Traffic commissioners issue walkaround checks guidance
Great Britain’s traffic commissioners (TCs) have published advice for heavy goods vehicle (HGV) and public service vehicle (PSV) operators on the requirement for walkaround checks prior to operating a vehicle.
“In commercial transport, where time pressures are high and responsibilities wide-ranging, routine tasks can sometimes be rushed or overlooked,” said the TCs in its blog post on the subject published last week.
“However, the walkaround check for commercial vehicles is not just another task; it is a legal requirement and a vital safeguard for public safety.”
Ensuring properly conducted walkaround checks take place will help prevent avoidable accidents and injuries, avoid DVSA roadside prohibitions and minimise downtime, say the TCs, as well as demonstrating compliance with the undertakings that operators give as a condition of their licences.
The commissioners emphasise that the walkaround check counts as part of working time, and that drivers must be given adequate time to complete it properly.
Key areas for HGV checks highlighted by the TCs, which reflect DVSA guidance, include lights and indicators, tyres, brakes, steering, wipers and washers, mirrors and glass, bodywork and load security, fluid levels, and vehicle documentation.
For PSVs, the TCs say, additional checks are vital, including ensuring that emergency exits are functional and not obstructed, and that passenger seating, including seatbelts, are secure and hazard-free. Accessibility features must also be checked for condition where the vehicle is covered by relevant regulations.
“Identifying a defect is only the first step,” the TCs say.
“Drivers must report defects clearly and promptly in writing. Whether using paper forms or digital systems, reports must be legible and accurate.”
While drivers carry out walkaround checks, the guidance also outlines the responsibilities of operators and transport managers in this regard, including in terms of training, systems implementation, monitoring and auditing, and provision of relevant tools.
They also highlight the consequences of failure to comply with requirements around walkaround checks, including the possibility of fines, penalties and roadside prohibitions, as well as the potential impact on a company’s operator compliance risk score (OCRS) and risk of regulatory action by the TCs themselves.
“Digital walkaround check apps can improve accuracy, streamline reporting, and integrate with maintenance systems,” the TCs advise.
“However, they are support tools, not replacements for a physical inspection. The responsibility remains with the driver to conduct a thorough check.”
The advice urges drivers to recommit to thorough, regular checks, and operators and transport managers to review the robustness of their systems and training programmes.
The full blog post, which includes links to resources such as diagrams and a video, can be found here.
