The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced that they’re abandoning plans to usher in a single, fully-digital maintenance reporting system for Earned Recognition (ER) operators – something that will make the scheme more attractive to those working in the industry.

ER members were due to be required to supply fully-digital maintenance key performance indicators (KPIs) on the 1st of April 2022. This would have meant operators would need to supply the relevant compliance data via a smartphone, tablet or laptop, but this deadline has now been removed entirely.

Announced at the Woodfines Transport Conference

The announcement came at the recent Woodfines Transport Conference when the DVSA stated that the deadline had been removed. It stated that it will instead allow operators to opt for the validated methods of reporting that are best suited to their individual needs and that of their operation.

After consulting with ER members, the enforcement agency said that it had listened to what the industry had to say and the consensus was that this change would make the scheme more accessible to all hauliers. ER members will still need digital reporting systems for tachograph data and driver hours.

Safety & Compliance Remains the Main Focus

The Earned Recognition Scheme itself is voluntary and designed to allow hauliers to show a strong track record of adhering to standards and complying with all current regulations. The benefits of being an ER member include not being pulled over for random inspections as frequently, saving both time and money.

In order to qualify, operators must demonstrate that they have robust processes and systems in place to promote proactive and effective transport management. The DVSA’s Head of Enforcement Relationship Management, Laura Great-Rex had this to say on the matter:

“We recognise that obstacles were preventing operators from joining the scheme, and have addressed them, making earned recognition more accessible.

Our priority is ensuring safety & compliance on Britain’s roads. The more members of the Earned Recognition scheme we have, the more industry leaders we have demonstrating their exemplary safety standards on our roads.

This transparency allows for our enforcement activity to be focused on the serial non-compliant operators, helping us to protect people from unsafe drivers and vehicles”

A Challenging Year, But a Better 2022 In Prospect

It has certainly been a turbulent 2021, with huge challenges faced by the haulage industry. However, it can’t be denied that much has been implemented to improve matters, with this latest announcement representing a measure that focuses on maintaining road safety levels in the United Kingdom.

At HGVC, we’re proud of the work we’ve done during 2021 and we’ll continue to play a major role in supporting the haulage sector, in addition to offering industry-leading HGVC licence acquisition programs to businesses via our national network of training centres. We aim to make 2022 a successful year built on what’s been achieved in 2021.

If you would like to know more about us and how we do things, please take a look around our website, where you’ll find everything you require. Alternatively, if you’d like to speak to us about your needs call us on 0330 818 8888 or click on our ‘contact us’ link and send us a message.