Logistics UK has hailed the launch of the Maintenance Provision Rating Scheme (MPRS), which is designed to raise standards across the unregulated commercial vehicle maintenance sector, as a “beacon of confidence” for the haulage industry.
MPRS is a new single rating system, which is tasked with bringing consistency to performance ratings and generate more transparency for vehicle operators and workshop facilities.
The industry-led scheme, steered by IRTE, is the result of a significant collaboration across the commercial vehicle sector and was developed in conjunction with Logistics UK, the DfT, the Traffic Commissioners, DVSA, SMMT, the RHA, CPT, BVRLA and NFDA. Daimler Truck UK and DAF also took part in the MPRS pilot.
MPRS aims to reflect the sector’s desire to continually improve commercial vehicle compliance and differentiates workshops and maintenance providers, based on the competency of their people and the quality of their facilities.
A “Qualified” rating indicates that a workshop has the tools, equipment and staff competencies to meet minimum industry compliance standards, while the highest “Platinum” level, will be awarded to operators at the leading edge of maintenance technology ensuring full readiness for future vehicle trends, including electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered systems.
Phil Lloyd, Logistics UK head of engineering policy, said: “Workshops are currently entirely unregulated, but MPRS can be a beacon of confidence for operators working with external workshops and maintenance facilities.
“It provides a trusted way for maintenance providers to demonstrate their competencies to reassure operators, who will know that their vehicles are being maintained by workshops and facilities that are serious about quality, compliance and safety.”
Workshops will apply for their rating through the MPRS portal, managed by IRTE on behalf of the industry. MPRS assessment is based on a comprehensive audit of facilities and staff knowledge. The “Qualified” and “Bronze” levels are based on independent assessment of self-declarations, “Silver”, “Gold” and “Platinum” will be audited by approved auditors.
Commenting after the launch, IRTE executive director, Emma Thompson said, “MPRS puts the spotlight on improving current standards across workshops and maintenance facilities across the nation, highlighting non-compliant and unsafe practices that compromise safety and standards within the commercial industry.”
