If you are an HGV Fleet operator you should be aware of the consultation currently being undertaken by The Department for Transport (DfT) and hopefully, you are aware of the up-and-coming deadline.

The DfT is closing the consultation window this Friday for Earner Recognition Operators only.

The DVSA Earner Recognition Scheme is voluntary and enables reputable HGV fleet operators to demonstrate over and above the annual service check their vehicles and drivers meet certain standards. These standards include: monitoring of own compliance, use of a monitoring system and drivers and vehicles are compliant with road safety standards.

The benefits of the scheme include being able to include the Earned recognition on tendering documents as it is considered to be an additional check and standard for fleet operators, all your vehicles are less likely to be stopped and checked for roadside inspections, your company will be less likely to have any visits from the DVSA enforcement team.

You are considered to be an exemplary HGV Fleet operator. To be eligible to apply, you must have held an HGV or PSV for over 2 years and have had no regulatory action taken against your licence for a minimum of two years. You will also need to demonstrate you have a management system in place for vehicle maintenance and a digital system for monitoring driver hours, both need to be operational and able to track KPIs and if they are missed.

The way this works is your digital systems are monitored and any misses are reported.

The expected changes which are being consulted on are:

a/ To increase the time between tests

b/ Allow delegated testing.

c/ Reduce the test content.

d/ Improve the service the DVSA offers to Recognised Operators to minimise testing burden.

The consultation is seeking feedback from HVG Vehicle operators, manufacturers and dealerships, organisations and individuals that maintain vehicles, testing facilities, trade bodies, road safety organisations and road users, like you and me.

If you are interested in finding our more or commenting on the consultation

Visit this website.