Transport for London (TfL) is introducing new requirements for fleet service contracts to continue improving vehicle safety on London’s roads.

TfL said the new requirements for fleet service contracts would continue improving vehicle safety on London’s roads

From April 2024, it’s mandating that suppliers for all Greater London Authority Group contracts worth £1m and over involving vehicles must be FORS Gold accredited or a TfL-equivalent approved scheme (Mission Zero and DVSA Earned Recognition). Last year saw TfL officially accredit the Mission Zero scheme as a FORS equivalent.

Suppliers holding contracts valued under £1m will be required to be accredited to a minimum of FORS Silver accredited. Their internal supply chains must also be FORS Bronze accredited.

TfL said encouraging fleet operators to take part in safety accreditation schemes was an important part of the Mayor’s Vision Zero goal to eliminate death and serious injury on the transport network.

These changes aim to further enhance the safety standards of fleet services operating in the capital, helping them to reduce road danger for all, including vulnerable road users such as people walking and cycling.

The new requirements will be enforced from April 2024, and will not affect suppliers with prior contracts.

Christina Calderato, director of transport strategy and policy at TfL, said: “Improving safety on the capital’s roads is key to our Vision Zero goal to eliminate deaths and serious injury on the roads and FORS has played an important role in driving up standards in the freight and fleet industry.

“The new requirements introduced to contracts from April 2024 will help TfL to ensure that fleet services across London are adhering to the highest level of safety on the road network, reducing risk to people walking, cycling, riding motorcycles other road users.”