Vehicle compliance is crucial to ensure that your fleets – and drivers – are safe while driving for work.

Data-driven software has replaced paper-based systems that ensure your vehicles and teams can keep your business moving. As well as ongoing assurance, they can help you to plan for the future.

Here are 5 compliance checks every fleet manager must do.

Check #1  – Routine maintenance & recalls

All vehicles must be kept and used in a roadworthy condition.  Regular maintenance and servicing according to the manufactures schedule is essential to keep your vehicle in the best operating condition. It’s also a requirement for maintaining your warranty.

Fleets of all sizes can find managing service planning & scheduling challenging, so let the software do the work.

Compliance packages can provide the following:

• Total transparency on the service status of your vehicle.
• Enabling you to schedule these for the optimum time.
• Mitigating the impact on your operations.

As well as servicing and maintenance, an integrated compliance package can keep you up to date with any urgent recalls announced by the manufacturer.

Check #2 – Vehicle First Use/Daily/Weekly checks

A company vehicle may have passed its MOT with flying colours, but every day on the road can expose it to damage and other risks. You’ll need to ensure that vehicles are regularly checked, including all consumables such as tyres and wipers to ensure roadworthiness at all times.

Ensuring correct fluid levels is essential for keeping your vehicles in the best health. While drivers can – and should – regularly check their vehicles, you’ll want extra assurance that all the essentials are OK and that the vehicle is safe, legal and compliant.

Consider how regularly your vehicles should be checked!

Check #3 – Employee audits

Your vehicles might be fully compliant, but how about your team members? You should regularly conduct employee audits to assess their health, well-being, license status, and current employment situation.

An employee audit should answer the following questions.

• Does every driver have a valid license? Have they received appropriate training for the vehicle & equipment they are operating/using?
• Have you got an up-to-date list of the vehicles employees are driving and the equipment they use?
• Do employees have access to all internal policies, and more importantly, have they read and understood them?  Do you have the records to evidence this?
• Are they up to date on the Highway Code? (You can check the latest updates here)
• Have they been involved in any accidents?

Check #4 – Driver license checks

Operators must ensure that driver details are correct, including recording any endorsements (license points) incurred during a year. While some drivers may declare speeding fines or other points, many won’t – which is why annual audits are critical as a minimum.

While you should check every driver’s license yearly, targeted checks may be required for higher-risk drivers, such as those with penalty points.

Check #5 – Driver health & working hours

Your drivers’ health is critical, so ensure you are aware of any issues affecting their health. You will want to ensure each driver is safe and fit to drive and that problems with their eyesight and physical and mental health are not affecting their ability to work. It is all part of your duty of care as a colleague, manager and employer.

All businesses are under pressure to do more, and drivers are at the front of this. But unfortunately, it can lead drivers to work too many hours, potentially impacting their health.

While EU driving regulations only cover vehicles and combinations over 3.5 tonnes, it’s essential to understand how many hours your drivers work and act if they’re doing too much. Remember, the Working Time Regulations 1998 still apply!

Why better data = higher compliance

Compliance isn’t a one-off exercise but an ongoing process that requires a solid plan. At Holman, we support all our customers in using data to deliver better compliance.

Our solutions enable you to develop a plan to stay compliant. In addition, it can ensure you’re aware of – and respond to – changes to legislation, regulation, and guidance.

Holman drives compliance so you can drive revenue – contact one of our team today to get more information about our vehicle compliance solutions.

Download your Van Driver Toolkit:

https://vandrivertoolkit.co.uk/