Fleet Compliance and Risk Management
Keeping your fleet compliant is imperative for any fleet manager. Without the correct management of this part of your business's operations, you could face fines and serious legal consequences.
Fleet compliance regulations
Fleet compliance is the meeting of all the standards and regulations required by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) on key areas such as accident risk, safety management, vehicle maintenance, driver training, and driver behaviour – to ensure road safety. Failure to meet fleet compliance standards results in legal consequences, fines, and can damage your business reputation, making it crucial for businesses to manage their fleets in accordance with UK laws and regulations.
The purpose of fleet compliance regulations is to create a framework that promotes road safety, protects the environment, ensures fairness, and minimises the risks associated with fleet operations. Adherence to these regulations benefits both businesses and the public by reducing accidents, improving air quality, and enhancing public well-being.
Benefits of an earned recognition operator:
Proof as an exemplary operator- Earned recognition status on the GOV.UK website
- DVSA earned recognition marque
- Access to DVSA expert team for any issue
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) launched its ‘earned recognition’ scheme in 2018 for heavy goods vehicle (HGV) and public service vehicle (PSV) operators for fleet managers to prove that they are compliant.
To achieve earned recognition status, you must meet a stringent set of audit standards.
In 2023, the DVSA updated its process on vehicle safety recalls to improve vehicle safety. When a vehicle undergoes a MOT, the tester will let you know if it has an outstanding recall which will also appear on your MOT certificate.
How to keep your fleet compliant
To keep your fleet compliant, adopt a proactive approach that focuses on staying in-line with all relevant regulations and industry standards, including consistent maintenance schedules and regular vehicle inspections to ensure roadworthiness.
- Staying informed about fleet regulations benefits your business by ensuring your fleet operates legally, safely, and efficiently while minimising negative impacts on your brand reputation, the environment, and the community.
- Educate your drivers on compliance requirements, safety protocols, and eco-friendly driving practices and implement fleet management software and telematics systems to track and manage vehicle performance, driver behaviour, and more.
- Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify areas for improvement and promptly address any compliance issues.
- Maintain open lines of communication with regulatory authorities, industry associations, and legal advisors to stay updated on changing regulations and seek guidance when needed.
Northgate Safety and Risk Management Tools
SAFE DRIVER COURSE
- Do you want to educate your drivers about safe driving practices as well as ensuring your fleet is compliant?
- Northgate’s Safe Driver offers expert online courses to both drivers and Fleet Managers about how to reduce the risks of being out and about on the road.
- In addition, a range of compliance checks are available including Driving Licence and Grey Fleet Checks and identify where you can reduce costs with driver and fleet audits.
FLEET MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS
- Northgate’s, flexible account-managed, fleet management solutions take away the burden of administration.
- Whatever you need for YourFleet (non-Northgate vehicles), whether it’s as straightforward as the service or maintenance of your existing vehicles to the more complex challenges of running YourFleet day-to-day.
- Our expertise helps you reduce cost, improve driver safety and free-up time, so you can concentrate on your core business.
TELEMATICS SOLUTIONS
- Northgate Telematics solutions improve business efficiencies with several benefits for you and your drivers, including a leading platform for tracking and cameras that provide live footage of any incidents.
- Telematics can be used to monitor driver to increase driver safety by monitoring driver behaviour to identify unsafe driving habits such as consistent speeding, and improve route planning for your fleet which can align with your businesses sustainability goals to reduce your carbon emissions.
- Our wide install network means your nearest install site is always a convenient distance away or we can even travel to your business.
VEHICLE INSPECTION APP
- Northgate’s vehicle inspection app (VIA) keeps your fleet mobile with a quick and easy way to track and complete vehicle inspections at the touch of a button.
- VIA can help to prolong the life of your vehicles and reduce the level of unplanned vehicle downtime.
- Create inspection reports with access to a suite of standard reports that you can tailor to your needs and easily report any faults to your supplier, allowing you to deal with issues quickly and reduce downtime.
