Environment Agency HGVs awarded Earned Recognition status

The Environment Agency (EA) is the first government agency acknowledged under the Earned Recognition scheme for high standards in safety and compliance across its HGV fleet.

It is the first government agency to be recognised under the Driver and Vehicle Standard Agency’s Earned Recognition scheme.

Earned Recognition status allows transport operators to demonstrate they meet high levels of safety and compliance standards, as set by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

The new status also means EA vehicles are less likely to be stopped for inspections, in exchange for regularly sharing performance information around vehicle and driver compliance with the DVSA.

The EA’s fleet of 33 HGVs supports a variety of operational and incident response activities, including the delivery of vital equipment such as plant machinery, pumps and temporary flood defence barriers to communities at risk of flooding.

The government agency is responsible for treating contaminated land, water quality and resources, regulating major industry and waste, and fisheries.

Neil Davies, the Environment Agency’s Director of Sustainability, Funding and Service Operations, said gaining Earned Recognition is a "result of great collaborative work" by their fleet and Operations teams.

"It demonstrates our commitment to upholding high standards of road safety, safeguarding both our drivers and the public," he commented.

Acceptance into the scheme requires applicants to successfully complete a detailed audit conducted by a DVSA approved auditor. The scheme’s audit criteria covers: operator licences, transport manager understanding of operations, vehicle standards, drivers’ hours, operation management, security management, driver management, training, and carriage of dangerous goods.