The BVRLA has signed an agreement to monitor and assess compliance with the government’s Rental Vehicle Security Scheme.
The voluntary scheme, launched last December, was introduced by the Department for Transport to help mitigate the risk of vehicle terrorism following a spate of attacks in 2017 where vehicles were used as weapons.
The BVRLA will implement the scheme’s requirements into its mandatory code of conduct as of 1 January 2020, meaning its 455 rental and commercial vehicle member organisations will automatically be part of it.
Monitoring compliance with the scheme will form part of the BVRLA’s existing governance programme, which involves a robust inspection regime.
BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney said: “The BVRLA and its members have always taken security matters seriously and we do not take lightly the trust that the government is placing upon the BVRLA by agreeing for us to act as an approved partner to help implement their Rental Vehicle Security Scheme.
“By making this part of our mandatory code of conduct, we are taking an industry-led approach, and although it will not be a complete panacea, the scheme will go some way towards further strengthening a culture of security vigilance across the sector and our members support that.
“We will continue to work with government and law enforcement to explore more opportunities to further counter the threat of terrorism.”
