DVSA Enforcement is changing...
And if you're not part of the solution, you will be flagged as part of the problem.
If you're an operator or Transport Manager, you will have heard the phrase 'DVSA Earned Recognition Scheme' bandied about at some point. And likely you've heard it mentioned with increased frequency of late.
That's because after much waiting and deliberation, the scheme finally went live at the CV Show 2018.
But what does that mean for the road transport industry?
And what does it mean for operators looking to stay compliant?
From this point forward, you will see some pretty striking changes in the road freight sector. And with them, new demands will be placed on operators.
This is because the DVSA has turned enforcement on its head. No longer will rule-bending operators be able to fly under the radar; in fact, all operators who do not voluntarily enrol on the scheme will be treated by the DVSA as potential rule-breakers.
What the DVSA are doing...
The DVSA are enacting a policy of remote enforcement. This means the agency will be able to monitor the compliance of all operators enrolled in the scheme from its HQ.
By doing this, the DVSA will be able to concentrate its time and money on the targeting the non-compliant, as opposed to spreading their resources evenly across the lawful and unlawful alike.
Basically, the agency wants to move most of its agents off the road and put them behind desks. In order for them to do this, all operators must have an IT system in place that allows the DVSA instant access to a cross-section of their driver and vehicle data.
If you do not have an acceptable IT system in place, you will immediately be flagged as a possible rule-bender. In fact, all non-digital systems used for keeping driver infringement and vehicle maintenance records will become obsolete in the culture of the Earned Recognition scheme.
What that means for operators...
Without an appropriate IT system in place, an operator will be viewed with suspicion by the DVSA. And if the DVSA suspects you of non-compliance, they will stop your drivers at every opportunity, and inspect your premises as frequently as they're able.
So, to circumvent this possibility, the next step would be to enrol on the scheme, right? Not so fast: before you can demonstrate the level of compliance necessary to become part of the scheme, you need to build a history.
And you can't build a history without a suitable IT system.
So, how do I become compliant?
To demonstrate compliance with the DVSA's standards, you need to build up a history using a web-based IT system. The records kept on this system must be fully backed-up, and made available to the DVSA at regular intervals.
You will need to be able to monitor your compliance Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) efficiently, using an online dashboard and notification system.
The KPIs required by the DVSA involve drivers' hours infringements and vehicle maintenance data, and these must be integrated into one software system, allowing for the information to be monitored at a glance.
Once this system is in place, you can begin building your history. As you build your history, you will track your data, which will allow you to monitor your compliance levels and make guided decisions on how you will evolve with the ever-developing standards of compliance.
The declaration that the scheme went live caught most of the sector off-guard.
However, in the run-up to the announcement, Chartwise were busy putting together a solution that would satisfy the requirements of the scheme, and bring peace of mind to hauliers.
Our software system, titled Operator Compliance (or OpCom, for short), is being developed in line with the standards of the Earned Recognition scheme.
In short: our solution will help you keep the authorities at arms' length.
Not only that, but we want to give you something of equal value: the confidence of knowing that the way you're going about your compliance is the right way.
Want to find out exactly how much this software could benefit your operation? Complete the form below to secure a free, no-obligation demo.
This demo should last no more than 30 minutes and will give you a clear idea of how your data will be viewed by the DVSA.