The FORS Standard version 7.1

Requirement

To adhere to compliant, safe and efficient routes.

Purpose

To ensure that the operation is as efficient as possible whilst minimising safety, environmental and congestion impacts on the road network.

Demonstration

FORS Operators shall have a procedure in place to plan and adhere to compliant, safe and efficient routes.

The procedure shall specifically include adherence to any route scheduled by the FORS Operator or any route authorised by a competent authority, including:

• Prescribed passenger routes for PCVs
• Designated routes to and from construction sites
• Permit-controlled routes, such as the London Lorry Control Scheme
• Notified routes for abnormal indivisible load (AIL) movements

A risk assessment shall be in place for prescribed passenger routes, designated routes to and from construction sites, and notified AIL routes, providing instructions to drivers. This may be communicated as a method statement.

The risk assessment or method statement shall include:

• Origin, destinations and any specific hazards identified
• Any route permits and approvals required
• Community considerations such as schools, hospitals and cycle routes
• The impact on working time and drivers’ hours
• Vehicle dimension and weight restrictions, particularly at bridges and structures
• Vehicle emissions standards and restrictions
• Parking, loading and unloading restrictions
• Any road user charging schemes or tolls

Any deviations from designated, permitted or controlled routes should be justified with unauthorised deviations being investigated.

Routes should be used that minimise distance driven and fuel used, and minimise the use of routes that are subject of local air quality exceedances. Distances travelled across the fleet shall be recorded by vehicle type.

Any client specified route or schedule requirement that conflicts with compliance, safety or environmental objectives shall be raised with the client for discussion and resolution.

Instructions to drivers may include specific route information and turn-by-turn directions. If this is provided using navigation technology, the device shall be customised for the vehicle weight and dimensions and subject to a risk assessment or method statement.