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→
Government Consultation on Entitlement to Drive Vehicles up to 7.5 Tonnes
During the recent Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns by the UK Government, a number of emergency measures were put in place in order to address certain issues such as the shortage of HGV drivers. Continue reading→
DVSA Issue Revised Guidance on the Categorisation of Defects on Vehicles
This revision gives a total of 29 revisions to the various checks that DVSA officers would be expected to carry out during any roadside checks they undertake. Continue reading→
DVLA – Accelerating Medical Fitness Applications
It is to be hoped that professional drivers will no longer have to endure weeks of waiting for their driving licences to be processed, as the Government has implemented changes to the Road Traffic Act 1988 (RTA) to allow a wider range of health care professionals to approve medical examinations. Continue reading→
Office of Traffic Commissioners Announces End to GV81 Paper Applications for Major Applications
The increasing digitisation of the working world has reached the Office of the Traffic Commissioner's applications process, with the induction of digital applications about to be a requirement for all Major applications from 1st August 2022 onwards. Continue reading→
Changes to Sentencing Rules for Dangerous Driving Offences – Life Sentences from 28th June 2022
Road traffic accidents can be difficult, traumatic experiences for all involved, especially if there is an accusation that the driver causing the accident was "under the influence" when the accident happened. Continue reading→
Latest Update to Traffic Commissioner Guidance – 12th April 2022
The series of amendments published on 12th April 2022 incorporate the new regulations on Light Goods Vehicles (LGV's) across the Traffic Commissioners' Guidance documents. Continue reading→
Working Time?
Aimed at ensuring that HGV drivers do not work and drive without taking sufficient rests because doing so can put road safety at risk, The Road Transport (Working Time) Regulations 2005 apply to HGV drivers who drive under the Community Drivers' Hours Regulation on 11 or more days in a reference period that is shorter than 26 weeks. Continue reading→
It Is Time To “Torque” About Wheel Security…
There can be few more frightening accidents on the road than a commercial vehicle wheel-loss at speed - but they happen - and when they do, the outcomes can be serious. Continue reading→
UK Government Acts to Lessen Driver Shortage for HGV Sector
On 20th July 2021 the Government issued an open letter to the UK Logistics Sector, announcing its various plans to increase the number of lorry driving tests over the next few months and ongoingly. Continue reading→