A TRANSPORT company established by a Stanbury couple is among a select few UK firms to meet strict criteria for a scheme rewarding high road safety standards.

Freightlink Europe, which was set up by wife and husband team Lesley and Kevin O'Brien, has been accepted onto the Driver & Vehicle Standard Agency's (DVSA) Earned Recognition Pilot Scheme.

It was one of just 29 UK operators revealed as being accepted onto the pilot at the end of January. Other businesses chosen include John Lewis and Sainsbury’s.

To be part of the scheme, vehicle operators need to have passed a quality audit, must meet stringent safety standards and have to submit evidence of driver and maintenance compliance to DVSA electronically on a monthly basis.

By being part the Earned Recognition Pilot, unless there is a visible, immediate safety issue, operators can avoid random checks. This allows the DVSA to focus on those non-compliant and rogue operators which cause real safety hazards on Britain's roads.

Mrs O’Brien, partner at Freightlink Europe and a Road Haulage Association board member, said: “We're delighted to be one of the hauliers accepted onto the pilot and to be included amongst such high profile companies.

"Our focus is always on safety on the roads and top quality customer service, which can only be achieved by ensuring the safe operation of our fleet. "Achieving this accolade is testimony to the hard work and commitment of all of our company's team both in the office and on the road.”