The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) confirmed this week that a key element of its 'targeted enforcement' policy is now operational.
The Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) scores each O-licence holder from 0-10 to indicate how many times they have broken the rules. Operators are also graded red, amber and green - those with a higher score and a red coding can expect much closer attention from VOSA until they mend their ways.
VOSA has been experimenting with OCRS since October 2005. Operators cannot yet check their scores online, but VOSA hopes they will be able to soon.
The score is based on results from annual tests, vehicle inspections and prosecution records.
James Hookham, policy director at the Freight Transport Association, welcomes the move.