The measures are part of a programme of work across government that the association has been involved in to reduce regulatory burdens on business. In consultation with operators, new guidance is being developed on the frequency of vehicle inspections and proposals for the reform of the operator licensing regime are being taken forward.

When an operator licence is granted it is on the understanding that he or she will ensure that the truck is fully roadworthy at all times. The licence stipulates how regularly an operator will have their vehicles inspected by a competent person to ensure that they continue to be in a safe condition.

It has been found that UK operators undertake to have their vehicles subjected to routine inspections once every six weeks. This is in addition to daily walk-around checks by drivers, who also record and report to their employer any of the more obviously noticeable faults with vehicles. However, there is nothing sacrosanct about having to have routine inspections carried out once every six weeks. This is merely an average period recommended by the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and therefore used as a yardstick by the association when advising members. Safety inspections may need to be carried out more frequently, for example where vehicles are used in particularly harsh environments; or, it may be possible to have them carried out less frequently, where vehicles are subject only to limited use, for example, test trailers. Research has shown that relatively few operators appear to be aware that the 'six week cycle' is only a guide, although the flexibility of not having to specify a cycle of six weekly routine inspections is not new, it has always been there, although some operators may not have fully appreciated this fact.

Transport secretary Douglas Alexander has stated: "We are committed to ensuring that we have a world class transport system fit for the 21st century. As part of that process we are constantly looking at ways to cut red tape, minimising the burdens on industry while maintaining high standards of safety, security and sustainability. We are aware that some vehicle operators may be carrying out routine vehicle checks more frequently than strictly necessary and this means extra cost for no additional benefit. We are therefore agreeing new guidance with the industry, which should help operators with modern, light use vehicle fleets to continue to maintain high standards as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible."

Consequently, VOSA will be updating advice in the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness, which is published in conjunction with the RHA and other operator trade associations. It is vital that if an operator decides to reduce the frequency of safety inspections on a licence they tell the traffic commissioner beforehand, as only operators who have a good track-record of vehicle maintenance and complying fully with the terms and undertakings in their licence are likely to be granted this variation.