Tag Archives: Transport Lawyer
Do I Need a Transport Manager?
Who needs a Transport Manager? A transport manager is necessary if you hold a Standard National or Standard International Operator’s Licence. This is because there is a requirement to show professional competence for both types of licence. This is the same for both goods vehicles and passenger carrying vehicles, regardless […]
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: […]
5 Entirely Avoidable Mistakes Made by Too Many HGV Operators
We take a quick look at 5 of the most common, but entirely avoidable, mistakes made by far too many HGV operators. This list has been compiled by the transport lawyers at specialist road transport law firm Smith Bowyer Clarke: 1. Trusting Your Drivers Too Much In a […]
The Dangers of Not Carrying Out Regular Driver Licence Checks
Be honest – how often do you check the licences of your drivers for any endorsements? Once every 6 months? Once a year? Never? Whether you are a goods or PSV operator, if the answer to any of the above is “yes”, you are running a very big risk. […]
What Type of PSV Licence do I Need?
Every year hundreds of Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators are called to Public Inquiry with the Traffic Commissioner. A great many of these relate to the improper use of a restricted operator’s licence. An operator running PSVs under an incorrect licence can quickly find that licence revoked. It is […]
HGV Driver Caught Speeding? – 5 Things You Need to Know
Every driver knows that exceeding the speed limit is a criminal offence which can lead to penalty points, a fine and a driving ban. For truck drivers however, the position is even more serious. If you are caught speeding and hold an HGV drivers’ licence you can expect to face […]
ADR and Dangerous Loads – 5 Quick and Easy Ways to Fall Foul of the Rules
What is ADR? ADR (Accord Dangereux Routier) is the European Agreement which sets out the rules governing the movement by road of dangerous goods throughout the EU. They are very strict and exist to protect the public, drivers and the environment from the harmful effect of dangerous substances. It’s […]
Tachograph Offences, Drivers’ Hours and Card-Pulling: An Essential Guide for HGV and PSV Drivers
For many years the tachograph system has been central to the European haulage industry. Without it, the enforcement agencies (DVSA / police / Office of the Traffic Commissioner) would have no reliable or practical way of policing the rules on working time and drivers’ hours. But what happens […]
HELP! – The DVSA are coming to visit
There are some things that happen, even to the best run businesses, which are less than welcome. High up on that list must be the DVSA (formerly VOSA) announcing that they intend to visit your operating centre. However well-meaning, it is always a trial when your systems are put […]
Fines for Carrying Illegal Immigrants in Your Truck – 6 Things You Need to Know
Fines for carrying illegal immigrants in your truck, also known as “Civil Penalties for Clandestine Entrants” are a big problem for hauliers sending loads into the UK. We look at what they are, how to challenge them, and what you can do to avoid them in the future. […]
