Archive:
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 […]
What does “Using” a Phone at the Wheel Actually Mean? – You May be Surprised!
The tragic death of a mother and her three children, crushed by lorry driver Tomasz Kroker, has rightly raised the subject of phone use behind the wheel to the public’s attention. Kroker, sentenced to 10 years for causing death by dangerous driving, admitted in court to changing the music […]
The Traffic Commissioner’s “Seven Deadly Sins” – Have you committed any of them?
Starting off in the haulage and road transport industry for the first time can be a daunting experience. From day one an operator is expected to be 100% compliant with the many hundreds of rules, regulations, and directions governing the operation of their vehicles. These cover everything from […]
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) […]
Cabotage Operations and Recovering Detained Vehicles
Brexit: A Game Changer Following Britain’s vote to leave the European Union, there has unsurprisingly been much debate in the media and among politicians and the public on what the future trade arrangements between Britain and the EU will look like. These predictions typically range from dire warnings of onerous tariff […]
Summoned to Court for a Road Transport Offence? 5 Frequently Asked Questions
For most drivers and operators, receiving a letter summoning them to court is a frightening experience, particularly if they have never been in trouble before. The most important thing however is to remain calm and not to bury your head in the sand. Having represented clients before the criminal courts […]
Mobile Telephones, Public Inquiries, & Driver Conduct Hearings
The Government has recently publicised its intention to impose greater penalties on drivers who are caught using hand-held mobile telephones. It should not be forgotten, however, that the Senior Traffic Commissioner has made it absolutely clear that it is unacceptable for vocational licence holders to use hand-held mobile phones […]
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, […]
Challenging Civil Penalties For Clandestine Entrants
Heavy Civil Penalties levied on haulage companies and truck drivers for unknowingly carrying migrants into the UK are yet again skyrocketing this summer. A recent Parliamentary investigation concluded that as much as £6.5 million of these penalties had been issued to the haulage sector, a full £2.4 million of which remained unpaid. […]
Truck Impounded in the UK? Make Sure You Know The 4 Ways You Can Get it Back
Having a truck seized in the UK can be a nightmare for any operator. It’s even worse if your business is based outside the UK. Simply finding out why it has been seized, where it’s being kept, and what your options re can be an uphill struggle. In […]
