ERRI joined by FoVRA in bid to secure Recovery Standard

On the 10 February 2015 representatives of both the European Rescue and Recovery Initiative (ERRI) and the Federation of Vehicle Recovery Associations (FoVRA) met for the first of two meetings at the Palace of Westminster.

The first meeting was to discuss a working arrangement between the two organisations in response to the recent Department of Transport announcement that a consultation will take place regarding Operator Licence exemptions for the recovery industry.

The meeting ended with an agreement that ERRI and FoVRA would work together, giving a positive united message to not only Government but to the recovery industry as a whole.

Representatives of FoVRA stated that after reviewing the situation they accepted the ‘Recovery Standard’ document, previously known as the ‘R Licence’, despite previously having reservations. They did however request that certain amendments be made, these were that operator insurances and vehicle excise duty (VED) would only be issued if the operator met the Standard and a PAS 43 certificate had been issued by a UCAS certified independent body.

ERRI chairman Mark Crawley said;

‘We are delighted that the ERRI Group’s hard work in the development of the Recovery Standard is now coming to fruition.

Historically the Group has always stressed the need for the industry to talk collectively and work together, so we are happy to now be working with FoVRA on this initiative.’

The ‘R Licence’ had originally been presented to the industry by ERRI at the Tow Show seminar in 2013 and had been available on line, for consultation, until last year. The online responses to the document proved very positive with 77% of those responding being in favour.

Following the agreement that both parties would work together a further meeting, chaired by industry supporter Rob Flello MP, was held. It was agreed that the ‘Recovery Standard’ document would be put forward as an industry bespoke alternative to the Operator Licence and be a major part of the presentation to Government.

The meeting closed with Rob Flello MP confirming he will write to the Rt. Hon Patrick McLoughlin, Secretary of State of Transport, outlining the position of the recovery industry. He has also agreed to chair subsequent meetings.