By Marc Caplin, Compliance Manager at Aquarius, and who spoke on this subject at the 2025 CV Show alongside Anthony Tattersall, Director and Founder – Darcica and Amanda Duffy, Director & Founder – Duffy Logistics.
Keeping your fleet safe, compliant, and operational is more critical than ever. With evolving regulations and high-performance demands, HGV operators must ensure that vehicle checks and defect repairs are more than just a tick-box exercise – they need to be timely, accurate, and part of a proactive maintenance culture.
Why Daily Vehicle Checks Matter
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) requires all HGV drivers to conduct daily walkaround checks before taking to the road. These inspections are your first line of defence against mechanical failures, legal issues, and costly downtime.
But how can you be sure your drivers are doing it correctly?
According to DVSA data, between July and September 2024, more than 44% of the HGVs stopped by enforcement officers were found with Category 1 defects – issues serious enough to warrant an immediate prohibition. These include critical problems with brakes, steering, or tyres.
Beyond Compliance: The Cost of Downtime
When an HGV is off the road due to a defect, it’s not just a maintenance issue – it’s a business interruption. Downtime can affect delivery schedules, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, your bottom line.
Technology has changed all of this.
How Smart Technology is Driving Maintenance Efficiency
With tools like Aquarius’s Asset Maintenance system and Driver Defect App, fleet managers can:
There are real knock-on business benefits of using a digital defect checking system like the Aquarius Defect Check App, especially when linked with a vehicle maintenance system like Aquarius’s Asset Maintenance software – for both tacho and non-tacho assets.
These digital solutions don’t just help you respond faster – they can help you prevent issues before they occur and plan in regular maintenance schedules and MOTs, so you don’t miss them.
Find out how by booking a free consultation with us – in the meantime, take a look at Aquarius’s Asset Maintenance System and see how the Driver Defect App works.
Also, don’t just take our word for it. Transport operators across the UK in all sectors of the industry, are already benefiting from this proactive approach to HGV maintenance – read some of our customer case studies
In conclusion, vehicle checks and defect repairs aren’t just compliance requirements – they’re business-critical practices. With the right processes and the right technology, you can keep your drivers safe, your fleet efficient, and your transport operation ahead of the curve. here
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