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In the UK, fleet operators must ensure that their vehicles and drivers adhere to regulations set by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Well known for overseeing MOTs and driving tests, the DVSA also enforces vehicle safety standards. Complying with these standards is an ongoing process that requires fleet managers to focus on accident risk and safety management, vehicle maintenance, and driver training and behaviour. Here, we explore some simple tips and tools for achieving DVSA compliance.
Failure to comply with DVSA regulations
Those who fail to comply with DVSA regulations may face fines, penalties, and reputational damage. According to data published by the DVSA, the agency successfully prosecuted and fined 569 businesses during the financial year 22/23.
Finances aside, health and safety is a huge incentive to remain compliant. According to data from the Health and Safety Executive, up to a third of UK road accidents involve someone who is driving for work – the equivalent of around 250 serious injuries and 20 fatalities every week. As well as legal compliance and duty of care responsibilities, companies that actively invest in vehicle safety also stand to benefit from a reduction in fuel and maintenance costs, as well as reduced vehicle downtime.
Driver’s safety checklists and defect reporting
The driver has a personal responsibility to ensure the vehicle is safe before it hits the road. This can be achieved by conducting regular walkaround safety checks. Fleet managers or business operators also have a legal responsibility to make sure their drivers comply.
Drivers should check the condition of their tyres, brakes, steering, lights, indicators, and hazard warning lights. The checks should cover all areas of the vehicle, including the trailer if the vehicle is towing one. This van safety check from the DVSA shows the extent of the checks that should be carried out. Results of the checks should be recorded, defects or faults must be reported, and any necessary repairs undertaken before the vehicle is driven.
Vehicle Operator’s Duty
Safety begins before the journey does. As an operator, your responsibilities are crucial to fleet roadworthiness. Whether the vehicles are business-owned fleet vehicles, or the employee’s personal vehicle used for work purposes (known as grey fleet), employers have a duty of care.
This includes ensuring that vehicles are taxed, MOT’d where necessary and serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This responsibility extends to ensuring that fleet drivers know how to conduct vehicle safety checks, undertake repairs or preventative maintenance, and do so regularly.
Successful implementation of DVSA checks
Understanding roles and responsibilities is the first step, but the real challenge is consistent application and vigilance. Despite best efforts, the gap between knowing what to do and successfully implementing these practices can lead to significant repercussions, not just for your fleet and your brand, but for the safety of all road users.
Traditionally, vehicle checks are completed on an occasional basis with the information being recorded on paper forms or in a paper logbook. As well as being a time-consuming process, recording data manually on paper is open to inaccuracies or lost data. Switching to a digital solution can bridge this gap, ensure vehicles are safe to drive and result in timely DVSA compliance by all parties.
Digital tools for DVSA compliance: The Driver Toolkit
Digital tools for DVSA compliance: The Driver Toolkit Tools such as the Driver Toolkit from The Fuel Store provide a digital solution that simplifies DVSA compliance and provides peace of mind. With features designed to automate and digitise your fleet management process, you are not just ensuring compliance; you are setting a new standard for efficiency and making the driver’s job easier.
Digital DVSA-compliant vehicle checks
Conduct thorough and efficient vehicle checks in just a few taps. Record the data from your vehicle walkaround digitally, for quick recall in the event of a roadside check.
Customisable vehicle inspection checklists
Your requirements might be different depending on whether you operate a fleet of cars, commercial vans or heavy goods vehicles. The Driver Toolkit allows you to tailor your inspections to fit the unique needs of your operations and avoid penalties during DVSA spot checks.
Avoid DVSA penalties and prohibitions
Quickly identify and address issues; manage and record load weights; check roadworthiness; and store occupational driving licence validity in one system. Record and retrieve data to prevent DVLA prohibitions and penalties.
Real-time fleet management insights
Fleet managers can stay informed with up-to-date information on every vehicle. Digital vehicle checks reduce administration time and provide real-time insights through automated notifications. The data can also be used to implement preventative maintenance, reducing vehicle downtime and saving your business money.
Driver Toolkit is more than just meeting standards; it’s about improving how your fleet works. Switching to our digital tool makes managing your vehicles simpler and more reliable.