The Maintenance Provision Rating Scheme (MPRS) explained:
Stop gambling with workshop quality

What is the Maintenance Provision Rating Scheme (MPRS), why does it matter, and how has it revolutionised workshop standards across the UK? 

That’s what we explored in our latest webinar with Nick Elliott from the Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE). In this practical session we dissected the MPRS and how its introduction has filled a vital information gap in the industry, not only boosting maintenance standards, but also playing an essential role in fleet safety and protecting operator licences.  

 What is MPRS? 

MPRS is an industry-supported single rating scheme for workshops and maintenance facilities, aimed at raising standards and skills across the industry. It gives operators the tools to choose the right workshop with confidence, knowing they’re selecting a maintenance provider that meets their unique needs and requirements.  

While the scheme has been steered by the Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE), collaboration from Logistics UK, SMMT, RHA, CPT, DVSA, DfT, Traffic Commissioners, BVRLA and NFDA, has made this initiative both relevant and effective. 

Here’s what makes this significant: the scheme has emerged from a call within the industry to reduce prohibition rates and foster greater visibility across workshops for operators. It’s a voluntary scheme, designed by the industry, for the industry. Each participating organisation has contributed its own knowledge and experience to create a game-changing workshop rating scheme, that helps operators maintain effective and continuous control over their vehicle maintenance obligations. 

 Why is MPRS important?  

During the webinar, Nick Elliot posed a powerful question: what is the only element of road transport that can be regulated? The answer: safety. There’s really only one barrier to entry for vehicle operators and that’s safety. If an operator can satisfy regulators that they’re able to operate safely in all respects, they can expect to be authorised and licenced to operate.  

But even when you outsource maintenance and vehicle inspections, you still need to prove things are being done properly – it doesn’t outsource your responsibility. The MPRS helps you make informed decisions about which workshops to trust with your vehicles and more frankly, your operator licence. Ensuring your workshop is adequately equipped and work is completed to a satisfactory standard is part of your duty of care. 

Ignorance is no defence. For operators to assume a workshop is doing a good job without verification is not a good policy – it’s avoiding ownership, responsibility, and accountability. Operators must own their statutory duties. This is fundamental, not only for the safety of your fleet, but also for the safety of all other road users. Ultimately, if something goes wrong, it’s the operator who will be standing in front of the Traffic Commissioner, not the workshop.