DfT decision on heavy vehicle testing risks undermining earned recognition scheme, warns Logistics UK
Logistics UK has expressed disappointment following the Department for Transport’s (DfT) decision not to amend heavy vehicle testing regulations to permit Earned Recognition (ER) accredited operators to carry out annual vehicle tests via ‘delegated testing’.
Phil Lloyd, Head of Engineering Policy at Logistics UK, described the announcement as “hugely disappointing and frustrating,” emphasising that delegated testing has been the primary incentive for operators to join the ER scheme.
“Delegated testing has always been the main incentive in which operators were encouraged to adopt the Earned Recognition (ER) scheme, so for the government to dismiss the option out of hand is hugely disappointing and frustrating,” Lloyd said.
He added that the transport industry broadly supports delegated testing, which would provide greater flexibility and efficiency for operators without compromising safety standards.
“The industry is united that delegated testing would deliver flexibility and efficiencies for transport operators without compromising safety, and the expectation has always been that self-certification would operate at a standard significantly higher than the voluntary arrangements currently found in the maintenance sector,” he explained.
Lloyd stressed the importance of the ER scheme delivering on its promised benefits to remain attractive to operators.
“The promised benefits of Earned Recognition need to materialise soon, and Logistics UK will continue working with the DfT and DVSA to support the initiative, but decisions like this will make the scheme less attractive for operators,” he said.