Category: How to Stay Compliant with the Traffic Commissioner

In September 2022, DVSA issued guidance which has caused Operators and Transport Managers to ask questions about the ‘new 28 day rules’ to be rolled out for their drivers. In actual fact, the new rules came into effect in August 2020, but seemed to have gone under the radar and […]

If you are based in Great Britain or Northern Ireland, from 21 May 2022 you must have a Standard International goods vehicle licence if you transport goods in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland using vans or other light goods vehicles over 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes […]

If you are a driver working under EU Rules, all driving must be recorded on a Tachograph. A small number of vehicles are fitted with analogue tachographs, most vehicles are fitted with a digital tachograph. In these vehicles, you must use your Digital Tachograph to record all driving, other work […]

In several recent Public Inquiries in which we have been involved Traffic Commissioners have shown an unhealthy interest in “Bounce Back” loans taken out by operators at the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic. These loans were taken out under rules requiring that the maximum amount loaned must be equal […]

In recent Public Inquiries it has become apparent that the Traffic Commissioners expect more from operators who are picking up third party trailer than a mere driver walk around check. The Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness at 3.3 details what must happen between traction services and third-party trailers. In particular, “Traction […]

This document was updated on the 29th September 2020. The main changes for drivers are with regards to: Overloading Maintenance Defects Bridge strikes Armed Service Personnel Powers The powers of the Traffic Commissioner have been extended to PCV community licence holders under s. 115 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. […]

Remote Public Inquiries are being used by Traffic Commissioners to try to plough through the backlog created by the Covid 19 pandemic. Not every case is suitable for such a hearing and Commissioners seem to be cherry picking those that are. The signs seem to be promising that they are […]

Covid 19 Round Up There have been numerous announcements from the Office of the Traffic Commissioner and the Department for Transport which will assist you during this time of unprecedented challenge. Read our round up and if we can help you please call our friendly team for a free initial […]

Does your company provide vehicles for employees to use as part of their employment? You may not realise it but the company could be liable for prosecution, in addition to the driver, if the vehicles are used in circumstances where motoring offences are committed. In the eyes of the law, […]

For a number of years, HMRC has taken an interest in the arrangements between transport companies and drivers who hold themselves out to be self employed. In many cases, this has been seen to simply be an arrangement to reduce tax and National Insurance liabilities and the arrangements are that […]