From Managing Director Mark Johnston, welcoming everyone to this winter issue of CONNECTED and sharing some of the company’s highlights from 2024.
Looking back over the last 12 months.
The latest company news from our IT, support, and compliance teams, including a new case study from LTS Global Solutions.
Alison Moriarty, Managing Director and Head of Compliance at Beverley Bell Consultancy gives us a ‘review of the changing perceptions’ towards the industry.
20th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL
In 2024, Aquarius celebrated its 20th anniversary, and in this special extended feature we look back over the last 20 years and look forward to continuing this legacy with a new senior management team.
CUSTOMER NEWS
A round-up of our customers’ news and recent successes.
CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT
Melanie Tattersall and Amanda Duffy from Darcica Logistics discuss the successes of the last 12 months, the importance of Mission Zero, and why the support from Aquarius, as endorsed by Amanda, played a major part in them choosing our digital software solutions in 2024 – and how Document Manager is an integral part of this young company’s communication strategy.
Following on from the Customer Spotlight we delve deeper into Document Manager and all the benefits of having ‘finger-tip’ interaction with drivers / employees via the Aquarius App.
TALKING COMPLIANCE 21-22
A round up of the latest compliance-related news by Marc Caplin.
WELCOME
Welcome to the Winter issue of CONNECTED, and in this issue, I’d like to briefly reflect on the last 12 months, review our 20th anniversary celebrations, and look forward to another positive year.
One could say 2024 was an exciting, transitional year for Aquarius; we have a new senior management team in place, a new head office in Lymm, and to keep pace with growth, we invested considerably and expanded the development team in Birmingham. To illustrate this, here is a summary of our ‘Year in Numbers’, which also enforces our continued commitment to customer support.
Just as we’ve focused on transitioning and looking ahead, it’s also interesting to see how the industry is evolving as well and how they are embracing the power of digital technology. For us, we are seeing companies, like LTS Global Solutions (on page 7), not only managing their compliance responsibilities through our software, but also using the connectivity to delve deep into the driver and vehicle data to make informed decisions and achieve wider business benefits.
Our regular Customer Spotlights in CONNECTED are testament to this too, with conversations about our integrated fleet management solutions always extending into the importance of enhanced operational efficiency, safety and communication.
Communication is the perfect example, and is increasingly being cited as a major benefit, in particular with our Document Manager system; and not just in terms of the obvious but also because it provides a digital audit trail that can be used to evidence and support accredited quality standards. For example, with Mission Zero to demonstrate contractual compliance; and in our Customer Spotlight on pages 17-19, we discuss this further with Amanda Duffy and Darcica Logistics, who among other award wins this year, won Sustainable Transport Company of the Year at the 2024 Motor Transport Awards.
41 MILLION DRIVER SHIFTS ANALYSED
124,836 MINUTES OF TEAMS CALLS
20% INCREASE IN MANAGED ASSETS
1,491 SCREENSHARE HOURS PROVIDED BY ONLINE SUPPORT
25% INCREASE IN DATA STORED
+50 MILLION DEFECT ITEMS CHECKED
998 HOURS OF ONLINE MEETINGS
30% INCREASE IN DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES +40,000 POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS
BRAND EXPOSURE AT SHOWS / EVENTS TO
50% INCREASE IN CODE IMPLEMENTATION
Turning to 2025, we have a lot planned with a continued emphasis on product development and customer service. We will also continue to keep you up to date on any changes to the legislation; and while on this subject, we are delighted to welcome Alison Moriarty, Managing Director and Head of Compliance at Beverley Bell Consultancy to CONNECTED, who gives us a review on the changing perceptions of the industry on page 9.
We hope you enjoy reading this issue of CONNECTED and we look forward to catching up with all our customers and partners over the next twelve months (see our events calendar on page 6). In the meantime, please do get in touch if you’d like to be featured in a future edition of CONNECTED, or have ideas for technical, legal or compliancerelated stories.
Mark Johnston Managing Director
A YEAR IN PICTURES
CUSTOMER SHOWCASE WITH ABBEY LOGISTICS
In October, we began hosting our customer showcases at our new offices in Lymm, and the first was with Abbey Logistics Group, one of our long-standing customers. During the visit, the team discussed initiatives aimed at enhancing driver operations, improving fleet management, and supporting driver welfare with the Aquarius App.
