Maintenance Provision Rating Scheme, to be known as MPRS, rolls out officially to the wider industry today as regulators and industry trade bodies join forces to elevate standards in workshops and maintenance facilities.

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The scheme, which originated from the industry’s call to reduce prohibition rates and foster more transparency for operators, is the product of a collaborative effort between eleven organisations. Steered by the Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE), the scheme is brought to the industry by Logistics UK, SMMT, RHA, CPT, DVSA, DfT, Traffic Commissioners, BVRLA and NFDA, with Daimler Truck UK and DAF taking part in the MPRS pilot.  

MPRS workshops will all have the knowledge and equipment to maintain a relatively simple fleet on normal work. If vehicles or operations are more complex or arduous, then a workshop with a higher rating is likely to be appropriate. The rating aims to help match the workshop to the operation whilst ensuring a minimum basic level that does not exist at the moment. MPRS can also help operators and transport managers to meet the expectation that they review their providers regularly.

Kevin Rooney
Traffic Commissioner for the West of England

MPRS is designed to help operators select a maintainer who has the necessary skills, knowledge and facilities to maintain their vehicles safely. Often operators assume that workshops and their technicians “must” meet a basic standard but, in practice, they are entirely unregulated. This voluntary scheme, designed by the industry for the industry, makes a provider’s status transparent.

Miles Dorrington
Traffic Commissioner for the West Midlands

The MPRS rating system is split into five distinct levels each indicating the breadth and scale of facilities and workforce.

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While a ‘Qualified’ rating indicates that basic tools, equipment, and staff competencies are in place to meet minimum industry compliance standards, the advanced level, Platinum, is suited for operators at the cutting edge of maintenance technology and practices, ensuring full readiness for future vehicle trends, including electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered systems. 

The higher the rating, the greater the confidence operators should have in the competences of their workshop and maintenance providers.  

Workshops will apply for their rating through the MPRS portal managed by IRTE on behalf of the industry. MPRS assessment is based on a comprehensive audit criterion where participating entities will require to provide evidence to demonstrate their competencies across staff knowledge and facilities which covers workspace, test equipment, workshop tools, torque wrench, inspection facilities, electric/hybrid equipment and PPE.   

While the Qualified and Bronze levels are based on independent assessment of self-declarations, Silver, Gold and Platinum will be audited by approved auditors.   

The Maintenance Provision Rating Scheme is a landmark step for our industry. For too long, there’s been a lack of clarity around workshop standards the MPRS changes that. It provides a clear, practical framework for both operators and providers, based on what’s truly needed in modern maintenance. By introducing a transparent, tiered system, we’re helping the industry raise the bar and ensure safety, compliance, and professionalism are no longer left to assumption but are visibly verified.  

Learn more and register for the scheme via the portal

 

MPRS puts the spotlight on improving current standards across workshops and maintenance facilities across the nation, highlighting non-compliant and unsafe practices that compromise safety and standards within the commercial industry.  

For operators working with external workshops and maintenance facilities, MPRS is a beacon of confidence. MPRS-recognised workshops and maintenance facilities demonstrate that they meet industry-defined standards. 

It provides operators with the assurance that they are partnering with workshops and maintenance facilities that are constantly monitoring, auditing and benchmarking their facilities and people. 

Emma Thompson
Executive Director, IRTE

An older, less complex trailer might be adequately serviced by a workshop with the ‘Engaged’ MPRS rating, where it is acceptable that not all technicians are trained in electric or gas vehicle systems, and where specialist equipment (such as brake testers) may be accessed externally. 

However, more modern, and technically advanced vehicles - especially those powered by electric or gas systems, require a higher level of technical competence and on-site equipment. These vehicles are best served by workshops with a 'Silver’ or above MPRS rating, ensuring the necessary specialist training, tools, and infrastructure are in place to meet their specific maintenance needs.

Phil Lloyd
Head of Engineering Policy, Logistics UK

 

Find out more about the scheme

 

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