FM Conway secure FORS Gold Award
London-based company achieves highest accolade in Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme
FM Conway, one of the UK’s leading infrastructure services companies, have been awarded Gold status in the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS). The Gold Award is the highest accolade under the scheme (less than 20 companies have achieved this status) and recognizes fleet operators that demonstrate a commitment to road-related health and safety, environmental emission reductions and other general improvements in transport.
FORS, a voluntary Transport for London (TfL)-run scheme, is aimed at transforming freight delivery in London and ensuring that operators work towards best practice. Recipients of the Gold Award have demonstrated exemplary standards for accident minimization; CO2 reduction; delivery of enhanced driver training; and the installation of cycle safety measures to their fleet.
Peter Parle, transport manager at FM Conway, said: ‘To achieve the FORS Gold Award is a fantastic achievement and testament to our commitment to the improvement of our fuel consumption, environmental impact and the safety of our fleet.
‘For FM Conway, the most important criteria is the enhanced safety realized through the vehicle enhancements and the expert training and support we provide to our drivers. We operate one of the largest HGV fleets in London, making over 360,000 trips in the capital each year, so it’s essential that these journeys are undertaken in the safest way possible – especially around vulnerable road users such as cyclists.
‘We have retrofitted all 144 vehicles in our fleet over 7.5 tonnes with the latest safety measures, including side guards, sensors, audible ‘vehicle turning left’ warnings and blind-spot cameras.’
In parallel with the FORS accreditation, FM Conway have also been working in partnership with TfL and other contractors and industry bodies to develop a new code of conduct for construction logistics that is due to be launched this month.
The company has also formed a partnership with cyclist training providers Cycle Confident to provide up to 1,500 construction HGV drivers per year with safer driving skills. The collaboration involves Cycle Confident using FM Conway facilities to deliver training to drivers from construction firms of all sizes.
The course includes practical training where drivers take to the saddle on London’s roads, as well as theory on changing streetscapes and how to share the road with cyclists.
