At the start of this year, PROSE established a dedicated working group to examine the growing use of electric vehicles (EVs) and the wide range of challenges currently facing the industry.
The group is chaired by Rob Beckitt, who brings extensive experience and expertise gained through more than 20 years with National Highways. After spending 15 years in frontline operational leadership roles, Rob has served as Head of Service Delivery within the Operational Services Division for the past five years. In this role, he leads several central teams, including Operational Fleet, Projects, Contracts, Assurance and Winter Services.
With a strong passion for improving safety and operational processes, Rob volunteered to chair this multi-agency working group. Its aim is to strengthen collaboration and knowledge sharing between key stakeholders, helping to establish and promote best practice in EV safety and incident management.
The group meets regularly and includes representatives from:
- National Highways
- Institute of Vehicle Recovery (IVR)
- National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)
- National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC)
- Vehicle Recovery Operators (VROs)
Purpose of the Group
The group has been created to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across the sector, supporting the development of best practice in EV safety and incident management.
Its key objectives are to:
- Establish and promote best-practice guidance for EV safety and roadside operational procedures.
- Identify, develop and progress trials involving EV-related equipment and technology.
- Encourage cross-organisational collaboration and input into projects.
- Promote a consistent industry approach to the recovery of electric vehicles.
- Develop best-practice guidance for the safe storage of EVs following recovery.
Through this collaborative approach, the group seeks to improve safety, consistency and operational effectiveness across the industry.