An Accrington based haulage firm is enjoying continued success with their recent Silver FORS accreditation and completion of the Safe Urban Driving Course, both gained as a means to protect other road users.
With over 4,700 members, FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) accreditation recognises best practice for commercial vehicle operators. Silver FORS accreditation is awarded to operators who maintain their Bronze accreditation, which McMurrays gained in August 2017. To gain Silver accreditation, operators must:
– Be able to demonstrate that all driver licences and endorsements are verified through a service that directly accesses the DVLA data
– Ensure all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are equipped with a left turn audible warning system
– Be fitted with blind spot minimisation devices
Though not compulsory, fleet drivers are encouraged to also take part in the Safe Urban Driving Course, of which all McMurrays truck drivers have. The course focuses on ‘how fleet drivers share our cities’ streets safely with the most vulnerable road users’, in particular cyclists. Activities include a practical module involving getting onto a push-bike and travelling on roads, to better their understanding of risks from trucks for cyclists and improve their awareness.
David McMurray, Managing Director of McMurrays Haulage Limited, said:
“We are very happy to have been presented with a FORS Silver award and more so that our drivers have taken the extensive Safe Urban Driving Course. With over 348 collisions between HGVs and cyclists in 2015 alone, with 99 of those people seriously injured or killed*, we are keen to do everything we can to invest in road safety and the protection of cyclists. It has been 20 years since I’ve been on a bike but it was worth it to have this insight. Having audible warning systems and blind spot minimisation devices as required to gain the Silver accreditation reduces the risk of these accidents happening as well. We’re proud of our hard work and of all the staff here at McMurrays who have contributed to this.”
The Silver FORS accreditation has come at an ideal time for McMurrays, who have just invested £500,000 into vehicle upgrades. The investment has seen the introduction of new trucks from Scania and DAF, as well as a brick trailer – ensuring that the business goes the extra mile to provide its customers with a reliable service in modern vehicles. Established in Church in 1971, McMurrays Haulage provides a wide range of transportation services to customers in the UK, Ireland and Europe.
For more information visit www.mcmurrayshaulage.com
