Archive:
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 […]
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 […]
Newsletter – May 2017 – Migrant Fines, Truck Seizures and Criminal Defence
Our May 2017 Newsletter is now out! In this edition we focus on hauliers from Belgium and the Netherlands, including: Migrant Fines (civil penalties for clandestine entrants) Truck Seizures (and how to get them back) Criminal Defence (know who to call!) Full newsletter here: Newsletter – Smith Bowyer […]
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. […]
Being Interviewed by the DVSA (VOSA) can be a Sharp Wake-up Call – Don’t Ignore It!
Every year, thousands of operators are interviewed under caution by the DVSA (formerly VOSA). This often follows a compliance investigation at their premises. The evidence gathered at these interviews is recorded, and can be used as evidence in a future criminal prosecution. It can also be used at a […]
Tachograph Offences – An all too Common Nightmare Scenario
Consider the following scenario: You are the operator of a small general haulage business running 6 trucks. So far business has been good to you. You employ 10 drivers and hope to increase to 8 trucks within a year or so. You are your own Transport Manager, but […]
GOOD REPUTE 2 – Other Behaviour which can Damage your Repute (Freight)
“It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.” Benjamin Franklin There are a thousand ways to damage your Good Repute, and Operators are discovering new ones all the time. We have already looked at what “Good […]
Roadside Stops can Stop Your Business in its Tracks: Prohibitions, PG9s and the DVSA
Having one of your vehicles stopped by the DVSA can be a headache for any operator. Even if your vehicle and driver are given a clean bill of health, the stop itself will usually mean a delay to your daily work schedule. If the stopping officer does uncover infringements during […]