Matthew Parry, Driver Training Manager, who said Aquarius is known for their technical innovation in the road transport industry, commented; “I found this visit very informative, and it gave us the chance to ask questions about the systems Aquarius has introduced. These developments are excellent, not only for Abbey Logistics, but for the logistics industry as a whole. Big thanks to Aquarius for their collaboration we’re excited about the positive changes ahead!”
OUT AND ABOUT
THE MOTOR TRANSPORT DECARBONISATION SUMMIT
Held at Millennium Point in Birmingham, this annual event brings together the key industry stakeholders who discuss the big topics associated with the journey to net zero – this included two of our customers Chris Welch from the Welch Group and Dave Hands from LTS Global discussing their decarbonisation journey.
Liz Haselden, Director of Marketing and Operations at Aquarius, shares her main takeaways from this year’s event:
• Planning for the future… infrastructure is being considered by long term planners who are thinking 40 years ahead and beyond. But we’re desperate for it now.
• It’s still a learning curve for operators, with many challenges. But… We can do stuff today. Start small.
• Put a good solution in place now, rather than waiting for a perfect result
FORS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The team had a busy productive day at the 2024 FORS conference, meeting up with so many of our customers, and demonstrating the software to new members.
EUROBUS EXPO
This 3-day show in November was buzzing with positivity from start to finish, and we credit this to the fact that it provided everyone with the chance to get together after not having a bus and coach show for a couple of years. This two-year hiatus also gave us the opportunity to introduce new operators to our full suite of software solutions. Plus, as always, it was good to catch up with customers and industry colleagues.
NEW TACHO MANAGEMENT WEBINAR
On Wednesday 29th January at 1pm, we will be hosting a free webinar on the subject of management of tachograph data and infringements. During the hour-long session, Laura Hadzik (Partner and Head of Commercial Road Transport at JMW Solicitors LLP) will talk from a legal perspective on what is required, and Marc Caplin (Compliance Manager at Aquarius) will discuss how you can efficiently manage your responsibilities.
Register here
GOING ALL OUT IN 2025
In support of our expanding portfolio of fleet management services and the diverse range of industries we now serve in this sector, this year the team is going out out! Here is our calendar of events and shows, which we will be exhibiting at, or attending – we’ll hopefully catch you at one or two or more.
12th February The Fleet Managers Roadshow 2025
8th April The Health & Safety Event
29th April – 1st May Commercial Vehicle Show Stand 5B85
29th April
Motor Trader Commercial Industry Awards 2025 – ENTER HERE
24th-26th June Road Transport Expo Stand G40
3rd September MT Awards (Sponsor)
17th-18th September Resource & Waste Management Expo
October FORS Conference
November The Motor Transport Decarbonisation Summit
19th-20th November RTX Scotland
Plus, our compliance team will continue to sit on the CORTE Enforcement Working Group and attend the meetings in Brussels, so as to bring you the very latest information on road transport enforcement.
Ask the team about the Aquarius App with new features including...
NEW RE-TORQUE WHEELS CHECK
NEW HEIGHT INDICATOR CHECK
ON BOARD WITH LTS GLOBAL SOLUTIONS
We are delighted to confirm we are working with LTS Global Solutions to help streamline and digitalise their compliance and fleet management processes.
LTS wanted a solution that was capable of consolidating multiple aspects of its operations into a single, efficient platform, and we have been working with them to integrate critical functions such as compliance reporting, vehicle maintenance, and workforce management into one comprehensive digital system.
This has included adopting our tachograph analysis software, ClockWatcher Elite, which is allowing the company to manage all areas of driver and fleet compliance as well as driver data with UK domestic and EU regulations.
In addition, LTS has implemented our digital driver walkaround check, enabling them to transition from paper-based processes to a more efficient and accurate online system; and Asset Maintenance to handle Preventative Maintenance Inspections (PMIs), MOTs, services, and other essential records.
LTS has also embedded our Document Management system. Rather than having a convoluted paper trail, this system now allows the company to store all policy updates and procedures into one singular app, enabling staff to access important company information such
as driver handbooks at a click of a button.
