Haulage & Logistics Law
Transport & Regulatory Law Solicitors » Haulage & Logistics Industry » HGV – Operator Health Check
HGV - Operator Health Check
Forewarned is Forearmed
When was the last time you gave all your systems and processes a “spring clean”? What with the many day to day tasks that need doing just to keep a haulage business and its lorries on the road, it is understandable that taking time out of a busy day to review how your systems and processes (if indeed you have any) are working is probably very low on the list of priorities. But knowing where your business may have a weak-link or be vulnerable to criticism or in the worst-cases prosecution or other regulatory action is absolutely critical to your business’s health, prosperity and even survival.
If you are concerned about the effectiveness of the systems you operate or the way in which those systems are recorded, of if you haven’t reviewed any of your systems or processes for years, then we can help. Members of the Pellys Transport & Regulatory Law legal team have been offering “health checks” for HGV operators for many years. One of our experienced transport lawyers will review your systems and processes for you and provide you with a comprehensive report on where you might need to focus and crucially what to do about any problems that are identified.
Here are some critical questions to ask:
- What systems do I have in place for each part of my haulage business and are my lorries and drivers safe?
- Are those systems working effectively and can I be certain that I really know the answer to this question?
- What more could I be doing to make the systems more effective but at the same time faster and more efficient to run and record?
- What changes, if any, am I planning to make to the business (including the number of vehicles being operated at any time)
- Will any changes that I am planning affect what I need to do in order to ensure continuing compliance with the regulatory regime – especially my operator’s licence conditions and undertakings?
If you are unsure of the answers to any of the questions above, then call us now on 01279 818280.
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by Emma PellyLatest Haulage & Logistics News and Insight
Changes to the HGV & PSV Test Regime for Earned Recognition Operators
In a Section 19 Public Inquiry hearing heard last year (2023) the Traffic Commissioner highlighted again the importance of permit operators ensuring that their vehicles allow passengers and other road users to be safe.
by Emma PellyMoving to a Digital First Approach in Heavy Vehicle Testing
In a Section 19 Public Inquiry hearing heard last year (2023) the Traffic Commissioner highlighted again the importance of permit operators ensuring that their vehicles allow passengers and other road users to be safe.
by Emma PellyEnero Logistics Ltd – the Law for Operators on Agency Drivers
At one time or another, many transport companies need to rely on the services provided by agency drivers, to best cope with sudden fluctuations in demand or to fill driver shortages. This allows for the undisrupted continuation of services by these organisations.
by Emma PellyAre you Up To Date with the Guidance on Right to Work Checks?
In August 2023, it was announced that from 2024 the penalties imposed on employers who are found to be employing people who do not have a right to work in the UK would be tripled, in an effort to curb this “black-market” practice and raise the disincentives for people to come to the UK to live and work illegally.
by Emma PellyDriver CPC Reform: Department For Transport Publishes Consultation Findings
In early 2022 the Department of Transport (DfT) launched a consultation into the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) regime, following a review undertaken in late 2021 on the driver shortage issues.
by Emma PellyLoading Safely – New Guidance from the DVSA
The DVSA has recently updated its guidance on safe loading of vehicles – something which they believe should be of primary concern for all road users, whether it is using a seatbelt to secure passengers in a family car or transporting goods in lorries.
by Emma PellyGovernment Publishes Review into Traffic Commissioner Function
During 2021 and 2022 the government ran a review into the Traffic Commissioner Function in the UK. The report into this review was published at the end of May 2023.
by Emma PellyLonger Lorries now Allowed on UK Roads
Legislation passed by the UK Government which came into force on 31st May 2023 sees the introduction to Great Britain’s roads of longer semi-trailer (LST) combinations of up to 18.55 metres, a full 2.05 metres longer than previously allowed.
by Emma PellyGovernment Consultation on Entitlement to Drive Vehicles up to 7.5 Tonnes
During the recent Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns by the UK Government, a number of emergency measures were put in place in order to address certain issues such as the shortage of HGV drivers.
by Emma PellyDVSA Issue Revised Guidance on the Categorisation of Defects on Vehicles
This revision gives a total of 29 revisions to the various checks that DVSA officers would be expected to carry out during any roadside checks they undertake.
by Emma PellyDVLA – Accelerating Medical Fitness Applications
It is to be hoped that professional drivers will no longer have to endure weeks of waiting for their driving licences to be processed, as the Government has implemented changes to the Road Traffic Act 1988 (RTA) to allow a wider range of health care professionals to approve medical examinations.
by Emma PellyOffice of Traffic Commissioners Announces End to GV81 Paper Applications for Major Applications
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by Emma Pelly"A brilliant, hard-working team who go over and above for the client. They are rightly recognised to be one of the best transport practices in the country. They are an exceptional specialist firm who punch way over their weight. They have an excellent reputation."
"An established practice with recognised strength in representing haulier and passenger clients on an array of regulatory proceedings. An impressive practice advising goods and passenger vehicle operators on the full range of road regulatory matters."
"They know the field backwards and would be perfectly capable of running a transport business."
"The firm has an incredible knowledge of transport and associated regulations. They are extremely knowledgeable."
"They have very good client-care skills. They really go the extra mile for the client and leave no stone unturned and they always deliver well and on time. My overall impression of the Pellys team is one of thoroughness in everything they do."
"They react very quickly, we are always kept up to speed on what is going on and they are very responsive. If I need something at short notice and ring out of hours I get a very quick response. They’re extremely easy to get hold of and professional."