Back to All NewsWhat Is Operator Compliance Risk Score And Does It Affect You?
The Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) is primarily intended to check that fleet operators are operating within the law, but the results of these tests can have effects on LGV drivers in training as well as those with full CPC certification.
The OCRS is a system used by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to determine when, how and how often heavy goods vehicles run by a particular operator should be stopped at the roadside and inspected.
These roadside stops are routine, and most drivers will experience at least one. Usually, they involve checking that the load you are carrying is authorised, your lorry is roadworthy, examining your tachograph records to ensure you are taking your breaks and that your licence is valid.
These, alongside MOTs, site visits and desk-based assessments, will be used to compile two scores which are combined to create a final assessment.
What Is Scored In An OCRS?
There are two main categories that the DVSA will examine for an OCRS:
- Roadworthiness – This is usually based on vehicle tests, roadside inspections and other assessments.
- Traffic – This also relies on roadside inspections, as well as prosecutions related to drivers’ hours and tachograph violations.
New companies start with an OCRS of zero, and the lower the score, the lower a particular fleet is as a priority. Findings and events that increase the score will reduce gradually over a three-year period, based on the logic that recent issues are worse than past ones.
The Three OCRS Bands You Need To Know
- Green Band – The lowest possible priority, the DVSA will tend not to target vehicles belonging to this operator outside of routine checks.
- Amber Band – A medium priority, the DVSA will start to select vehicles from this operator more frequently, as well as contact the company to discuss issues and potential solutions.
- Red Band – The highest priority for DVSA, vehicles owned by this operator will be actively selected and stopped to ensure compliance, whilst the Traffic Commissioner may review their licence.
