Off to make another run in the VW T4 van, it considers not firing up while cold starting the engine but after a little spluttering, does so without any more problems.
As I go to pull away I notice that unmistakeable flapping noise of a flat tyre.
Getting out to look, not one but two of the tyres on the passengers side are totally deflated! I grab a foot pump and begin trying to pump some air into one but the pump breaks, I finally come across a working one and get to work reinflating the empty tires.