Author Archives: Laura Newton
International Operators – Smart Tachograph 2 Deadline Approaching
Trade Associations, including CPT have been keen to remind Operators working internationally that many of their vehicles will require an upgrade as the requirement to have vehicles fitted with a Smart Tachograph 2 comes into force at the end of the year. The oldest vehicles on the road, which includes […]
New Border Force Checklist for the Prevention of Clandestine Entrants
Smith Bowyer Clarke Road Transport Lawyers have helped hauliers and drivers in the UK and across the EU save hundreds of thousands of pounds in Civil Penalties imposed unfairly by Border Force in relation to clandestine entrants. Barristers Simon Clarke and Millicent Dooher obtained a ruling from the Court of […]
Are You Aware of Your Notification Requirements on Your Operator’s Licence?
You have been granted your licence, recruited drivers, set up vehicles and processes, but are you aware of your ongoing obligations reporting changes within the business to the Traffic Commissioner? The Operator’s Licence document which is issued via the online portal contains some vital information and is too often overlooked. […]
How long does it take for an Operator’s Licence Application to be Processed? OTC releases most recent processing figures.
How long does it take for an Operator’s Licence Application to be Processed? OTC releases most recent processing figures. The Office of the Traffic Commissioner has released the most recent figures, up to the end of 2023, detailing the average wait time for an Operator’s Licence application to be decided. […]
Driver CPC Reform Announced
On 11 December 2023, the Government has announced a set of reforms for the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC), which is the qualification required for a vocational driver to drive a HGV or PSV in most professional or commercial circumstances. The Driver CPC became mandatory from 2008 for PSV […]
Is a Transport Manager CPC Still Valid if Obtained Outside of the UK?
Brexit brought into question many concerns with Operator Licencing legislation, given how much UK law is intertwined with EU Law. One question in particular was whether a Transport Manager could continue to work in the UK if their CPC was obtained elsewhere in Europe. The clear answer is yes. However, […]
Becoming a Private Hire Driver
Have you ever wondered whether you could work as a taxi driver but have no idea about the process? Application Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licences are granted by Local Authorities outside of London or by TfL within the London area. Private Hire refers to trips booked through an Operator […]
Not So New 28 Day Driver Recording Rules
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 […]
Vehicle Maintenance: Are you Getting What you Pay For?
As an Operator regulated by the Traffic Commissioner, you have agreed with a number of statements of intent, including that at all times vehicles will be fit and serviceable. Operators are regularly reminded to refer back to the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness and the guidance issued by DVSA or the […]
Why is it important to carry out regular maintenance inspections all year round to avoid dangerous incidents?
Now that the weather is becoming colder, and the nights are getting darker, it is more important than ever to make sure you’re maintaining your vehicles properly. It is crucial to make sure all maintenance inspections have been carried out on time and effectively by reliable providers. The DVSA have […]
