercise more control. About Cookies+2URM Consulting+2
Please note:
- If you block all cookies, some functions (basket, checkout, login) may not work.
- Deleting cookies may remove your saved preferences, including your cookie choices – so you may see the banner again and need to set your preferences once more.
9. Changes in UK cookie rules
UK cookie rules are evolving, particularly with the Data (Use and Access) Act and updated ICO guidance on cookies and similar technologies. These reforms introduce some new exemptions for low-risk cookies and clarify enforcement priorities, but the core rule remains:
consent is required for non-essential cookies, with limited exceptions, and consent must meet UK GDPR standards. Clarion+5ICO+5Clifford Chance+5
We will keep this policy and our cookie banner under review and update them as guidance changes.
10. How this relates to our Privacy Policy
Cookies sometimes involve the processing of personal data (e.g. IP addresses, identifiers, usage patterns). When that happens:
- UK GDPR rules on transparency, lawful basis, data minimisation and security also apply; Didomi+2privacyengine.io+2
- you have rights such as access, rectification, erasure and objection (see our Privacy Policy for details).
For full information on:
- what personal data we collect,
- how we use it,
- how long we keep it,
- and your rights,
please read our Privacy Policy.
11. Contact & questions
If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, you can contact us using the details in our Privacy Policy (Data Protection contact).
We’ll be happy to:
- explain how specific cookies work on vra-truckparts.co.uk,
- help you change your preferences,
- or provide more detail about our current tools and providers.
12. Important note – not legal advice
This Cookie Policy is written to be clear and practical and is based on public guidance from the ICO and other reputable sources on PECR, UK GDPR and cookie consent. privacyengine.io+6ICO+6ICO+6
It is not legal advice.
If you want to be certain this policy covers every detail of your specific setup (actual cookies, analytics tools, advertising tags and third-party services), you should ask a UK data protection specialist or solicitor to review it and your banner implementation.
