A new initiative, the Maintenance Provision Rating Scheme (MPRS), has been introduced to evaluate the performance and quality of workforce in third-party commercial vehicle workshops. This scheme employs comprehensive audits and collective evidence to assess participants.
Management and Support
The scheme is independently managed by the Institute of Road Transport Engineers. It receives backing from several organizations, including:
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Department for Transport
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Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)
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Office of the Traffic Commissioner
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Trade bodies such as the Confederation of Passenger Transport and Road Haulage Association (RHA)
Target Audience
The MPRS is designed for workshops and maintenance facilities of all sizes. It consists of five distinct ratings:
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Qualified
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Bronze
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Silver
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Gold
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Platinum
These ratings are detailed on the MPRS website. Workshops can apply for their desired rating via the online portal. The Qualified and Bronze levels rely on independent assessments of self-declarations, whereas the Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels require approved audits.
Benefits of the Scheme
For operators collaborating with external workshops and third-party maintenance providers, the MPRS serves as "a beacon of confidence." It offers a structured framework to evaluate and enhance maintenance operations, thereby improving vehicle reliability and safety.
Industry Support and Insights
Senior Traffic Commissioner Richard Turfitt has emphasized the importance of holding third-party maintenance providers accountable. In 2022, he advised operators to scrutinize these suppliers before entering contracts.
The National Franchised Dealers Association supports the MPRS, highlighting its inception as a response to industry demands for reduced prohibition rates and increased transparency for operators.
Trials and Goals
Following trials in 2024, DVSA Head of Vehicle Policy Neil Barlow clarifies that MPRS is not an accreditation or regulation. Instead, it focuses on establishing standards and expectations for people and facilities, whether small independent workshops or large dealerships. He stresses the operator's responsibility in ensuring suppliers are well-equipped and complete work correctly, noting that choosing the right maintenance provider is crucial for overall roadworthiness.
Benefits for Workshops
Workshops participating in the scheme can enjoy several advantages:
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Demonstrating a commitment to quality and professionalism
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Enhanced credibility within the industry
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A structured pathway for improvement by progressing through each rating level
The MPRS aims to foster higher standards in maintenance operations, ultimately contributing to safer and more reliable commercial vehicle operations.