To provide greater transparency and efficiency in managing its workforce, our Time & Attendance solution has also been integrated, and is being used to effectively monitor and manage everything employee related - from shift times to annual leave.
Celebrating 25 years in business this year, this latest investment by LTS follows one of many that has been made in recent years as the business looks to instil excellence at every level of the organisation.
Dave Hands, Managing Director at LTS Global Solutions commented: “The road transport industry has changed dramatically in recent years and the need for transparency and demonstration of compliance is key. It is a time-consuming process creating trails of paperwork, however due to the digital age we now live in, that’s no longer the case.
“By converting to Aquarius, we’ve been able to streamline processes by bringing all our compliance,
Dave Hands Managing Director at LTS Global Solutions
fleet, and workforce management requirements under one single comprehensive system. What this has done for us as a business is truly significant. From monitoring time attendance, walk around checks or tachograph analysis the level of integration which our new solution offers allows us to operate more efficiently and with greater transparency by significantly reducing downtime and administrative overhead – especially in terms of being forced to wrestle with multiple systems. This level of access to critical data also means we can respond faster to any issues and ensure our fleet stays compliant while out on the road.
“Whilst this was a significant overhaul switching to a single system, Aquarius made the transition as easy as possible for us. Their team provided thorough training and ongoing support, and now, with everything consolidated in one place, we’ve not only streamlined our processes but also future-proofed the business by embracing a more modern, efficient, and scalable solution. In many ways it’s a game-changer for us, and we’re excited to see the long-term benefits unfold in the months and years to come.”
Subir Gupta, Sales Manager at Aquarius added: ““The team at LTS Global Solutions are fantastic to work with. They were really positive and engaged throughout the whole onboarding process; feeding back ideas and some great commercial development suggestions which we’ve since deployed in the software. It is also pleasing to see how they have fully embraced the power of our software and its connectivity, including using our open API to integrate the driver and vehicle data into other software used in the business, which will reap even more benefits. We look forward to more sharing and creativity, and a long, successful partnership.”
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
By Alison Moriarty, Managing Director and Head of Compliance at Beverley Bell Consultancy
CHANGING PERCEPTIONS
I recently attended a seminar and had a conversation with the Director of a haulage company about the complexities of running a fleet of vehicles. It started as a light-hearted discussion while we waited patiently in line for a coffee and, dare we dream, a biscuit.
The role of the Transport Manager/Fleet Manager soon became the main focus of our chat. We discussed how the role has changed over the last few years, but the perception of the role has not, and how this impacts the recruitment of the next generation into the industry.
Since this chance conversation, I have spoken to some of my contacts, friends, and family who don’t work in our industry to gauge their thoughts on what people working in transport actually do. The main ideas were:
• Worked in cold yards and depots
• Drove vehicles
• Made sure vehicles had fuel
• Ensured the vehicles had tax and insurance
• Changed tyres
• Had dirty fingernails and were always covered in oil
If this is fairly representative of the image most people have, it’s not just understandable that we are struggling to attract new talent into the industry – it’s surprising that we have anyone working in it at all!
The importance of the transport industry was brought sharply into focus during the COVID-19 pandemic when we were considered ‘key workers’ and played a huge part in keeping people supplied with everything they needed to survive, particularly during the most severe lockdowns.
And that’s the word for this industry: key. We make things happen. We transport goods to people. We
transport people to where they need to be. Without us, there would be no construction, no utility companies, no retail, and no highways maintenance, to name but a few. To attract new blood, it is imperative that we convey this message to schools, colleges, and universities: working in transport is dynamic, and the industry has evolved significantly in recent years. There is a plethora of skills needed, in addition to those that might traditionally spring to mind:
• Technicians who use diagnostics to identify vehicle faults (no oil necessary)
• IT specialists to create programmes that help us stay on track with deadlines and KPIs
• Data analysts to interpret information received from telematics
• Health and wellbeing experts to ensure that drivers are safe and healthy
• Strong leaders to mould businesses to be the best they can be
• Legal experts to help implement and navigate the raft of legislation we operate under
• Marketing executives and sales teams
• Trainers who can impart knowledge and upskill drivers and managers
This is not an exhaustive list, but it is an indication of the wealth of opportunities this wonderful industry has to offer.
