Logistics UK has warned that a recent decision by the Department for Transport (DfT) could undermine the effectiveness and appeal of the DVSA’s Earned Recognition (ER) initiative for fleet operators.
The Earned Recognition scheme, aimed at operators who uphold high standards in vehicle upkeep and driver safety, had been hoping for a major boost in the form of delegated MOT testing. This would have allowed accredited operators to carry out annual vehicle inspections themselves, rather than relying solely on DVSA test centres.
However, following a detailed review and a public call for evidence, the DfT has opted not to move forward with the proposal, a move that has left many in the transport sector dismayed.
Phil Lloyd, Logistics UK’s Head of Engineering Policy, voiced industry frustration:
“Delegated testing has always been the primary incentive for joining the Earned Recognition scheme. To see it dismissed outright by the Government is both disappointing and frustrating.
The industry is in strong agreement that delegated testing would bring greater flexibility and efficiency without compromising safety. There’s an expectation that self-testing under ER would meet a standard well above the current voluntary maintenance arrangements.
For the Earned Recognition scheme to remain viable and attractive, its promised benefits must start becoming reality. Logistics UK remains committed to working alongside the DfT and DVSA to support the scheme, but decisions like this risk reducing its appeal for operators.”
Fresh data from FleetCheck highlights the safety and compliance advantages of the Earned Recognition programme. Drawing from over 72,000 HGV and trailer records dating back to 2023, the data shows a significantly lower MOT failure rate among ER fleets – just 1.56%, compared to 4.54% for non-accredited operators.