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https://movingon.blog.gov.uk/2015/11/05/were-transforming-our-approach-to-enforcement/

We're transforming our approach to enforcement

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Traffic sign showing hill risk with compliance traffic sign

We’re currently working towards transforming our approach to enforcement which gives recognition to compliant operators as well as focusing on the seriously or serially non-compliant. This new way of working, including the concept of earned recognition, will allow DVSA to adopt a different approach to operators depending on their compliance.

Operators will ‘earn recognition’ by proving a strong track record of compliance, as well as allowing DVSA to access their real time driver and vehicle data.

This differs from OCRS which is a targeting tool based on current DVSA data. The main benefit of this scheme, for compliant and exemplar operators, will be the ability for DVSA to carry out ‘remote’ checks of their fleet, significantly reducing the requirement to stop these vehicles at the roadside. In these days of ‘just in time’ deliveries for everything from perishable goods to component parts for assembly lines, this is a significant benefit for operators.

Earned Recognition will also allow DVSA to dedicate time and resources to targeting the seriously and serially non-compliant operators.

From 30 October, DVSA have been working with operators in a blind trial. Working ‘blind’ means operators involved won’t be named avoiding any commercial advantage. We’ll then use the trial to compare data gathered from this and our former method of enforcement to make sure this approach to enforcement is the best way forward for operators and DVSA.

We’ll keep you updated as the trial progresses.

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4 comments

  1. Comment by Trevor posted on

    It would be interesting to know how other EU countries are tackling the issue? Some years ago I used to travel to Germany regularly and at the time there was a stark contrast between the measures to regulate the quality of transport operations there and in the UK. I understand the minimum rates charged for operating PSV's were regulated to ensure that viability, maintenance provision and vehicle renewal were adequately funded. Modern fleets professionally driven and maintained may be more expensive but it may be the safest option. Nearly half a century of undercutting hasn't done the psv sector any favours? strangely a large proportion of what remains is owned by German companies!
    Money is the root of all evil?

  2. Comment by Pst Albert Moore posted on

    This move to ensure compliance is commendable and will enhance the reduction of road crash to save more lives and property.

    • Replies to Pst Albert Moore>

      Comment by David M Jones posted on

      I fully support the scheme in theory but I question how many operators would be willing to effectively give DVSA the key to the door when in reality the enforcement team will still have the right to stop and inspect theirvehicles. Would this mean that the days of stop and sift come to and end entirely?

  3. Comment by Peter Murphy posted on

    As an industrial consultant who has lectured on risk assessment and management for many years I am strongly in favour of the approach you are taking.. Scoring operators to give a risk profile will make your operations more cost effective with a higher degree of target compliance/prosecution with less grief to those who put an awful lot of effort into legal/operator compliance. They will be more on board with what you are trying to do in the long term
    Peter Murphy ( semi-retired)