FORS broadens its appeal

7 November 2018

Story from Fleet News.

Long associated with heavy vehicles, the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS)  hopes to broaden its appeal by recruiting new members from van, car and last-mile delivery bike fleets.

The accreditation programme is now more accessible and relevant to all vehicle types, thanks to changes made to its auditing process.

Graham Holder, head of compliance at FORS, explained that, when the programme was launched, it was called the ‘Freight’ Operator Recognition Scheme before becoming ‘Fleet’.

“Fleet incorporates all (vehicle) variants so the way version five (the latest FORS standard) is now delivered is specific to the variant we’re talking about,” he said.

“You’ll find a drop down (menu) for risk assessments that cater for everything from a heavy 44-tonne articulated truck down to a powered two-wheeler scooter that is delivering pizza.”

Historically, the auditing process did not have that flexibility, which meant it was not relevant for all vehicle types. “Version five opens it up,” says Holder.

The current vehicle make-up of members is truck heavy, with around 60% operating trucks, 30% vans and the remainder running coaches and buses. That’s not surprising considering the work-related road safety scheme was borne out of a desire to improve the road safety of trucks in the capital by Transport for London (TfL).

TfL launched FORS in April 2008, but, having grown beyond the confines of London, it was rolled out nationwide in 2015.

FORS was the winner of a Prince Michael International Road Safety Award in 2014.

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