FORS (the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) is to expand its work to cover powered two-wheeler (P2W) fleets – made up primarily of motorcycle and moped operations – in a move to raise safety standards.

FORS said the expansion of the scheme to cover powered two-wheelers was inevitable as goods transport evolves

Announced as Brake’s annual Road Safety Week puts the theme on being ‘Bike Smart’ this week, the move will see FORS make provision for P2W fleet operations from January 2019 through its newly updated FORS Standard.

Now in its fifth iteration, the FORS Standard is updated every two years to ensure its relevance – the latest version includes a focus on air quality and vehicle terrorism – and sets out the requirements operators must meet if they wish to become FORS accredited.

P2W fleets at FORS Bronze level accreditation will be required to complete Compulsory Basic Training and the theory test every 12 months. At Silver accreditation, members’ P2W riders must have attained a full motorcycle licence relevant to the vehicle’s power output.

John Hix, FORS director, commented: “The transport of goods has come to encompass a much wider range of vehicles other than HGVs and vans, and, from the outset, FORS has aimed to include as wide a range of professional fleets as possible. We began with a remit for construction HGV operators before expanding our reach to vans and bus and coach operators, and the scheme now has the tools to include powered two-wheelers.”

He added: “It’s no secret that many deliveries, especially last-mile deliveries, are completed on motorcycles and mopeds, and it’s important that we offer these operators the chance to be part of FORS; to raise standards, to implement training and to improve safety for all road users.”