Hauliers encouraged to look for irtec guarantee
Hauliers should seek out maintenance providers with technicians licensed under the irtec scheme, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) recommends.
irtec provides a valuable guide to hauliers seeking a supplier for heavy goods vehicle (HGV) maintenance provision, giving independent evidence that the technicians in a workshop are trained and competent, the RHA says.
The irtec licensing scheme assesses the practical and theoretical skills of road transport technicians, providing them with a renewable, five-year licence which demonstrates they are up to speed on current technology and legislation.
“The RHA Board has been keen to identify a standard that can assist members in choosing a provider and the irtec standard does just that,” says RHA’s Head of Technical Services Ray Engley. “It also has the advantage of being a scheme in which the industry is closely involved, in terms of setting and maintaining the standard.”
“Hauliers should always actively manage their vehicle maintenance arrangements, because they remain responsible in law for the condition of their vehicles at all times, regardless of who is carrying out the maintenance. In cases where standards do not meet regulatory requirements, or maintenance records are inadequately kept, it is the haulier’s licence to operate that is at risk.”
Developed by IRTE (Institute of Road Transport Engineers) and administered by IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry), irtec aims to improve industry compliance through raising standards across the board.
Ian Chisholm, Head of Operations & Communications at IRTE’s umbrella organisation SOE (Society of Operations Engineers), welcomed the announcement, saying: “The RHA is a widely-respected organisation and we are delighted they have officially endorsed irtec. The licensing scheme’s objective is to improve overall compliance in the road transport industry, and operators who insist on the irtec guarantee can be confident their vehicles are maintained by technicians that are fully competent.”
Dee McCurry
Editorial & PR Coordinator
020 7630 2150
dee.mccurry@soe.org.uk
Pioneered and owned by IRTE (Institute of Road Transport Engineers), and administered by IMI Awards Ltd, irtec is an independent licensing scheme that assesses the theoretical and practical skills of technicians who work on large commercial vehicles, buses and coaches, and heavy vehicle trailers. Aimed at raising standards across the industry, irtec provides technicians with certification of their professional skills in the form of an industry-recognised irtec licence.
In addition to support from leading manufacturers and operators, irtec has received backing from VOSA chief executive Alastair Peoples, who says: “Reflecting technical and legislative changes, irtec is one of the building blocks required to achieve total performance and compliance.” Senior Traffic Commissioner, Beverley Bell, has joined Peoples in supporting irtec, saying: “[technicians’] accreditation through the irtec scheme will not only enhance the reputation of the commercial vehicle industry and give aspiring technicians a recognised career path, but will also actively improve standards of vehicle maintenance and consequently road safety.”
Further details are available from www.irtec.org.uk.
IRTE is a Professional Sector of the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE).