It’s up to us to spread this message far and wide. What will you do?
Alison Moriarty Beverley Bell Consultancy
LOOKING FORWARD TO CONTINUING OUR 20-YEAR LEGACY
Looking back over the last 20 years, it’s fascinating to see how the company has evolved, grown, expanded, all while staying true to what is at its heart and what we are good at – innovating, and being creative and providing real technology-led solutions that help, and support all of our customers, no matter their size, from owner drivers to blue-chip fleet operators.
In recognition of this digital evolvement, we created a new brand identity and logo in 2022, which was designed to represent our distinct position for offering forward-thinking fleet compliance and data management systems. We wanted this refreshed look to resonate with customers and partners, and highlight the continued investment we had made in technology-led innovation.
This formed part of the wider, long-term strategy for Aquarius, which had earned year-on-year growth for more than a decade and seen the software portfolio exponentially expand. We wanted to drive forward our market-leading position, and proudly shout about our innovations, capabilities and hands-on approach to customer support.
Strategically, this also paved the way for the planned changes we’ve seen this year with our co-founders Guy Reynolds and Dave Bailey stepping back from the day-to-day general management of the company. As a result of this succession planning, I was fully prepared to take over the reins as Managing Director alongside our newly strengthened senior management team.
With such a great team, and being in a fortunate position to work with such great customers and partners over the last 20 years, we want to further amplify our market-leading position, unlock new opportunities and bring even more value to our customers for many more years to come. A key part of this is investing for the future; in research and development, our staff in both our Warrington and Birmingham offices where in the last 18 months we have also recruited seven new people, and in our infrastructure, as seen recently with the move to a new HQ in Lymm.
Looking ahead, we are focussed on innovation, optimisation and unparalleled customer service. Everyone at Aquarius is committed to continuing its 20-year legacy of working in partnership with customers to develop ‘total’ solutions – real, fit-for-purpose solutions that seamlessly and effortlessly help operators manage their compliance responsibilities, and that create wider business benefits and efficiencies for all.
Mark Johnston Managing Director
> The first company to produce driver’s infringement letters that could be signed for on screen (digital signature capture – now known as eSIGN)
> Created Walk Round Check App for Apple and Android
> Represented the UK Department of Transport at EU
> Successfully lobbied the EU to amend new legislation to ensure open data connection for all data transmitted out of the tachograph.
Launched DDS
Attended The CV Show showing a piece of software for Working Time Directive.
Launched ClockWatcher, the first standalone software product that offered tachograph analysis for both analogue and digital.
Launched Proof of Delivery
Launched Asset Maintenance and Time & Attendance
The ClockWatcher desktop application was adapted to enable a hosted, more centralised implementation that allowed customers to free themselves from the static desktop environment.
Rebranded from: to:
Launched the new Aquarius App
Launched Document Manager
Version 1 of the Walk Around Check App was released Introduced Remote Downloading products and services
Launched the web-based version of ClockWatcher
ER accreditation –Invited to Pilot Phase
Launched Asset Finance
YEAR TIMELINE
Launched Clandestine Check
Launched Welfare and Safety Check
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE: SUPPORTING YOUR JOURNEY ON THE ROAD
Throughout 2024, wherever we went, customers and partners shared their stories and memories with us for our 20th anniversary; it’s been amazing, thank you. We’ve all come such a long way – and here’s to another two decades of continued growth and success!
“We have been a proud customer of Aquarius since their inception in 2004, and we are thrilled to join in celebrating their remarkable 20-year anniversary and express our sincere appreciation for their outstanding contributions to the road transport industry.
Since day one, Aquarius has been synonymous with reliability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, and their dedication to continuous evolution and technological advancement, while preserving the integrity of their core functionality, reflects their commitment to providing the best solutions for their customers.
As Aquarius commemorates two decades of excellence, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude. Our longstanding partnership is a testament to their vision, innovation, and dedication to service. Together, we have achieved milestones, overcome challenges, and forged a bond built on trust and mutual success.”
