Call to regulate fleet maintenance providers
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By Chris Tindall
TOUGH ECONOMIC conditions are encouraging some fleet maintenance providers to undercut competitors and offer a sub-standard service, according to rental firms calling for tighter regulation.
Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) said it was ludicrous that the sector attracted no penalties if customers’ vehicles were found to be in an inadequate condition.
CVS director Richard Gosling said O-licensing legislation needed changing to reflect the responsibilities of contract hire or leasing companies. “We have 1,400 heavy commercials on the road, yet we have no responsibility to make sure the vehicles are being operated in the right way,” he said. “We have seen with some of our competition, particularly with joint customers, they are flouting the legislation, leaving our joint customers vulnerable to certain areas. When times are tough, as in a recession, I am aware of some of our competitors reducing maintenance on vehicles.” Truck and trailer hirer Collease already owns an O-licence because it moves customers’ vehicles, but director Duncan Scillitoe agreed standards need raising: “Some rental companies and maintenance companies can set up easily with no financial backing and low entry into the market and they undercut everyone. We are confident we meet all the standards. We are happy if something is our fault to take the black mark on that.” Senior traffic commissioner Beverley Bell said there have been calls for the regulation of maintenance contractors in the past and she has urged the industry to work on an accreditation scheme.
Ultimately, it is a matter for the government, but she added: “Traffic commissioners would, of course, support any initiative that has the effect of improving road safety standards and promoting fair competition.” However, the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association said it saw no need for the law to be changed: “Vosa’s current O-licence regime gives operators the freedom to choose and manage their own supply chain, but is very clear about the responsibilities they have in doing so,” said its chief executive John Lewis.
A Vosa spokeswoman said: “Responsibility for vehicle maintenance sits with the operator – and it is for them to put in place systems to ensure this is adequate.”