Legal Advice

The Office of the Traffic Commissioner to stop accepting Paper Applications

In an email circular released today, the Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain & The Department for Infrastructure have stated that as of 1st August 2022, they will no longer process Operator License Applications/Major Variations submitted via paper. Stating that the current, most widely used paper application form is outdated and no longer compatible with their systems; stating that this has lead to a large number of delays in previous application processes. Moving forward, ALL applications will now be handled and processed…

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Do you operate Light Good Vehicles in Europe? Make sure you have an International Operator License by 21st May 22

From 21 May 2022, you’ll need a standard international goods vehicle operator licence to transport goods for hire or reward in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. This will apply to you if you’re based in England, Scotland or Wales and use: vans or other light goods vehicles (sometimes called ‘light commercial vehicles’) vans towing trailers cars towing trailers The new rules will apply to you if you use: vans with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) over 2,500kg (2.5 tonnes) and…

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Stricter laws concerning mobile phone when driving come into effect 25th Mar 22

As you are (hopefully) aware, it is already illegal to text or make a call (expect in an emergency situation) when using a hand-held device whilst driving. As of 25th March 2022, the law will change to also include taking photos or videos, scrolling through music playlists or play games. People caught doing so will face a £200 Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) & up to 6 points on their license. Drivers' will still be able to use 'hands-free' devices; such a phones…

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Recording Border Crossing on Tachograph Units

Stoneridge have recently posted a reminder concerning standing regulations concerning the proper recording of Border Crossing. Specifically: "Under current legislation, from 2nd February 2022 the driver shall enter the symbol of the country into which he enters after crossing the border of a Member State at the beginning of his first stop in that Member State. The first stop shall be made at or after the stopping point as close as possible to the border. When crossing the border of a…

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Manual Records & Other Work; Are You Reporting Your Hours Properly?

The following is taken from a letter circular we at TMC Assist will shortly be sending out to our clients, concerning a growing enforcement trend within both the DVSA and Uk Tarrfic Police: We at TMC Assist have become aware of a growing and shifting trend within both DVSA and Police enforcement regarding manual records and periods of ‘Other Work’, which we feel you should be made aware of. At a number of recent public inquiries to which TMC Assist have been…

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Message to all operators – have you changed your contact details?

The following is taken from an email circular sent out by the Office of the Traffic Commissioner: If you hold an operator’s licence it is important that your email address, telephone number and postal address held by us is correct. If your contact details are not correct you may not receive important correspondence from the traffic commissioner that may affect your operator’s licence. To check, log into your  VOL self service account  today. If you receive correspondence…

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Changes to the Highways Code that take effect 29th January 2022

As of 29th January 2022, there will be new additions and/or changes to the Highway Code centred around three main points: A Hierarchy of Road Users is being introduced A change in priorities regarding pedestrians Drivers will be required to give priority to cyclists in certain situations Each other these points is covered in greater detail at this [link].

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As of May 2022, van operators & other light goods vehicles will require an International Operator’s License

The following is taken from an email circular released by the Department for Transport: From 21 May 2022, operators or users of vans or other light goods vehicles over 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes in weight for hire and reward will need to obtain an International Operator's Licence. This includes a requirement to appoint a designated transport manager with a valid Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (TM CPC) qualification. This new requirement is part of the UK/EU Trade and Cooperation…

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