Welch Group Team
“From all of us at LTS Global Solutions Ltd, we want to extend our congratulations to Aquarius IT Ltd on reaching this amazing 20-year milestone. Your dedication to innovation, partnership, ease and excellence has made working together a pleasure.
Your commitment to delivering excellent solutions has not only set a high standard in the industry but also fostered strong partnerships and trust. Congratulations on your success and happy anniversary!”
LTS Global Solutions Team
“Happy Anniversary!
I think I was probably one of the first at Rixonway Kitchens, still here stronger than ever just like Aquarius.”
Paul Smithson, Managing Director at Protea Training Company Ltd
“Congratulations on your 20th anniversary!
“Congratulations on two decades of innovation and success!
We are delighted to have shared in some of that journey with you, looking ahead we are excited to build on this strong foundation, embracing new challenges and opportunities, as we always do – with a can-do attitude, and mutual and unwavering support.”
Cubo Team
Your unwavering commitment to excellence and your visionary approach has set new standards in the industry. This milestone is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and forward-thinking leadership. Here’s to many more years of growth, achievements, and breakthroughs ahead. Wishing you continued success as you keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible!”
Amanda Duffy, Duffy Logistics
“Congratulations on all that you’ve accomplished over the last two decades.
You’ve not only achieved great things but also paved the way for future innovations. May the next chapter bring even greater milestones and continued excellence.”
Darren Williams, HB Clark
“Thank
you for your continued support. The whole team, some of whom are pictured here and you will be familiar with, look forward to staying connected in 2025 and supporting your ongoing business success.”
Aquarius IT Team
Lloyd Jones
Connor Haslam
Aaron Murray
Alex Young Customer Account Exec
Trish Kemp Customer Service Exec
Mark Johnston Managing Director
Neil Chetwynd Director of Development
Liz Haselden Director of Marketing & Operations
Subir Gupta Sales Manager
Marc Caplin Complicance Manager
Ian Hudson Technical Support Manager
James Smith Lead Developer
CUSTOMER NEWS
PLANET MARK ACCREDITATION FOR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
Well done to LTS Global Solutions who have been awarded Planet Mark Business Certification in recognition of their commitment to sustainability.
The accreditation is the result of the company’s success in measuring and reducing its carbon emissions, in turn contributing to its environmental, social and governance criteria.
ITS ELECTRIFYING!
We look forward to hearing more from Darcica Logistics over the coming year, who after a visit to DAF – Leyland Trucks in December will be one of the first companies in the UK to participate in DAF’s innovative EV Adopter Scheme where vehicles are trialled for a year.
HEALTH AND SAFETY RECOGNITION FOR LAWSONS
Congratulations to Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd who won the Health & Safety Initiative of the Year Award at the 2024 Builders’ Merchants Awards 2024.
CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT
TRAILBLAZING WITH DARCICA LOGISTICS
2024 was a trailblazing year for Bicester-based Darcica Logistics, which culminated in the family-company winning the Sustainable Transport category at the MT Awards. Ahead of their 5th anniversary this year, Subir Gupta, Sales Manager at Aquarius, caught up with Melanie Tattersall, the company’s Director of Sustainability and Communications (whose husband, MD Anthony Tattersall founded the logistics company in 2020) and Amanda Duffy, the Operations Director.
At Darcica, Melanie and Anthony are an outstanding example of what can be achieved in the transport industry with passion, ambition and hard work. Anthony drove a truck for a local Palletways member over 20 years ago before moving into the waste management industry and then starting Darcica Logistics with Melanie, who has built her career streamlining more sustainable operations for waste management organisations and local councils. Together, with Amanda who sits on the governance board of Mission Zero and who has a deep specialism in fleet compliance, they are driving sustainable change in the industry.
Testament to this is Darcica, who provides pallet and parcel deliveries and plastic free fulfilment services, and was one of the first logistics firms in the UK to achieve Mission Zero accreditation in 2021, aligned with the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals. These practices are underpinned by Darcica’s core company values, which include environmental measures to reduce energy, water, waste and emissions as well as local measures to support staff and the local community. Workforce wise, the company has also
created a strong culture of equality, diversity and inclusion.
