Graduated Fixed Penalty Scheme
Graduated Fixed Penalty Scheme
VOSA examiners will start issuing fixed penalty notices from 28th May and for
companies with an O Licence steps should be taken to prepare for this. It will
be seen as good practice to issue drivers with a letter explaining the new
regulations in particular the requirement for companies to notify relevant fixed
penalties to Traffic Commissioners.
The new legislation allows fixed penalties to be issued in relation to:
Drivers’ hours and records
Goods vehicle operator licensing
Vehicle prohibitions
Depending on the level of offence graduated penalties can also be issued
according to the level of offence and these apply to:
Drivers’ hours
Drivers’ records
Construction and use, in particular in relation to overloading, speed limiters
and tyre tread depth.
If you operating within the law then none of the above should cause a problem
but there will always be situations when genuine mistakes are made through lack
of knowledge or specific delivery circumstances and unfortunately the degree of
leniency taken by the authorities is unknown.
The best way to avoid any difficulties is to inform and train drivers and to ask
for advice when unsure.
Specific help can be provided by
Progressive Logistics in the form of an O
Licence audit to ensure you are legally up to date or perhaps some help with
driver training preparing briefing documents or in this case helping with a
suitable procedure and letter for drivers.
The main thing is to be prepared so that you are not the next VOSA statistic.
Article supplied by Chris Metcalfe of Progressive Logistics
If you wish to contact Chris direct please call 01606 851472 or 07859 038536 for further details