The number of roadside vehicle checks by DVSA is to be reduced by expanding the scope of existing software developed by Chevin Fleet Solutions.
The company's FleetWave software is already used to manage vehicle servicing, MoT renewals, driver and maintenance compliance and the management of other data but will be will be extended to automate reporting processes for the new DVSA Earned Recognition pilot scheme.
Currently, when DVSA staff stop a vehicle for checks they look at the vehicle's safety, inspection, MoT and servicing records, as well as driver compliance, tachograph and defect reporting - all of which can mean significant downtime and effect operational efficiency and costs.
The Earned Recognition scheme means the DVSA will be satisfied on receipt of automated records - all of which will be audited and sent from FleetWave - that any fleet in question is compliant and legal.
This will allow the DVSA to concentrate on stopping vehicles and businesses with less complete reporting structures and processes.
FleetWave will automatically export compliance rate percentages in a colour-coded traffic light system to DVSA inspectors, further streamlining the process for auditing fleets with strong safety records and a culture of best practice which have volunteered for the pilot scheme.
Ashley Sowerby, Chevin managing director, said: 'The Earned Recognition scheme has the potential to be game-changing, because it will allow the DVSA to concentrate its resources on the areas of concern within the commercial vehicle sector, while still being satisfied that excellently-run fleets continue to operate to a high standard, and then letting them get on with their business.
'But for that to happen, the DVSA needs well-presented, very accurate, complete records and verifiable data. Through our award-winning FleetWave solution and the mobile app which allows fleets to complete vehicle inspections which are downloaded straight into the system, we are delighted to work with them to provide that.
'As a result, we have been speaking to a number of our clients - some of them very large, very well-known brands - about joining the scheme. This is a partnership between all stakeholders that will be for the good of the industry as a whole in recognising best practice, streamlining inspection, saving money for businesses and significantly improving fleet vehicle off-road time.'