Where Aquarius comes in … In support of all this, Darcica, on Amanda’s trusted advice started working with Aquarius in 2024 to embed an integrated package of digital solutions, which includes ClockWatcher Elite (tachograph analysis and driver walkaround check), Asset Maintenance and Document Manager. Subir picked up the questions here with Amanda first, from a compliance management perspective.
Why did you recommend Aquarius for Darcica?
I have worked in various operational compliance roles over the years, and have considerable auditing experience too, so I’m very aware of all the various software solutions that are available for managing and reporting on driver and vehicle compliance, and by far Aquarius’s suite of digital solutions are the most technologically advanced and fit for purpose. They are creatively intelligent, with the modern, intuitive interface being user-friendly and customisable. Everything you need is there visibly on one screen, and
at the touch of a button anything and everything can be reported on – from an auditing point of view this makes managing your compliance responsibilities so much simpler.
For drivers too, it’s important we can give them the tools to make their compliance responsibilities easier, and that’s what the Aquarius App does. It offers so many benefits in terms of streamlining everyday functions like defect checks, and it provides an excellent means of two-way communication, which I know Melanie will talk about in more detail later.
Plus, a big aspect for me is the assistance the Aquarius team provide, from on-boarding, training to the every-day support. Importantly, they also listen to development suggestions and if its commercially viable their in-house developers are proactive in implementing changes quickly. For any business this level of personal support is important.
Therefore, in answer to your question; having worked with Aquarius for a number of years, I had no hesitation in recommending them to Anthony and
Melanie. Plus, for Darcica in particular who are a company driven by innovation and sustainability, Aquarius who I know share the same values, is the perfect match.
Melanie, can we turn specifically to Document Management as I know it forms an integral part of your communication strategy?
Yes, Document Manager has streamlined the way we communicate with drivers and employers in so many ways and removed the administrative burden of a paper-based system (which also contributes to our mainstay eco-values).
For compliance for example, we use it to send driver infringements for digital sign-off, as well as for broadcasting HR information related to company policies and general news. We push all driver communications through Document Manager and the big benefit of the system is that we can see if drivers have read the information, and if not, we can send them automatic reminders.
What has been the reaction to this new way of communicating?
As referenced earlier, as a young company we have been able to create a positive, supportive cultural ethos for our young workforce as part of our commitment to people management and development. Communication is at the heart of this, and Document Manager has transformed the way we can digitally connect with our workforce on a daily basis - and likewise the way the Aquarius App helps drivers interact and communicate back. It was also important for the drivers to be onboard, and I’m pleased to confirm that they, with the majority being young tech-savvy
drivers, have all positively embraced the introduction of the Aquarius App.
Document Manager was originally conceived following feedback from FORS members and the DVLA’s expectations for reviewing and periodically updating key company policies, does this also support your Mission Zero audits?
Yes, absolutely, being able to demonstrate our commitment to people management and development is one of the parts of the Mission Zero audit, and Document Manager has enabled us to have a digital audit trail of communications which we can report on to show best practice.
Being able to upload and share new policies and updates with the team through an easily accessible App has helped us maintain clear communication channels which is especially important when we have different working patterns. It works for everyone from drivers to warehouse, office staff and managers.
What’s next?
We will soon be extending Defect Checking linked with Asset Maintenance
into our warehouse where we have more machinery and forklifts that require periodic maintenance and servicing – this also comprises all the electric vehicles we have on trial, and coming up in 2025 we will also be one the first to participate in DAF’s innovative EV Adopter Scheme.
This way we can also integrate all asset data across all departments onto one platform for greater efficiency, visibility and ease of management.
Finally, one more question, just out of interest, where did the name Darcica come from?
It’s a combination of our two daughters’ names Darcey and Jessica, because we wanted the ‘Darcica’ brand to embody our family values and our commitment to their future environment.
Thanks for your time, and congratulations on receiving both the Platinum Award from Palletways UK and the MT Award for Sustainable Transport in 2024 –two incredible achievements for a young company. We look forward to seeing even more trailblazing innovations in 2025, your 5th anniversary year, and the results of DAF’s EV Adopter Scheme.
