Archive

1. What is a OCRS score?

   14th September 2020 4:18 pm Comments Off on What is a OCRS score?

   One of the first things that we look to ascertain with new clients is what their OCRS Score currently stands at – and often, they have no idea! 

   The Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) is DVSA’s internal risk-based mechanism used at the roadside to help identify operators who are most likely to be non-compliant. Despite being in use since 2006, major changes were implemented in late 2012 and it is these changes that some operators are (still!) adjusting to.

   First things first – how is your OCRS score calculated? Your score is derived from a rolling three-year set of data updated on a weekly basis. This helps to keep your score as current as possible whilst also providing more data than previously (the old system used a two-year data set) to base an informed opinion on your level of compliance.

   Your score takes into account ROADWORTHINESS and TRAFFIC encounters.

   The roadworthiness category covers data derived from annual test history and any roadside encounters relating to maintenance issues; and your traffic score is determined by roadside investigations into driver records and/or overloading.

   Points are issued on a graduation basis dependent on the severity of the defect or offence; for example, an immediate prohibition for brakes will receive more points than one for defective bodywork. “S” marked prohibitions will incur double points as it has been determined that there has been a significant breakdown in the operator’s maintenance arrangements.

   Type of Defect	Points
   Category 1 – Immediate prohibition for tyres, brakes or steering defects	200
   Category 2 – Immediate prohibition for all other defects	100
   Category 3 – Delayed prohibition for tyres, brakes or steering defects	50
   Category 4 – Delayed prohibition for all other defects	25
   Category 1 – Immediate S marked prohibition for tyres, brakes or steering defects	400
   Category 2 – Immediate S marked prohibition all other defects	200
   Category 3 – Delayed S marked prohibition for tyres, brakes or steering defects	100
   Category 4 – Delayed S marked prohibition for all other defects.	50
   Annual Test failure for tyres, brakes or steering defects	50
   Annual Test failure for all other defects	25

   For a full list of the points associated to each defect, please click here.

   Your score will be banded green, amber, red or grey. Red rated operators will be those most likely to be stopped at the roadside with green and amber operators being considered less likely to be non-compliant. Grey rated operators are those who DVSA have no information on and are more likely to be stopped than green and amber rated operators.

   Your banding is dependent on your baseline score. Your baseline score is determined by dividing your total number of defect/offence points by the number of events (i.e. roadside inspections) you have encountered. The older an offence, the fewer points it carries.

   Managing your OCRS score effectively is vitally important to maintaining a safe operation but the fact remains that many operators are still unaware of their score. To register for your score, please follow this link. This will grant you access to your online reports – a sample report can be found here.

   If you require any assistance interpreting your OCRS or would like some free advice on your levels of compliance, please get in touch with us today.

2. What is an S marked prohibition?

   4:07 pm Comments Off on What is an S marked prohibition?

   An S marked prohibition is the most serious of these prohibitions and is issued when an examiner believes a severe defect is due to a significant breakdown in the vehicle’s maintenance procedures. Failing to connect the EBS line between the trailer and unit is a common example of when an S marked prohibition could be issued. Other examples include driving incomplete vehicles on the public road without trade plates and severe tyre damage.

   S marked prohibitions are referred to DVSA Regional Enforcement and are almost always followed up with a maintenance investigation which scrutinises the procedures that the operator has in place to ensure compliance. Unless the operator is able to demonstrate a satisfactory level of compliance across the rest of the fleet, there is a high possibility of the case being referred to the Traffic Commissioner who may then decide to hold a Public Inquiry to determine whether any restrictive measures should be placed on your licence.

   It is important to drill down into the circumstances of the S marked prohibition as soon as you receive notification of its issue. Getting a clear and accurate picture of what caused the prohibition to be issued allows you to take proactive steps to ensure remedial action is taken before DVSA arrive to inspect which can stand you in good stead.

   Contact us today for some free advice on how to deal with your S marked prohibition.

3. How long should a daily walk around check last? Is there any minimum time limit?

   12th September 2020 5:51 pm Comments Off on How long should a daily walk around check last? Is there any minimum time limit?

   There is no legal minimum period; however, we would suggest taking between 5 and 10 minutes to carry out a comprehensive check. Some companies adopt policies that drivers’ must take 15 minutes but there is no legal requirement for this specific period.

   Remember to insert your tachograph prior to carrying out your daily walk around check and set the mode switch to “cross hammers” to record the activity of other work as this is a legal requirement.

   Some operators can have doubts over the effectiveness of a driver’s daily check. This can result in ‘driver discoverable’ defects being picked up during safety inspections. Contact us today for some free advice on how to address these issues.

   Here is some guidance on what your daily walk around check should include.

4. HGV brake testing – how often? Are road tests acceptable?

   5:46 pm Comments Off on HGV brake testing – how often? Are road tests acceptable?

   HGV brake testing should be one of the most crucial components in your preventative maintenance systems. EVERY safety inspection must assess the braking performance of the vehicle or trailer. It is strongly advised that a calibrated roller brake tester is used at each safety inspection to measure individual brake performance and overall braking efficiencies.

   It is also acceptable to use an approved and calibrated decelerometer to test vehicles without trailers to measure overall brake efficiency values.

   Road tests are permitted – however if this is the only method of brake testing, it will be deemed inadequate. It is normally expected that a vehicle should complete at least three successful brake efficiency tests spread throughout the year in addition to the annual MOT test.

   Guidance was issued by the DVSA in April 2016 which you can read here.

5. How often must a digital tachograph be checked and calibrated?

   5:31 pm Comments Off on How often must a digital tachograph be checked and calibrated?

   Unlike analogue tachographs where the tachograph head is checked every two years and re-calibrated every six years, digital tachographs must be fully re-calibrated:

   • every two years
   • after any significant repair (particularly involving gearbox)
   • if the vehicle registration number has changed
   • if there has been a change in tyre circumference

   Interested in learning more about digital tachographs?

   Click here to see our upcoming FREE online training dates.