Copart UK are supporting the Roadside Safe initiative by being the first vehicle remarketer to sign up to PATAM’s Automotive and Logistics Industry Competency and Qualifications Card Scheme.
As part of an initial pilot, Copart has been going through the process of providing drivers at our Chester facility with access to a personalised and branded PATAM card, with a view to rolling the scheme out across all facilities in the future.
Drivers are to receive both a physical credit card-sized identity card and an app which allows virtual access to a digital version of the card.
Similar to the well-established CSCS (Construction Skills Certificate Scheme) card, the PATAM card holds all of the driver’s personal certification, qualifications, training and DCPC hours, as well as the truck’s LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) certification and Operator’s Licence.
Holding a PATAM card enables the driver to produce evidence of safety regulations, company policies and their own qualifications if requested to do so, and is a great way for them to demonstrate their professionalism and competency in the handling of vehicles.
A registered driver is provided with a physical PATAM card and/or the smartphone app and can demonstrate to body shops their skills, competencies and vehicle certification. This provides assurances to operators and speeds up the collection process.
To qualify for the PATAM Card Scheme, we had to meet specific criteria including completion of the DriveAWARE training and the provision of a recognised Government licence check, Electric & Hybrid awareness training, industry standard vocational training, full insurance and a company Operator’s Licence.
The integrity of this scheme is paramount and only those employees and companies that meet the set standards will be issued access to the PATAM card app if they want to be deemed as Roadside Safe.
Having met the specific requirements to be eligible for the scheme allows us to demonstrate our commitment to the safe handling of our customers’ vehicles and give us the ability to work more efficiently to our targets.
PATAM is a good example if the Copart commitment to the personal development of our Drivers, who must complete training on Electric & Hybrid vehicle handling and the DriveAWARE company vehicle training course, to hold a PATAM card and be deemed as ‘Roadside Safe’…the gold-standard in compliance in the roadside and recovery industry.
Simon Sheldon-Wilson, Operations Director at Copart said: “We are committed to ensuring the competency and capability of our drivers in the safe handling of our customer vehicles. The PATAM scheme offers an effective means for drivers to prove their skills and training, together with the ability to ensure records are kept up-to-date and readily available whenever they are required.”
Gary Tucker, Chief Executive at PATAM adds: “We are delighted to welcome the team at Copart and are working closely with them to deliver a solution that meets the needs of their business. This relationship demonstrates our shared interest in innovation, safety and compliance.”
Additional information:
PATAM Group Limited (PATAM) is a virtual and physical identify card solution provider. To learn more, please visit www.patamgrouplimited.uk.