Category: Other Transport Matters
Challenging London Low Emission Zone Penalties
Every year many hundreds of European hauliers receive demands for payment for breaching the London Low Emission Zone (LEZ). These Penalty Charge Notices can often cover periods of many months and run into thousands of Euros. Even operators whose vehicles are all Euro 6 compliant can still be heavily fined […]
Smoking in Trucks: What the Law Says
HGV operators face fixed penalties for failing to stamp down on smoking. The law on smoking in commercial vehicles is very detailed, yet surprisingly poorly understood. We take a quick look at 3 of the main smoking-related criminal offences that all operators and drivers must be aware of: […]
Horseboxes as HGVs – Am I Legal?
If you own or operate a horsebox, or are thinking of doing so, it is essential to ensure that you are not accidentally doing so illegally. The rules and regulations governing horseboxes are in many cases the same as those that govern the operation of HGVs and buses and […]
Earning a Reputation – Can Earned Recognition Work for Your Business?
Face it – nobody likes being pulled over by the DVSA. Even when no infringements are found, an unexpected roadside inspection can be a big headache for any operator trying to meet tight delivery deadlines. But, clearly there has be a way for the DVSA to check whether an […]
Operator Licences – A Beginner’s Guide for Anyone Thinking of Running a Truck or Bus
So you want to operate your own truck or bus? Whether you’re already a driver looking to start up on your own, or you’re entirely new to the transport industry, chances are you’ve heard of something called an Operators’ Licence. Read on to find out what this is, […]
Do I Need an Operator’s Licence? (Goods Vehicles)
This is a simple question which is not always simple to answer. The Operator Licensing system is complex and there are many exemptions that may or may not apply to you. The reality is that you should always get specialist advice or you could find yourself applying for a […]
Lives and Loads Put at Risk by a Simple Lack of Lorry Parking
A severe shortage of lorry parking in the UK is placing the lives of lorry drivers and the public at risk, and making it easier than ever for thefts from lorries to occur. Consider the position of a long-distance lorry driver: after driving your load for hours you […]
What is VOL (Vehicle Operator Licensing) and what do I need to do?
Vehicle Operator Licensing (VOL) is a new online system which has been designed to replace Operator Licence Self Service. Once the new system has been made available it will be possible to make applications, upload documents such as bank statements, amend details and provide information about changes online. In […]
Environmental Representors and How to Deal With Them
What is an Environmental Representor? There are two classes of representor who can make representations against the grant or variation of an operating licence. The first class is the “Statutory Objector” who are listed under section 12 (2) of the Goods Vehicles (Licencing of Operators) Act 1995 (the Act) […]
What Must I Report to the Traffic Commissioner?
Do you know what issues you are required to report to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner? It may be a while since you applied for your Operator’s Licence and signed the application acknowledging your acceptance of the undertakings set out within the form. It is important, however, […]
