Legal Advice

Covid-19 advice note & financial standing updated

The following is taken from an email circular released by the Office of the Traffic Commissioner The Traffic Commissioners have updated the advice note issued to assist operators during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The updates include changes to the process for temporary Local Bus Service Registration variations in England, Scotland and Wales. The provision to allow short notice temporary variations will now continue beyond 4 January 2021 in view of the continuing uncertainty facing operators. This provision will be reviewed on 1…

Read more

Haulier information on travel restrictions from Denmark

The following is taken from an email circular released by the Department for Transport. The Government last night (November 7) extended measures to prevent the potential spread of a variant strain of Covid-19. All travellers except for British nationals or residents of the UK who had been in or through Denmark in the last 14 days will now be stopped from coming into the UK. This includes non-resident HGV drivers. UK drivers need to self-isolate on return for 14 days. All passenger vessels…

Read more

EU Transition: Haulier Information & Advice Sites Open

The following has been taken from an email circular released by the Department for Transport: You and your drivers can now visit Information and Advice Sites across the UK for advice on how to prepare for the end of the transition period. Find your nearest advice site New rules will affect you when travelling to the EU from 1 January 2020. Sites will be available across the UK to get advice on what is needed to do to prepare for the changes. Support includes multi-lingual in-person advice…

Read more

ECMT Permit Applications Open NOW (2nd Nov 2020)

With new rules coming into force from 1st January 2021 for EU-Bound hauliers; and as yet no firm agreement on a Free Trade Agreement or other acceptable terms, operators will need to prepare for a enhanced controls at the border. The window is open from today(Monday 2nd November 2020) until Friday 20th November 2020; during which you can apply for permits to cover all your business to the EU. But caution; late applications will not be accepted. It is not expected that…

Read more

Government releases guidance for International Road Haulage past 1st Jan 2021

With the UK having left the EU, and with the transitional period swiftly running out; the Government has released guidance for what Goods Vehicle Operators will need to carry out International Road Haulage as of 1st January 2021. For full details, please follow this link; however the shorthand list is as follows: Make sure to carry the right operator licence Ensure you have the right permits for your journey Make sure to register your vehicle trailer You…

Read more

RHA calls proposed changes to the Highway Code “Frightening and irresponsible”

Since 28th July 2020, the Department for Transport (hereby called Dft), has been holding consultation on proposed amendments to the Highway Code. The proposed goal of which is to "introduce a hierarchy of road users, clarify pedestrian and cyclist priority, establish safer overtaking." But the RHA has voiced concerns, as they believe the proposed changes will askew the legal liability for collisions towards HGV drivers and those operating larger road vehicles. Additionally, they point out that the new amendments will remove…

Read more

Public inquiry attendees must not break quarantine rules

The following it taken from an email circular sent out by the Office of the Traffic Commissioner. PI attendees must follow the 14-day quarantine rule when arriving back in the UK from a country that is not on the exemption list. In the short time since we reintroduced physical attendance at hearings, there have been several worrying incidents where people have arrived at a public inquiry almost immediately after flying back to the UK. This puts everyone’s health at risk and…

Read more

End to Maintenance Schedule Relaxations

The office of the Traffic Commissioners have announced an end to the current maintenance inspection relaxations, which will take effect as of 1st September 2020. The full details can be found here. The update also includes the following issues: An extension of temporary local bus services processes until 4th January 2021 An increase in the notice period for service variations for Local Authorities from 24 hours to 72 hours in England & Scotland Amending a registered local bus service…

Read more

Concerns arise as HMRC has yet to build GVSM IT System

With a little under six months left before the Brexit Transition period expires, HMRC appears to be facing a crunch to get the proposed Goods Vehicle Movement System (GVMS) in place in time. The system is intended to allow companies and hauliers to declare goods ahead of reaching the border, allowing for a smoother flow of traffic at ports such as Dover. Seeing as France already has a system built and tested, Tim Reardon, head of the EU Exit at the…

Read more

HGV Levy to be Suspended for 12 Months

Starting from the 1st August 2020, the HGV Levy for UK & Overseas-registered HV's using the UK Road system will not be required to purchase a levy. This measure has been taken to aid the UK Economies recovery. Please note: You will still be required to buy a levy up until 31st July 2020 and that DVSA enforcement will continue. For full details, please review this article released by Gov.uk.

Read more