The association’s chief executive Richard Burnett says this would raise the bar for all hauliers, particularly given the increasing complexity of vehicles since the licensing system was established almost 50 years ago.
“Trucks are larger and heavier, operations are more demanding, and expectations of competence and compliance with regulations are much higher than in the past,” he explains.
“Mandatory auditing would flush out operators that should not have a licence. It would be a decisive step towards minimising road safety risks and it would be eliminate much unfair competition faced by the great majority of hauliers who are working within the rules.”
The RHA is proposing that new applicants receive a provisional, or interim licence, until a satisfactory audit takes place. “At the moment, new licences are granted on the basis of promises on the application and without any inspection of the operating systems and procedures,” Burnett adds.
The RHA also suggests that follow-up audits should take place every five years.