According to new information from the Freight Transport Association (FTA), fleet operators are currently substantially concerned about their authorities' capabilities of meeting new road safety laws. The body made a proposal to Department for Transport (DfT) consultations for more vehicles to be brought under operator licensing and annual test laws. In their response, the FTA stated that members operating vehicles that would be affected by such a change _ which would include things like mobile cranes and electric cars _ were comfortable with the requirements it would bring. It did highlight concerns whether the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) 'would be able to meet the increased demand for tests', and also expressed reservations about being sent on a 'paper chase' by the Office of the Traffic Commissioner. James Firth, FTA head of road freight and enforcement policy, said: 'DfT estimates suggest that each proposal will bring another 40,000 vehicles into O-licensing and testing respectively - that is a 10 per cent increase in testing capacity needed in an already strained ATF network.î The FTA has previously stated that the Government should start to investigate the accreditation of any non-DVSA employees as part of the annual testing.æ This could also help to increase available capacity and deliver increased flexibility to customers. 'FTA members who operate vehicles affected by the proposed O-licence changes are happy with putting these vehicles onto their licences, therefore impacting factors like proving a larger financial standing and applying the same inspection and maintenance regime _ many already do this voluntarily as best practice,î added Firth. "What worries them is that when they have to apply for an increase in authorisation or a new operating centre, they are subjected to a forensic level of scrutiny of their operations by Traffic Commissioners, even when they have a good history of compliance.î
