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The DVSA’s New LCV Enforcement Strategy: What You Need To Know

Utilising data that highlighted persistent issues and growing risks associated with light commercial vehicles (LCVs), the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced it will be rolling out a new approach designed to improve both safety and compliance.

With more than 5.5 million LCVs on UK roads – operated by sole traders through to major commercial fleets – John Penny, Fraikin's Compliance & Training Manager explains how this update is relevant to a vast array of businesses.

Person sitting at a table in an office, smiling at the camera, wearing a white shirt.

NEW SENIOR TEAM APPOINTMENTS SETS FRAIKIN ON NEW COURSE

Commercial fleet services provider, Fraikin, has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Craig Douglas as Chief Financial & Transformation Officer – a new role within the business – alongside the promotion of John Cunningham to Chief Operating Officer.

DVSA Embraces Digital Communication for Prohibition Notices

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has introduced a series of updates on how it issues prohibition notices and clearance communications, all part of a broader move toward a more digital, streamlined approach.

These changes reflect a growing trend across the industry to improve compliance processes and reduce reliance on paper-based systems, an important step in keeping fleets safe, legal, and roadworthy. But what exactly has changed?

A fleet of five Tremco trucks parked in a row in front of a warehouse.

FRAIKIN HELPS TREMCO CPG UK LAY FOUNDATION FOR EXPANDED LOGISTICS NETWORK WITH FIVE ADR-SPEC RIGIDS

Mobility solutions expert, Fraikin, has delivered five new 18-tonne rigid trucks into construction supplier Tremco CPG UK, as part of a five-year, full-service contract hire agreement. The new vehicles will help the business transition away from using freight forwarders, a shift that is projected to yield an annual six-figure saving.

Man wearing a high visibility jacket and red hat insert a charging plug into a wall-mounted charging unit.

Fleets Get Boost with New Charging Fund

With UK fleets continuing to be pushed towards alternatively fuelled commercial vehicles, electric options are consistently leading the charge, however, infrastructure remains a key barrier to adoption.

This is why many key stakeholders continue to petition the Government to tackle this challenge – a move which this month has seen a notable step forward.

Specifically, for BVRLA members, the Government has unveiled a new funding programme to help both large fleets and smaller businesses futureproof their depots, supporting the installation of charging infrastructure for electric HGVs, vans and coaches.

Fraikin-branded van parked outside of a Fraikin-branded building

FRAIKIN INVESTS MORE THAN £1.5 MILLION TO BOLSTER MOBILE MAINTENANCE NETWORK

Mobility solutions expert Fraikin has invested in 30 new 3.5-tonne mobile technician vans, helping to maximise the capabilities of its nationwide customer maintenance service. The move continues an ongoing mobilisation plan that aims to have 50 new mobile technicians and vans in place by the end of 2025.

Two DEFRA silver electric vans parked on grass in a clearing within a wooded area.

DEFRA AWARDS FRAIKIN MAJOR FLEET MANAGEMENT CONTRACT

Fraikin has reinforced its position as one of the UK’s top fleet management providers by securing a major three-year contract to oversee the servicing, maintenance and compliance of 1,720 assets for the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Proposed brake testing assessment changes for 2025: A guide for fleet operators

From April 2025, the DVSA is proposing new brake testing guidelines for HGVs, aimed at significantly boosting road safety.

Traditionally, HGVs have been subject to a roller brake test (RBT) during routine inspections to assess braking efficiency. However, in real-world conditions, potential braking issues are often only identified when the vehicles are fully loaded.

As such, the DVSA has suggested a move towards a more comprehensive, loaded testing procedure to gauge genuine braking performance.

Four Pass Logistics branded 6x2 tractor units parked in two rows in front of a warehouse.

PASS LOGISTICS TURNS TO FRAIKIN FOR THE FIRST TIME WITH BESPOKE CONTRACT HIRE AND RENTAL PACKAGE

Doncaster-based Pass Logistics has taken delivery of 12 new 6x2 tractor units on a mix of contract hire and short-term rental from Fraikin – a first step towards eventually seeing its currently 18-strong HGV fleet supplied by the commercial vehicle and mobility service provider.