The DVSA has formally launched its full Earned Recognition (ER) scheme to the entire industry to “reward exemplary” coach, bus and truck operators, and is inviting all operators to join – providing they can meet the standards.
It follows a Pilot Scheme that started in April 2017 and eventually gained 62 organisations, of which 13 are in the PCV sector.
All are classed as ‘founder members’, and the DVSA used the launch event at yesterday’s CV Show to give a ‘special thank you’ to Lucketts Coaches, which was the first PCV operator to join the Pilot.
The 13 Pilot Scheme PCV operators are: Allenby Coach Hire, Arriva London North, Barnes Coaches, Bournemouth Transport, City Of Wakefield MDC, Country Lion, CT Plus, Lucketts Coaches (including Coliseum Coaches and Worthing Coaches), Lakeside Coaches, London Borough of Redbridge, Reading Buses, Stanley Travel and Tower Transit.
ER rewards firms that are most focused on ensuring that their fleets – and the people who drive them – are safe at all times.
While the pilot has seen larger firms, it has also had one-vehicle operations involved, proving that size is not a requirement.
ER operators regularly share performance information with DVSA. In return, their vehicles are much less likely to be stopped for inspections, freeing up the agency’s examiners to target the most dangerous operators and drivers.
DVSA CEO Gareth Llewellyn says: “Participating operators are already seeing the benefits.
“We’ve heard reports of improved relationships with drivers, better processes and recognition from customers.
“If you're an operator and you take compliance and safety seriously, we hope that earned recognition is something you’ll aspire to.”
Kevin Rooney and Sarah Bell, Lead Traffic Commissioners for enforcement welcomed the announcement. They said: “We fully support the agency’s aim to recognise compliant operators and free up valuable roadside enforcement resource to target and tackle the most serious offenders.
“We’ve worked with DVSA to assist and inform the scheme’s development. This has run alongside our work to free up tribunal time to take swift action against the most dangerous operators and drivers.
“The scheme has encouraged the development of new compliance management tools available to all operators and transport managers, whether they seek accreditation or not. We’re confident this initiative will contribute to our shared aims of promoting road safety and fair competition.”
DVSA CEO Gareth Llewellyn says: “DVSA’s priority is to protect you from unsafe drivers and vehicles. ER allows the best operators to go about their business unhindered, so we can target our activity at those most likely to be a danger to all road users.
“Even during the pilot, participating operators are already seeing the benefits.
“We’ve heard reports of improved relationships with drivers, better processes and recognition from customers. If you're an operator and you take compliance and safety seriously, we hope that earned recognition is something you’ll aspire to.”
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