Grafton Merchanting GB has invested £1.2m in cyclist safety equipment and training for its fleet and drivers and has now achieved the highest level of accreditation in two industry safety and compliance initiatives.
The plumbing and builders' merchant group operates a 750-strong fleet across its business, which includes famous brands such as Buildbase, Plumbase Industrial, Electricbase and Hirebase.
It joined the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (Fors) scheme in 2010, reaching gold member status in July following the group-wide adoption of a number of cyclist safety initiatives.
Grafton also became the first builders' merchant to be accredited as a Construction Logistics and Cycling Safety (Clocs) scheme champion earlier this year.
In addition to safety equipment such as additional mirrors and sideguards, the group has fitted camera monitoring and sensor systems, as well as ensuring driver daily checks incorporate the checking and accurate reporting of any maintenance issues of all safety equipment on its trucks.
Andrew Ingram, transport and fleet manager within the Grafton group, said: "We’re pleased to be able to demonstrate our commitment to increasing road safety in the UK. Clocs is a significantly important way for construction companies to build on awareness of vulnerable road users and cyclists.
"Additional safety equipment is without a doubt beneficial to road safety, but driver awareness training is equally important too. As part of the certification we’re rolling out driver CPC training across the businesses to increase driver awareness of cyclists and vulnerable road users while driving HGVs and fleet vehicles."