Operator Operating HGVs with no Operator’s Licence Since 2019 – Licence Granted as Applied for

The operator in this case, represented at Public Inquiry by barrister Harry Bowyer, was operating HGVs from 2019 until he became aware that he needed an operator’s licence. The reality of the situation was that with a very few tweaks he could have fitted himself within a couple of the exemptions/derogations to operator licensing and continued to operate notwithstanding a lack of an operator’s licence. The Traffic Commissioner accepted that the operator had a genuine wish to be fully compliant and had spent a good deal of money in fixing the compliance of his operation and effort in educating himself. He had also VORd his vehicles until his status was resolved. The Traffic Commissioner agreed that it was better to have the operator within the licensing regime rather than operating under exemptions and derogations. The licence was granted as applied for with an undertaking for an audit within 6 months of the Public Inquiry.