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Modernising Operator Scheme

The Modernising Operator Scheme was a self-help scheme funded through the Road Haulage Modernisation Fund and was available to all operators of road transport vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. It was likely to have particular benefits to smaller transport businesses. The project ended on 31 March 2004.

The Freight Transport Association and the Road Haulage Association jointly undertook the project.

Objectives

  • To encourage operators to identify and implement a modernisation process in four key areas.
  • To provide a one-stop shop for best practice and modernisation advice, introducing operators to the support available from industry bodies and existing Government programmes.
  • To increase industry responsibility for, and commitment to, improving its own standards.

Business Areas Covered

The project identified four key areas for potential best practise improvement:

  • Operations
  • Fuel Efficiency
  • Driver Training and Development
  • Information Technology

A broad range of advice was available in each key area and the operator had the opportunity to chose modules that best suited their needs.

The scheme consisted of two distinct parts. Firstly a trained advisor visited to deliver face-to-face advice at the operators premises. This part of the scheme was free. Following this visit, hauliers were encouraged to sign up for a more detailed hands-on visit. The aim of the hands-on visit was to provide more specific assistance in areas identified as requiring further work.

The scheme was evaluated by the Department of Transport's In House Policy Consultancy Division in their report Review of the Road Haul age Modernisation Fund.

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