Transport for London found Guilty of “Procedural Impropriety”
The case of Transport for London (TfL) vs. Commercial Plant Services Ltd & Others 2023 ("Commercial Plant") recently hit the headlines as the London Tribunal ruled that TfL "broke the law" when it used CCTV systems rather than Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) to issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) to drivers. Continue reading→
Department of Transport Funding £8m to Improve Truck Roadside Facilities
The Department for Transport (DfT) has recently announced the "winners" of its £8 million funding offered to bidders to ensure better roadside facilities, more secure parking and improved rest areas. Continue reading→
Loading 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. Continue reading→
Government 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. Continue reading→
Longer 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. Continue reading→
PSVAR Review – Call for Evidence
Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Richard Holden has urged members of the coach and bus industry to respond to the government's call for evidence (CfE) in a key review on the Public Services Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR) which were introduced in 2000. Continue reading→
DVSA Clarification of Use of HIAB Loader Lorries Maximum Length and Weight
The DVSA has recently highlighted some confusion about the use of "HIAB" loader lorries regarding the length and maximum weight of these vehicles. Continue reading→
Would the Emergency Doors on your Coach or Bus Work in the Event of an Emergency?
For the vast majority of bus and coach journeys the emergency doors are not used, but of course should there be an accident and passengers need to be evacuated from the vehicle quickly, ensuring that the emergency doors work could prove to be literally lifesaving for the passengers on the coach. Continue reading→
Seat Belt Buckle Guards – How Safe Are They?
On 9th February 2023 the DVSA issued a "Daily Digest Bulletin" on the subject of seat belt buckle guards. A buckle guard is a component that is added to the standard seat belt equipment of a vehicle, in order to prevent the seat belt being released whilst the vehicle is in motion. Continue reading→
What to do if Industrial Action has Delayed your Replacement Driver Tachograph Card – Department of Transport Advice to Stakeholders
Following the recent flurry of strikes in the UK held by Royal Mail workers, the Department for Transport (DfT) has issued updated guidance on what to do should your replacement Driver Card not arrive within the stated timescales. Continue reading→
Department for Transport – Review of Heavy Vehicle Testing Update
The Department for Transport issued a report on the state of Heavy Vehicle Testing in the UK, following disruption by the Covid-19 lockdown measures. Continue reading→
Senior Traffic Commissioner’s Statutory Document Amendments – September 2022
The Senior Traffic Commissioner's Statutory Documents are crucial guidance documents that set out the relevant rules and obligations applicable to the holders of PSV and HGV operator's licences. Continue reading→