Legal Issues

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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DfT updates Guidance on International Road Haulage

On Saturday, 29th January 2022 the Department for Transport (DfT) updated an existing guidance entitled "Carry out international road haulage". This is ahead of new rules which will effect the transporting of goods through or to Europe that come into effect this year. This guidance can be read in full at this [link] and covers topics like: Covid Testing Applying for licenses and permits CMR notes Customs & Document check at port And many more... If you are…

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Government announces major review into HGV driver training

The following is taken from Gov.uk: A sweeping review will seek to improve compulsory ongoing training for HGV and bus drivers, in the latest of 30 measures to support the road haulage sector and encourage even more people to return to the profession. Drivers currently need to undergo 5 days of periodic training every 5 years to ensure they remain fully qualified to drive heavy goods vehicles and buses professionally and up to date with road safety standards. Read more at this [link].

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Concerns within industry over proposed changes to cabotage

The regulations commonly known as "cabotage" currently limits international drivers to two deliveries within the UK over a seven-day period- including the one they enter the country with. The Department for Transport is proposing waiving theses rules in light of the current HGV driver shortage; as a means to keep the industry moving over the upcoming holiday period. However experts within the industry suggest the move doesn't tackle the issues that are keeping people out of the industry and will have a…

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Application from ‘phoenix’ business rejected

The following was taken from an email circular released by the Office of the Traffic Commissioner within the last week: The Traffic Commissioner for the West Midlands (Nick Denton) recently refused an application for a standard national goods vehicle operator’s licence because  it was a clear example of a ‘phoenix’ business, one that is effectively seeking to continue a revoked licence. You can read the full circular, plus see details concerning Nick Denton's decision at this [link].

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Operator whose vehicle struck a bridge finds their licence being curtailed

The following is taken from an email circular output by the Office of the Traffic Commissioner: A number of incidences of commercial vehicles striking bridges have been reported across the national press in recent weeks. Traffic commissioners have previously issued advice to operators on steps they can take to prevent ‘bridge strikes’. In addition to the potentially catastrophic road safety issues, there are serious financial implications to these accidents, as well as travel delays for commuters. There are also serious implications for…

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Increased fines for hauliers carrying migrants meets stiff opposition

The UK Government has recently outlined plans in increase the fines issued to drivers found to be carrying migrant stowaways; as part of their New Plan for Immigration, though many within the haulage industry have argued against them. With the current UK Driver shortage after Brexit and the countries separation from Europe, many in the industry are concerned that this will simply exacerbate an issue which is already affecting all corners of the UK's supply chains and logistics industry. Logistics UK (Formerly…

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Access to France for Passenger Transport and Accompanied Freight from the UK

The following is taken from an email circular released by the Drivers & Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA). Due to the importance of the content, we are releasing the message in it's entirety. Tonight, the French Government announced that all passenger transport and accompanied freight from the UK will be unable to access France. This will take effect from 11pm tonight (GMT) and will last for a period of 48 hours. Given this, hauliers must avoid traveling to Kent ports (including Eurotunnel)…

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