MISSION ZERO
Mission Zero is a quality standard for the road fleet sector. It is a scheme for organisations to adopt a roadmap towards the vision of zero collisions, zero emissions and zero prohibitions. Mission Zero and the Work-Related Road Risk Modules are officially accredited by Transport for London as equivalent to FORS Bronze, FORS Silver and FORS Gold, therefore compliant with TfL’s Work-Related Road Risk (WRRR) requirements.
Fleet operators can use Mission Zero to demonstrate contractual compliance where FORS Bronze, FORS Silver or FORS Gold is specified, either on existing Work-Related Road Risk contracts, or when tendering for them. As Mission Zero’s foundation is a full legal compliance audit, it is fully aligned to the Traffic Commissioners’ objectives, ensuring operators are benchmarked annually against legal requirements.
AMANDA DUFFY, DUFFY LOGISTICS
Amanda sits on the governance board of Mission Zero whereby the team of professionals provide independent oversight of the Mission Zero Scheme, as well as provide clear sighted counsel to the Mission Zero Executive Team on the strategic direction of the Mission Zero Scheme and Quality Standard.
Duffy Logistics also supports the SIGHT (Safety Is Getting Home Tonight) Road Safety Campaign in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police, Driving for Better Business, National Highways, Woodfines Solicitors and Dekra.
Amanda Duffy Duffy Logistics
PRODUCT FOCUS FINGER-TIP INTERACTION WITH DOCUMENT MANAGER
Our Document Management System has been providing transport companies with a quick and efficient way for digitally broadcasting internal documents since 2019 - in line with FORS customer recommendations and the DVLA’s expectations for reviewing and periodically updating key company policies.
The interactive electronic system facilitates, and enhances communication between the administrator and the driver / employee, and because it is available in the Aquairus App, users have all the information they need at their fingertips.
So, what can it do?
Administrators can, all via the Aquarius App:
• Instantly send en masse or as a tailored circulation, company memos, policy updates and training materials etc. securely to drivers / employees.
• Send documents that require a digital signature and embed interactive elements such as photos of DCPC cards.
• Upload and communicate tool box talk videos in just a few clicks.
• Monitor how long documents have taken to be reviewed by the recipient, and flag and send reminder alerts.
• Use the information from the digital audit trail to demonstrate compliance and best practice in relation to health and safety, staff training and compliance reporting – for example with the Mission Zero quality standard as discussed in the Customer Spotlight.
Via the Aquarius App, Drivers / Employees can:
• Instantly be notified that they have documents to review / sign / respond to while on the go.
• Access all documents for work-related administration, i.e. time sheets, expense claims and recruitment forms.
• Input an image into a document, for example an image of stock stored in a vehicle, or a driving licence or car hire documentation to provide evidence of validity.
• Communicate with the administrator (and vice versa) and use the free type field to ask specific questions.
Document Management System is akin to having ‘an interactive filing cabinet in the cloud’; it’s also an environmentally-friendly, and efficient alternative to traditional paper processes, and it vastly reduces print and storage costs.
The system supports Aquarius’s core proposition of providing integrated, digitally-advanced solutions that help operators who need to efficiently manage all areas of driver and vehicle compliance. The system can be supplied as part of a ClockWatcher Elite subscription package, or used solely in conjunction with the company’s Driver Walk-Around App, or can be supplied as a separate stand-alone software solution.
Contact us for a free demonstration
COMPLIANCE
Marc Caplin, Aquarius Compliance Manager
ARE YOU MONITORING YOUR TACHOGRAPH DATA CLOSELY?
Given the number of different devices and cameras that can be fitted to a modern commercial vehicle, it still surprises us how some drivers are still tempted to misuse their cards to avoid taking a break, bank time at the start of a shift by “forgetting” to insert the card at the beginning, or by removing their card mid-shift to try and get ahead.
Even without the aid of on-board technology, this sort of activity can be clearly detected using our ClockWatcher Elite analysis system as it very closely cross-references both card and vehicle data, and presents its analysis graphically. Any vehicle movements recorded without a card will be clear to see, as any instances will actually flash at you! The system also has a specific screen that will analyse instances of card ejections and late insertions,
FREE WEBINAR
In order to help operators understand what current expectations are, we are running a webinar at 1pm on 29th
displaying instances of driving with no card in relation to a driver card record. In short, if the system is being used effectively, users can have an immediate overview of any potential card misuse.
