ADLV urges fleets to maintain online driver checking as lockdown eases

The Association for Driver Licence Verification (ADLV) has urged fleets to maintain frequent online checking of driving licences as lockdown eases in the UK.

The ADLV says with rapidly expanded delivery fleets and a sudden increase in returning car drivers and volunteers on the road, the number of licence checks required has grown markedly.

However, it is important that pre-coronavirus standards are maintained to avoid future road safety, compliance and regulatory failures.

Colin Paterson (pictured), secretary at the ADLV, said: “Whilst some of the concessions to drivers and transport regulations – such as the postponing of expired MOTs to later in the year are helpful, the ADLV does emphasise the need to maintain a core level of checking for both compliance and road safety as the lockdown eases.

“Cutting corners unnecessarily will store up significant problems for the future – particularly should fleets miss critical information about a driver’s status.”

Terry Hiles, deputy chair at the Association for Driver Licence Verification, said: “Missed licence-checking is one corner to cut too many – as lockdown eases, please make sure your drivers are legally entitled to drive the vehicles in question – whether an enthusiastic volunteer or a more seasoned professional driver.

“Each regular licence check does highlight a potential safety risk that can be avoided by maintaining the highest standards.”