R2C is hosting a free webinar tomorrow (Tuesday, March 26) to discuss a Government review of the HGV testing regime for transport operators.

The Department for Transport (DfT) review focuses on changes to the Earned Recognition (ER) standard, whereby vehicle operators can prove to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) that their business meets driver and vehicle standards.

By regularly sharing performance information with DVSA, a business operating with Earned Recognition status is less likely to have vehicles stopped by the DVSA, have enforcement visits take place on their premises or have DVSA desk-based assessments conducted against their operations.

The review is focusing on two key areas: increasing the time between tests for ER operators from the current 12-month interval; and allowing ER operators to test their own vehicles and trailers.

Ash Connell, commercial director at R2C, said: “The data the DVSA has shared indicates that during Covid, when it extended the time between tests for ER operators, there was no significant negative impact.

“ER operators are demonstrating consistently and transparently their compliance KPIs through software such as our Vantage Point programme.

“If this data indicates there would not be a detrimental effect to road safety, then extending the test period for ER operators would be a great way to entice more operators into the scheme, which should in turn drive an increase in road safety.”

The DfT’s Heavy Goods Testing review focuses on changes to the Earned Recognition (ER) standard, whereby vehicle operators can prove to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) that their business meets driver and vehicle standards.

The issue will be discussed at the vehicle off-road webinar hosted by R2C and featuring the DVSA and a case study from Pets at Home.

The webinar tomorrow (Tuesday, March 26) from 11am, will hear about measures being taken to keep vehicle off-road time in check, as well as an update from the DVSA on Earned Recognition.

Phil Breen, national account manager at the DVSA, said: “We’re looking forward to updating fleets on what we are planning for the Earned Recognition scheme and I’m keen to share with transport operators how these changes may work.

“It will be good to get feedback from the industry as we look to make Earned Recognition even more useful for transport operators.”

To join the free webinar, click here.