Successful operators will be automatically added to the scheme once it is formally launched
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is running a pilot for its Earned Recognition scheme this spring and is asking for operators to apply to get involved.
In a blog post, Melanie York of DVSA wrote: “We’re looking for operators who can demonstrate high standards of compliance.
“We’ll need a variety of different lorry, bus and coach operators to take part in the trial and these will need to range from large multi-vehicle companies to the single vehicle operator.”
To apply for the trial, operators must have:
- Held an O-licence for at least two years;
- Had no regulatory action by a Traffic Commissioner other than warnings for at least two years; and
- An electronic management systems for maintenance and drivers’ hours, which can track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and report exceptions automatically.
Operators who wish to take part in the pilot must ensure that they have registered their systems with DVSA and can report KPIs. If they haven’t, they should contact [email protected] for details of the system specification in order to take part.
Individuals who control multiple O-licences will only be considered on the business as a whole, not on individual licences.
To take part in the pilot, operators will also need to meet the DVSA’s audit standards. Operators can obtain a copy of these and other relevant documents by emailing [email protected]. They will then be sent HGV and PSV audit standards, the guidance document for the pilot, terms and conditions and a self-assessment form.
Once the self-assessment form has been submitted and the DVSA has confirmed the operator’s eligibility, they will be sent an application to take part in the pilot.
The operator’s application will be cross-checked against enforcement history, information held by the Office of the Traffic Commissioner and compliance with the KPIs.
If an application is successful, the operator will need to arrange and pay for an audit from a list of suitable audit providers given by the DVSA. The auditors will look at the processes involved in the operator’s transport management systems and how they are managed.
When the audit is complete, the DVSA will share the results of the audit report with the operator.
While the pilot is taking place, operators will not be allowed to publicise their participation. The DVSA’s roadside enforcement teams also won’t be aware of which operators are taking part. This means vehicles will still be inspected as normal as part of the organisation’s roadside enforcement checks.
However, if the earned recognition concept goes live and the operator has successfully completed the pilot, it will automatically earn a place on the scheme. This will mean the agency will be much less likely to stop its vehicles at the roadside, which will lead to savings in time and money.
Melanie York added: “We’ve already reviewed elements of the earned recognition concept, including Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) IT and audit suppliers, but we’ve not run a live pilot yet.
“Now we’re piloting the concept from start to finish so that we can make sure it works before launching the full programme.
“We’ll carry out a full review once it’s complete, and we’ll ask for feedback from anyone who’s taken part.”