We know that the vast majority of drivers within the very skilled and professional workforce operating in the UK are using their tachographs accurately and are abiding by the relevant legislation. However, from this report, tachograph misuse is still clearly a problem and will remain a focus for enforcement, both at the roadside when dealing with operators on-site.
After remaining pretty much unchanged since its introduction in 2008, some major changes to periodic Driver CPC training took effect from 3rd December 2024.
January looking specifically at management of tachograph data and infringements in association with our friends at JMW Solicitors. The session is free to join and will hopefully give attendees a firm grounding on how best to manage their information and look out for any potential issues!
Sign up now
UPDATED GUIDE TO MAINTAINING ROADWORTHINESS DRIVER CPC HAS CHANGED
On November 5th, the DVSA published an updated version of the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness. Many of the updates centre around brake testing and the use of Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring Systems (EBPMS). In summary, the changes include:
• An amendment to section 5 which updates requirements when dealing with third-party maintenance providers. The guidance clarifies the fact that operators are still responsible for the conditions and roadworthiness of their assets and must ensure that any provider is supplying the correct paperwork following any maintenance work. The industry will be trialling the Maintenance Provision Rating Scheme (MPRS) into 2025 with the intention to go live from 2025 into 2026. The scheme is designed to help operators identify the quality of workshops as each provider will be awarded a rating based on their competence along with the quality of their facilities.
• An update to section 5.3 offers updated guidance on the use of decelerometers when carrying out brake tests and offers more detail regarding the need to carry out temperature readings before and after the brake test has been carried out, with the need for consistency across axles.
• New section 5.3a goes into more detail regarding the requirements for laden brake testing from April 2025. If an EBPMS is not fitted, there is a requirement for four laden brake tests (this can include the annual test). If a laden brake test cannot be carried out, a risk assessment must be completed and the section details what should be included and, rather helpfully, Annex 7 of the document includes an example.
• Section 6.2 outlines changes to “end of test” certificates and section 6.5 contains a new link that operators can use to checks details of any active vehicle safety recalls.
These updates follow a lengthy consultation period that started in 2023 and relate to the way that courses can be structured, with further changes being implemented from February 2025 that focus on ways in which drivers can return to the profession after a period away.
The initial changes are designed to make Driver CPC more flexible for those drivers who only drive within the UK, with qualifications split into National and International categories.
In summary, the changes from the 3rd of December are:
• For those involved in International operations, there is actually no real change as 35 hours of International Driver CPC training must be completed within the 5 year period in blocks of 7 hours, or two blocks of three and a half hours each, split across two consecutive days. 12 hours of eLearning can count towards the 35-hour total.
• For drivers involved in National, UK-only operations, 35 hours must be completed within 5 years, but there is now the option of splitting courses into 3.5 hour chunks without the need to take them consecutively, offering greater flexibility when it comes to scheduling. International Driver CPC modules can be counted towards the National qualification.
There are further changes scheduled for 1st February 2025 that are designed to make it easier for drivers to re-enter the workforce after a period away. Again, these changes are split into National and International categories.
If your Driver CPC has been expired between 60 days and 2 years, there are now the following options:
• Drivers can still take 35 hours of training before re-entering the workforce, but International drivers must complete the relevant International Driver CPC modules to drive in the UK and EU; National drivers can take their relevant modules, or a combination of National and International courses to drive in the UK.
• Alternatively, there will be a 7 hour “return to driving” module that will enable drivers to drive on the condition that they complete the remaining 28 hours within 12 months. International drivers must complete the whole 35 hours before they are able to drive within the EU – the initial 7-hour course will not suffice.
I know from my own previous experience as a Driver CPC trainer during the very first five-year cycle, 7 hours in a classroom environment can be pretty intense for both trainer and delegate, especially when focusing on pretty weighty subjects like Drivers’ Hours. Although my own personal contact working with Driver CPC is not very recent, from a trainer’s point of view, my hope would be that breaking courses into more manageable chunks will lead to greater engagement and understanding.
