Kellaway Group has been given the seal of approval on its fleet operation with bronze accreditation from the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS).
The Bristol-based organisation, which includes Kellaway Building Supplies, Avonside Insulation Supplies, Griggs Timber and Bristol Tile Company, underwent rigorous audit and assessment procedures to secure the prestigious award, which is based on the lawfulness, safety, efficiency, and environmental protection of its fleet of vehicles.
The fleet has over 40 vehicles working nationally, delivering products including timber frame houses, luxury tiles, bulk insulation supplies and general building materials.
Group fleet manager Mike Burgess said: "We take road safety and the impact of our business operations very seriously. Undertaking this award is voluntary, but it highlights the importance that we place upon safety. Very few fleet operators outside of London operate this scheme but we feel it essential to ensure we are mitigating the risks of our fleet operation. We have a diverse range of companies within the group but our focus on road safety never changes. We intend to continue with the accreditation and have set our sights firmly on achieving the silver award next."
FORS was launched in 2008 by Transport for London (TfL) to create one over-arching scheme that encompasses all aspects of safety, fuel efficiency, economical operations and vehicle emissions. Initially aimed specifically at making London's roads safer, cleaner and less congested, the scheme now has more than 3,000 company registrations and demonstrates a commitment to best practice that goes above and beyond that required by the law.
"Our work as an approved training centre for The Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training (JAUPT), was one key factor in winning us the FORS accreditation," added Mr Burgess. "We use the centre to provide continuous professional development for our drivers with courses focusing on drivers' hours, the Working Time Directive, and awareness of vulnerable road users like cyclists, horse riders, children and the elderly. We're now working with the TfL scheme on a new course for our drivers that will see them actually getting on their bikes to experience life on the roads from a cyclist's point of view."
