HAULAGE

Haulage is heavily regulated, and the consequences of non-compliance can be severe, from fixed penalties and prohibitions at the roadside through to operator licence regulatory action before the Traffic Commissioner. I advise haulage operators and transport managers on licensing, compliance systems, investigations and enforcement, with a focus on protecting operator licences, maintaining business continuity and reducing risk.

If you need urgent advice following a DVSA stop, investigation, report, or public inquiry call-up, please get in touch as early as possible.

Most haulage compliance issues sit within a small number of risk areas that enforcement bodies and Traffic Commissioners focus on repeatedly, including:

• Operator licensing requirements and undertakings

• Transport manager responsibilities and effective continuous and effective management

• Maintenance systems, safety inspections and defect reporting

• Drivers' hours, tachograph records and analysis

• Road transport working time compliance and record keeping

• Roadworthiness and roadside enforcement outcomes

• Driver conduct and fitness, including vocational licence implications

• Financial standing and good repute concerns

• Operating centre compliance and authorisation limits

Regulatory action is often avoidable when operators have documented systems, evidence of monitoring, and prompt corrective action when issues arise. Where enforcement has already started, early legal input can help shape the narrative, contain scope, and put forward a credible plan of remediation.

I advise and represent clients across the haulage sector, including owner operators, SMEs and larger fleets. Typical instructions include:

• Operator licence applications, variations and changes of entity or operating centre

• Advice on transport manager arrangements and governance

• Compliance reviews and operator licence health checks

• Representation in DVSA and Traffic Commissioner matters, including preliminary hearings and public inquiries

• Support responding to DVSA investigations, encounter reports and requests for information

• Advice on prohibitions, fixed penalties and referrals to the Traffic Commissioner

• Appeals strategy and related litigation support where available

• Ongoing compliance support, policy drafting and training input for management teams