Plating and Testing Exemptions – 2018 Changes
For decades, many categories of "specialised" heavy vehicles have been exempt from the requirements to have a valid Goods Vehicle Testing Certificate as well as to have plates fitted which display the limits set for their maximum operating weights. Continue reading→
The Why’s and Wherefore’s of AdBlue – what Commercial Vehicle Operators need to Know.
For commercial operators, emissions outputs are critical: the emissions standard of a vehicle is measured by reference to its output of a number of pollutants, with NOx being a crucial component. Continue reading→
Mobile Phone Penalty Increases – One Year On
The 1st March 2018 marked the anniversary of the increase in severity of fixed penalties for using a mobile phone while driving, increasing this from three points and a £100 fine to six points and a £200 fine. Continue reading→
EU Ruling on Weekly Rest in Vehicle Cabs
The European Court of Justice has ruled that HGV drivers may not take full 45 hour weekly rest periods in the cabs of their vehicles, and that national governments are entitled to penalise drivers who contravene that prohibition. Continue reading→
Financial Standing Rates for Transport Operators – 2018
Each year the finance that an HGV or PSV operator must have readily available in order to satisfy its legal obligation to be of "appropriate financial standing" is reviewed. Continue reading→
BREXIT – How will Article 50 affect the Transport Sector?
The UK government has yet to decide exactly when the UK will part company with the EU and the basis upon which they do so (and whether or not a 'so-called deal' is actually done) is still a long way down the road. Continue reading→
Double Penalties for Motorists Caught Using Mobile Phones
Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling has warned that under measures which came into force on 1st March 2017, motorists will face losing their licence if they are caught using their phone whilst driving. Continue reading→
HGV Price Fixing Cartel – Could YOU Get Some Money Back?
In July 2016, MAN, Volvo/Renault, Daimler, Iveco and DAF admitted to participating in an illegal price fixing cartel which operated to fix prices between 1997 and 2011. Scania is the target of an ongoing investigation. Continue reading→
Heading To France? New Emissions Sticker Needed
Under a new government scheme in France designed to reduce emissions, from 31st March 2017 it will be mandatory for any non-French registered vehicles to display an emissions sticker setting out how much the vehicle pollutes. Continue reading→
Everything you wanted to know about MOTs for Commercial Vehicles!
Many operators may not always appreciate that annual M.O.T. test failures go against their records – even when it is the maintenance provider that is primarily at fault for failing to prepare a vehicle properly. Continue reading→
How to Solve the Driver Shortage Problem
Kevin McIvor, HR Consultant, considers the driver shortage problem in the commercial vehicle industry and looks at ways in which operators can adapt their ways in order to attract and retain drivers. Continue reading→
Working Under the Domestic Drivers’ Hours Rules
Ask many goods vehicle operators what is meant by "running on domestic rules" and they will assume that you are referring to the exceptions set out in the EU drivers' hours and record keeping rules. Continue reading→