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Major player commits suppliers to Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS)

In recognition of the dangers posed by HGVs to cyclists, VINCI Construction UK is mandating its suppliers to secure bronze accreditation with the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) which aims to improve the safety and efficiency of freight delivery in London and throughout the UK.

The company will ensure that:

• Accreditation – suppliers using lorries (over 3.5 tonnes) in London must achieve bronze accreditation of FORS by 1st January 2014.
• Warnings – vans and lorries delivering to VINCI Construction UK contracts and projects in any London borough are to bear signage on the rear of the vehicle to warn cyclists of passing the vehicle on the inside.
• Training – drivers of vans and lorries to have completed FORS approved safe driver training prior to delivering to any VINCI Construction UK contract or project in London, and every three years thereafter to have completed the FORS safety e-learning module annually and to have had their driving licence regularly checked with DVLA.

Additionally:

• Safeguards – all vehicles of more than 3.5 tonnes must comply with the vehicle safety equipment safeguards required by FORS by 1st July 2014. These require fitting of side guards, a close proximity sensor, CCTV or Fresnel lens and a class VI mirror.
• Outside London – companies supplying goods or services under contract using vans (under 3.5 tonnes) or lorries (over 3.5 tonnes) across all VINCI Construction UK operations outside of London must adopt the FORS vehicle safety equipment safeguards by 1st January 2016.
• Compliance – contractors will be asked to provide FORS with regular reports covering their own delivery and servicing activity, along with any delivery and servicing activity by those sub-contracted. These reports will detail the vehicles used on VINCI Construction UK contracts, any collisions, evidence that the required safety equipment has been fitted and is functioning, together with details of the drivers to be used and evidence that training and licence checks have been completed.

Andy Sneddon, Health & Safety Director, VINCI Construction UK said

“VINCI Construction UK is committed to improving the safety of vulnerable road users. We have therefore embarked on a strategy to ensure that all suppliers supporting our projects and contracts take measures to improve the safety of their vehicles. Membership of FORS by our suppliers is an outward sign of that commitment.”

Ben Plowden, Director of Planning, Surface Transport at TfL.

“It’s great news that VINCI Construction UK has recognised the responsibility that the construction industry has to help make our roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians. I fully endorse their approach which mirrors those adopted and promoted by Transport for London and will work with them to ensure that all vehicles and drivers can operate as safely and efficiently as possible.”

This article was posted on 30th July 2013