Operator Licensing - Failure to comply

If you've got this far you are most probably an operator who is eager to comply, or an operator who has just received a 'calling in' letter from the Traffic Commissioner!

Once the Operator's Licence has been issued it's something that many take for granted and the obligations that were entered into when a signature was placed on the dotted line of the appication form GV79 have been long forgotten, until something goes wrong ......................... or VOSA catch up with them!

Up until 2009 VOSA have not had the resources or manpower to check out every Goods Vehicle Operator for satisfactory levels of compliance, so many have continued trading even though their levels of compliance are left wanting. However, in 2009 the Agency was granted additional funding to enable them to take on more Examiners, put more Power To Stop vehicles on the road and carry out additional at the roadside spot checks and on-site maintenance assessments.

Some browsers of this site may think I'm being a bit over the top by being so pro-VOSA checks, but my question is "why should some Operators spend time and money complying with the obligations they entered into when they were granted an operators licence, then have to compete against non-compliant operators who can undercut their prices because they're not bothering to spend on safe vehicles and drivers?"

Do not take VOSA or the Traffic Commissioners lightly.

We've recently represented Operators who have been called in front of the Eastern Area Traffic Commissioner and he is rightly tough on anyone who does not respect his demand for 100% commitment to compliance.

Never forget that VOSA work on behalf of the Traffic Commissioners and they have powers that are far reaching and can result in any size and type of business losing their ability to trade at the stroke of a pen.

Truck UK specialises in providing top quality compliance services to every type and size of goods vehicle operator. If you believe that your operation needs an independent check or if you just want peace of mind why not contact us about an Operator Licence Audit? e-mail: info@truckuk.net with your requirements and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.

FAILURE TO COMPLY =

Loss of licence ...................loss of work ................... loss of livelihood

Impounding of vehicles  ............................. heavy fines ......................... imprisonment