Lafarge Tarmac drive fleet safety with HGV industry first

Firm approved to undertake whole fleet accreditation as part of Transport for London’s FORS scheme

LAFARGE Tarmac have boosted their commitment to improving cycle safety and cutting vehicle emissions by becoming the first UK HGV fleet operator to be approved to undertake whole fleet accreditation as part of Transport for London’s Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS).

By gaining accreditation to audit its fleet of more than 1,450 HGVs, which includes those of its contractor haulier supply chain, the company is driving forward a nationwide commitment to improve safety and environmental standards.

Sean McGrae, senior national transport manager at Lafarge Tarmac, said: ‘Our ability to undertake audits across our nationwide fleet will help us to continue to deliver the highest standards of safety, health and environmental best practice.

‘This approach provides our customers with the added reassurance that we have invested in both appropriate safety equipment and relevant driver training.’

Ian Wainwright, head of freight and fleet at Transport for London, said: ‘The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme has been hugely successful in helping operators who are focused on best practice and continual improvement. As the first company to secure nationwide accreditation, Lafarge Tarmac have demonstrated a leading approach to embedding a consistent approach to safety and environmental standards across their fleet.

‘Importantly, they are also providing their independent contract hauliers with the necessary technical support and training to make both adaptations to vehicles and behavioural changes.’

While other fleet operators may have company-wide FORS certification, it does not always mean that their independent contract hauliers have this accreditation.

Lafarge Tarmac say they have established a dedicated in-house network of 20 qualified FORS auditors to ensure that every vehicle in their fleet complies with the standard and that independent contract hauliers are given the necessary support and guidance to adapt their vehicles and receive additional driver training.

FORS, which is a currently a voluntary scheme, is aimed at transforming freight delivery in London and ensuring that operators work toward best practice. Recipients of FORS accreditation demonstrate exemplary standards for accident minimization, CO2 reduction, delivery of enhanced driver training and installing cycle safety measures to their fleet.