FORS
The Freight Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) will employ a tiered set of membership levels to address fleet and freight vehicle operational efficiency, improving all areas of sustainable distribution to reduce CO2 emissions, congestion, collisions and operator costs.
It will recognise legal compliance as the base 'bronze' level and promote the uptake of best practice covering fuel efficiency, alternative fuels and low carbon vehicles, management of road risk, legal record keeping and
reducing penalty charge notices through the higher 'silver' and 'gold' levels.
It will also recognise operator achievements with rewards that encourage operators to raise standards to reduce, in particular, CO2 emissions and collisions between heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and cyclists.
The project links with bespoke London training for drivers and managers through the London Freight Booster which incorporates a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 2.
The aim is to promote safer and more fuel efficient operations through better driver behaviour with lower CO2 emissions and fewer collisions, particularly between HGVs and cyclists. This will be coordinated by a dedicated Commercial Vehicle Education Unit with integrated enforcement and prohibition powers.
The project will set Freight Operator Recognition Scheme Standards, a quality benchmark for use by clients when awarding servicing, maintenance and supply contracts. This provides a simple way for clients to ensure the sustainable credentials of freight operators.
The scheme's main partners include the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), Learning and Skills Council (LSC), London Development Agency (LDA) and Skills for Logistics.
Support is also provided by the Department for Transport, Freight Transport Association (FTA) and Road Haulage Association (RHA).
www.tfl.gov.uk/fors