Waltham Forest’s Draft Local Plan to include FORS Silver accreditation

Waltham Forest has become the latest local authority to include FORS, the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme, in its planning requirements.  

If successful, road transport workers within the area must meet the FORS Silver level accreditation from 2020.

The Greater London-based council has published its Draft Local Plan for consultation.

Its 15-year framework document includes a plan to build 27,000 new homes with supporting infrastructure, creating one of London’s three new ‘Mini Holland’ boroughs.

FORS Manager Raj Sharma, said, “We are thrilled Waltham Forest has built FORS into its Draft Local Plan as part of its aim to address sustainability through all stages in its development process.

“FORS Silver is the second tier in our progressive model, and the level at which FORS aligns with both CLOCS (Construction, Logistics and Community Safety) and TfL’s (Transport for London) work related road risk (WRRR) requirements – both crucial standards operators must meet to ensure the safety and efficiency of road transport operators working on construction projects in urban areas.  

 “Many local authorities face a difficult task as they strive to meet tough air quality targets set by central government, despite heavier traffic and the greater CO2 output large housing and infrastructure projects can bring.  

“By choosing to specify FORS Silver, councils can ensure all trucks and vans contracted are operating to high environmental standards, as safely as possible.”

The plan is set to be in place in 2020 and will require road transport operators and those supplying goods and services to the new borough, will be required to operate at FORS Silver level accreditation.

FORS, however, has announced ‘Going for Bronze, Silver and Gold’ webinars throughout the coming months.

The live online webinars will help members move up through its progressive model, both gaining and increasing their level.