News

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has secured significant changes from Transport for London (TfL) to the Freight Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) and is now fully behind the programme. Last September, the FTA, which is a strategic partner of the TfL-run project,  expressed concern over the way FORS was being implemented.

However, following several meetings between the FTA and TfL, the FTA says it is now happy with what is on the table regarding FORS.

Speaking to Motor Transport, Gordon Telling, FTA head of policy for London, says: "At the FTA's Greater London Freight Council meeting last month, it was agreed that the FTA would lend its full support to the scheme. It's a good package of benefits and we're encouraging our members to sign up to the scheme."

One new benefit the FTA has encouragedisa 'light-touch' approach to parking.

"If a FORS member undertakes either the TfL-run or FTA-run PCN course, then they will be given a light-touch approach  to parking in all London boroughs, enabling them to make legitimate deliveries without running the risk of receiving a parking ticket, " explains Telling.

A similar type of benefit is being looked at regarding a relaxation on night-time delivery curfews, throughwork between the Noise Abatement Society and the FTA, adds Telling.

Launched at last year's CV Show, FORS has 130 registered freight operators onboard, 55 of which are accredited to bronze level, claims Ian Brooks, TfL's FORS manager.

"We are now undertaking a benchmarking trial, which will be used to facilitate future progression to silver and gold status.

"As the scheme develops, so do the benefits, with accredited operators now able to take advantage of a range of tools to help them become safer, more efficient and more sustainable in the freight industry.''

According to Telling, TfL has a target of signing up 300 members by the end of March. He adds:"That sounds a big leap, but as we're now giving FORS the official thumbs-up, it should be achievable."