Waltham Forest has become the latest local authority wishing to specify FORS, the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme, in its planning policy requirements. If its plans are adopted, road transport operators working within the borough must meet FORS Silver level accreditation from 2020.
Waltham Forest borough council in Greater London, has just published its Draft Local Plan for consultation. This 15-year planning framework document includes a target to build 27,000 new homes with supporting infrastructure, as one of London’s three new ‘Mini Holland’ boroughs.
The plan which is due to be adopted in 2020, sets out how Waltham Forest will achieve these planning goals, and includes a series of measures to mitigate the adverse impact of goods and servicing activity the new housing developments will bring – one such measure is specifying FORS across its road transport supply chain.
When the plan is adopted in Spring 2020, all road transport operators working on the construction phase of a development within the borough, and those supplying goods and services when the new buildings are operational, will be required to operate at FORS Silver level accreditation.
FORS Manager Raj Sharma, said, “We are thrilled Waltham Forest has built FORS into its Draft Local Plan as part of its aim to address sustainability through all stages in its development process.
“FORS Silver is the second tier in our progressive model, and the level at which FORS aligns with both CLOCS (Construction, Logistics and Community Safety) and TfL’s (Transport for London) work related road risk (WRRR) requirements – both crucial standards operators must meet to ensure the safety and efficiency of road transport operators working on construction projects in urban areas.
“Many local authorities face a difficult task as they strive to meet tough air quality targets set by central government, despite heavier traffic and the greater CO2 output large housing and infrastructure projects can bring. By choosing to specify FORS Silver, councils can ensure all trucks and vans contracted are operating to high environmental standards, as safely as possible.”
To help members reach Silver accreditation, FORS has announced a series of ‘Going for Silver’ webinars throughout October, November and December. The live online training will help FORS members move up through its progressive model, to FORS Silver.
The one-hour long online sessions are free for FORS members and have been designed to minimise travel and disruption, allowing delegates to participate from anywhere in the country.
Raj Sharma added, “The webinars are a really good place for any FORS members wishing to progress to Silver to start. The content is concise and includes a live Q&A session to answer any queries, and ultimately help members reach higher operational, safety and efficiency standards.”
Learn more about FORS Silver accreditation here.
View the Waltham Forest local plan here.
FORS members wishing to register for a Going for Silver webinars can do so here.
