FleetCheck, the Fleet software specialist has been invited to take part in a pilot scheme by the DVSA that, if successful, could lead to a transformation in how businesses approach fleet compliance. The scheme is called Earned Recognition will provide commercial vehicle fleets that have a good compliance track record with an opportunity to reduce the number of inspections they undergo. The scheme will also see a number of other benefits offered by the DVSA as a way of rewarding companies that have a good record of compliance.

The DVSA are working with a number of different companies across industries in order to test out the initiative. The DVSA have asked FleetCheck to recruit the fleets from within their customer base to trial the pilot and test its effectiveness. If the scheme ends up being successful it could be a significant difference to how fleet vehicle companies deal with compliance.

It is thought that the DVSA will move their inspection resources away from fleet checking companies that are relied on as having a strong safety culture in order to use the resources to better target companies with more safety risks.

In order to take part in the Earned Recognition scheme, fleets will have to make their key information available to the DVSA and other third party auditors over an electronic platform. The information will include vehicle roadworthiness and other work that has been undertaken by the drivers and driver hours. Working on the scheme on a trial basis will enable the scheme to be rolled out gradually to companies who are interested.

It is thought that the new scheme will be widely discussed at the CV Show in Birmingham. It is thought that the main focus for the DVSA is to protect the public from unsafe drivers, therefore by lowering the resources used on compliant companies will better help the DVSA regulate unsafe drivers and vehicles.