“A professional image and a responsible attitude go hand in hand with the successful operation of commercial vehicles”

Well Driven? was a component part of a package of ideas which looked at self regulation. The scheme was so well received by vehicle operators that it was decided to separate out this element and run it as an independent scheme. Well Driven? was designed by vehicle operators for vehicle operators and it aims to improve the image of the transport industry and the individual subscriber company, enhance safety and environmental standards and encourage better driving.

A professional image and a responsible attitude go hand in hand with the successful operation of commercial vehicles. Operators who participate in Well Driven? commit to either the Good Lorry Code or the Good Van Code – a series of actions that ensure safe, legal and environmentally- friendly operations above those demanded by legislation.

The Good Lorry Code is open to companies operating vehicles over 3.5 tons and the Good Van Code is open to companies operating vehicles up to 3.5 tons. Operators who participate in Well Driven? must comply with the detailed Codes of Practice that support and underpin the serious commitment that operators sign up to. The distinctive red, yellow and black Well Driven? logo shows the public that you are a caring and responsible operator.

The commitment to the highest operational and driving standards required by the Codes of Practice results in better driving standards and fewer accidents. The public are reassured that companies, as members of the scheme, not only place safety and high standards as a priority but also care enough to respond properly to their concerns should there be an incident on the road. Membership of the scheme motivates a member team to give their best while allowing management to monitor driver and vehicle performance. Bespoke statistics are produced monthly, which enable companies to benchmark and improve their performance.

Data detailing the types of calls received and comparing it with the scheme average helps subscribers pinpoint areas of potential weakness. The freephone number provides a simple one-track, calls-handling procedure for dealing with the public’s comments. The system encourages road users to report their views, allowing praise to be passed on to the driver and boost their morale, while permitting companies to deal effectively with negative remarks. And with up to one in six calls being complimentary, it is not just a free phone complaints line.

Why should companies embrace and participate in the Well Driven? scheme?
Well Driven? provides operators with:

• The opportunity to signal high standards of operation to all other road users
• The reassurance to others that the highly-trained drivers will respect other road users and pedestrians
• A focus on best practice and safety throughout the organisation which will lead to reductions in incidents and accidents, less downtime and improved efficiency
• Clear evidence for insurers of this commitment to safe operation opening up the prospect of lower insurance premiums
• A source of valuable feedback with “on-road” performance compared with other operators engaged in similar activity
• An opportunity to be informed of any problems or incidents “out there” with other road users which would otherwise go unreported and to deal with these in a professional and sensitive way
• The opportunity to focus employees on safety issues and to reduce the number of accidents and incidents

Well Drive? gives companies operating within the scheme a positive contribution to the public’s perception of commercial vehicles

“Under the terms of the code, operators must investigate all incidents and callers should receive in writing a full response within 21 days”

Well Driven? is open to all operators of commercial vehicles large or small who care about high on-the-road standards. Driver involvement is paramount and all drivers must receive awareness training (as a minimum this requires drivers to be shown the Well Driven? driver-training video). Drivers must be made aware of and comply with their obligations under the Code. An induction on the Well Driven? scheme must be given by a member of management or appropriate person. Each driver must receive a copy of the relevant Code and a copy of the Driver Information card. Participants commit to:

1. Compliance of the Code

2. Plan operations to ensure legal, safety and environmental obligations are met

3. Monitor driver compliance with the law

4. Train drivers beyond the legal minimum and to show respect to other road users and pedestrians

5. Ensure vehicles are well maintained and of good appearance

6. Require contractors/sub-contractors to follow the code

A recent survey of operators who subscribe to Well Driven? and drivers who have the decals on the back of their vehicles reveals the following attitudes:

• Those companies who operate vehicles within the scheme overwhelmingly believe that Well Driven? offers: a positive contribution to the public’s perception of commercial vehicles (94%) and significantly a positive contribution to driver behaviour (93%) and driver attitude (75%).
• The majority of drivers surveyed believed that Well Driven? makes a positive contribution to both driver behaviour and driver attitude.

There are a number of decal schemes currently in operation. However, in recognition of the in-depth elements that support Well Driven?, the Good Van Code has won a Prince Michael Safety Award for its contribution towards road safety and improving driver behaviour.

The award trust was impressed by the high level of commitment and responsibility taken by the operating companies, and believes it is successful because of the considerable corporate commitment which is underpinned by involving all, including the driver. It is a driver-based scheme and they see that as the way forward in achieving road safety and accident reduction figures. It is an on-going process, which can only improve driving standards over the years to come.

Well Driven? is managed by the Freight Transport Association
and administered by Careline Services Ltd.
For further information please telephone the
Well Driven office on: 01892 552309
E-mail: Well.driven@fta.co.uk