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News of the new DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) Earned Recognition Scheme is rapidly spreading within the industry and, with confidence in the scheme high, if you consider yourself a responsible vehicle operator it’s definitely worth getting involved. What is it? The scheme is a way to support and maintain a safe road transport industry. The DVSA, alongside enforcement agencies, has been targeting hazardous and irresponsible HGV drivers in order to limit the amount of accidents that occur. High-risk drivers, if caught out, may have their licences withdrawn, consequently making our roads safer for anyone out there doing haulage jobs. The IT based system monitors your driving to check whether you’re meeting a prescribed set of KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators). Every month the system reports back to the DVSA, and if any KPI’s have been missed, you are invited to work on what needs improving. The Benefits If you have a HGV and want to prove that you meet compliance standards, the ER scheme is a brilliant way to show you’re a safe and reliable operator. Plus, you will earn the creditable recognition marque, which you can use on your website. The scheme is also extremely useful if you’re looking to gain new contracts, as it acts as an official sign that you have a higher level of compliance. Working closely with the DVSA also suggests that you, as a business, are committed to improving the standards of your drivers and vehicles; again firm evidence of a reputable company. Not only this, but as an Earned Recognition operator you will be less likely to be stopped at the roadside for vehicle inspections, and also less likely to have enforcement staff from the DVSA visit your premises. This will save you both time and money in the long run, as your drivers will be able to carry out their haulage jobs and related work uninterrupted. Are You Eligible? To apply for Earned Recognition you must have held a licence for a HGV or PSV (Public Service Vehicle) for at least two years. In addition, you must not have had any regulatory action taken on any of your operator licences (besides a formal warning). As well as this, you will only be eligible if you have digital management systems for both vehicle maintenance and drivers’ hours. This is so that KPIs can be tracked and monitored by the DVSA. Extra Information • There is no application fee • You can apply for recognition status at any time • You can monitor your own performance via the IT system • You will be alerted if you miss a KPI • You can leave the scheme at any time Overall, the ER scheme is a great way to get your business noticed. By earning the recognition you will also be gaining the respect of traffic commissioners, regulators and fellow drivers. Not only that, but you will be helping to keep the roads free of high-risk drivers, and your haulage jobs will become quicker and safer. Author Plate Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry. Connecting logistics professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, Haulage Exchange provides services for matching haulage jobs with available drivers. Over 5,400 member companies are networked together through the Exchange to fill empty capacity, get new clients and form long-lasting business relationships.
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