Haulage

Home Legal Practice Areas Haulage

SPECIALISTS IN HAULAGE LAW

The road haulage industry is one of the most heavily regulated, with an array of European, UK and local legislation concerning how businesses should be run and lorries driven.

We can help you navigate the many different rules and regulations involved in establishing your business and help to keep you operating if things go wrong.

We can also help keep your drivers on the road when there are problems with the police or the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Haulage, Haulage

How can we help you?

For Drivers

As a lorry or coach driver, you are subject not only to the normal road traffic rules but also to regulations concerning driving hours and resting hours, enforced by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

The rules on drivers’ hours are complicated, and the DVSA often miscalculates the hours drivers have driven or applies rest time incorrectly. We can help you to decide whether your tachograph has been correctly interpreted and advise you about what to do if you have committed an infringement.

In the case of a suspected offence, the DVSA may be considering a criminal prosecution against you. We can help you to negotiate a formal interview under caution and advise on the most appropriate course of action.

As a driver, you must also satisfy the Traffic Commissioner’s criteria for fitness to hold a licence for HGVs or PSVs, including keeping up to date with all mandatory training. Should there be a problem, you may be instructed to disclose matters to the Traffic Commissioner’s Office or to attend a Driver Conduct Hearing. In this situation we can offer you expert advice, giving you the best possible chance of keeping your licence.

Finally, if you are issued with a fixed penalty or investigated in relation to clandestine entrants we may be able to help reduce the penalty.

Contact us today for a confidential discussion of your circumstances and to find out how we can help.

For Businesses

Road haulage firms are heavily regulated by an array of organisations who are responsible for ensuring that as a business owner, you:

  • Have effective inspection and maintenance systems
  • Comply with the Construction and Use Regulations
  • Enforce drivers’ hours and the Working Time Directive
  • Have appropriate environmental protection
  • Comply with health and safety regulations

A failure to demonstrate any of the above can lead to an intrusive investigation and the potential for prosecution at court or a public inquiry. We can advise and represent your business in this situation, giving you the best possible chance to avoid hefty financial or other penalties.

Should your case attract press attention, which is common for haulage prosecutions, we can help you to avoid or mitigate adverse publicity and minimise reputational damage to your business.

We can also advise you in cases concerning clandestine entrants (including fixed penalties), and on issues around the renewal or amendment of your operator licence.

Contact us today for a confidential discussion of your circumstances and to find out how we can help.

Haulage Articles

Got a specific question about our haulage services? Browse our selection of useful articles below, or get in touch if you can’t find what you’re looking for – we’re always happy to discuss your case, and will either help you directly or refer you to someone who can.