Glastonbury minibuses reveal numerous compliance issues

During a presentation on the Earned Recognition scheme, Phil Breen, Earned Recognition National Account Manager at DVSA, revealed shocking compliance figures among minibuses serving Glastonbury Festival this year.

“But if we take them in front of the Traffic Commissioner and impound their vehicles, then we can make sure the cost of being compliant is less expensive than non-compliance” – Phil Breen

Speaking during the IoTA anniversary event at Cozy Travel, Phil said DVSA agents attended Glastonbury Festival to get a snapshot of compliance levels of vehicles serving the festival. It was found that of the 17 minibuses it pulled over, there were 26 level four offences (no CPC qualifications, no vehicle tax, etc), eight category one offences (tyre tread worn, damaged tyres, lights not working, etc) and nine immediate prohibitions. Phil said: “They all had something in common, they were not there for fun but were paid to be there. Think about your culture: who do you use to contract work with?”

During the presentation on Earned Recognition, Phil said the scheme is all about dividing resources and targeting non-compliance in the most efficient way. He said: “What we don’t want to do is disrupt the most compliant. We don’t need to put loads of support into supporting the compliant.”

He says most operators that are non-compliant do it in an effort to maximise profit. He said: “But if we take them in front of the Traffic Commissioner and impound their vehicles, then we can make sure the cost of being compliant is less expensive than non-compliance.”

He said the DVSA has written to all local authorities to make them aware of the Earned Recognition standard. Phil said: “I’m not saying Earned Recognition should be a procurement standard, but local authorities should be using something. Safety should be at the forefront.”