National Express Transport Solutions, including Sydenham-based Clarkes of London, has been recognised as best in class by the Driving and Vehicles Standard Agency (DVSA) with accreditation from the Earned Recognition scheme.

Clarkes of London is one of the nine operator licences within the National Express Transport Solutions family of businesses to have been given the award.

It makes it one of only 114 companies nationally to achieve the standard and with a total of 300 coaches, 450 drivers and 10 depots, the largest coach operator in the UK to be recognised.

The voluntary scheme requires companies to regularly share fleet performance data in exchange for their vehicles being less likely to be stopped for roadside checks, or visited by officials on site.

Operators undergo a stringent process of pre-validation checks followed by audits to ensure all protocols and procedures are in place and followed to the required exacting standards.

Tony Lawman, Managing Director of National Express Transport Solutions, commented: “It is fantastic to be recognised for our very high standards. Safety is at the heart of everything we do and this is testament to the hard work and commitment of all or our teams.”