http://www.roadtransport.com/en-gbTue, 09 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/09/124934/mobile-workers-and-subcontractors.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/09/124934/mobile-workers-and-subcontractors.htmlEmploying mobile workers such as drivers, and the use of contractors has many implications in terms of health and safety.Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/09/135520/high-court-rejects-conspiracy-claims.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/09/135520/high-court-rejects-conspiracy-claims.htmlThe High Court has rejected allegations that Senior Traffic Commissioner (TC) Philip Brown (pictured), North Western TC Beverley Bell and VOSA had been biased and conspired against the interests of Al-Le Logistics.Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:59:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/08/135513/vosas-hgv-enforcement-agents-thinly-spread.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/08/135513/vosas-hgv-enforcement-agents-thinly-spread.htmlVOSA figures show there are just four staff with the power to stop and inspect HGVs at the roadside to cover the whole of south Wales.Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:22:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/05/124915/digital-tachographs.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/05/124915/digital-tachographs.htmlDigital tachographs have now replaced the traditional wax-disc tachograph on all new trucks, yet many operators still don't know how to deal with them. Here's the lowdown.Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:25:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/03/135498/walsall-firm-john-wilkes-loses-o-licence.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/03/135498/walsall-firm-john-wilkes-loses-o-licence.htmlJohn Wilkes & Son (Transport) has lost its 12-vehicle O-licence and seen its director, Gary Darling, disqualified for a month after the West Midlands TC Nick Jones ruled that its "trust with VOSA has been broken".Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:09:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/03/135497/smoothie-deal-lead-to-rough-ride-at-translact.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/03/135497/smoothie-deal-lead-to-rough-ride-at-translact.htmlThe Translact and Taymix public inquiry has heard details about the impact a new business win in 2005 had on the firm. It created what was described as an...Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:34:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/03/135492/translact-inquiry-rest-periods-under-scrutiny.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/03/135492/translact-inquiry-rest-periods-under-scrutiny.htmlWhat constitutes the beginning of a rest period for a driver could depend on instructions issued by a depot manager, a public inquiry has heard.Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:11:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/03/135493/firm-that-permitted-drivers-offences-must-pay-5000.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/03/135493/firm-that-permitted-drivers-offences-must-pay-5000.htmlDrivers claimed that pressure of work led to hours and tachograph offences being committed, which cost their employer nearly £5,000 in fines and costs at a hearing before Sheffield magistrates. Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/03/135494/failure-to-take-rest-breaks-costs-livestock-haulier.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/03/135494/failure-to-take-rest-breaks-costs-livestock-haulier.htmlA livestock haulier who repeatedly missed required rest breaks, including driving for more than 10 hours on one occasion, has been ordered to pay £915 in fines and costs.Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/03/135495/six-months-to-shape-up-or-be-disqualified.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/03/135495/six-months-to-shape-up-or-be-disqualified.htmlAn operator associated with two failed companies has been granted interim O-licences in two traffic areas for six months on condition that new driver training takes place. Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/03/135491/grieving-haulier-wins-revocation-appeal.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/03/135491/grieving-haulier-wins-revocation-appeal.htmlAn operator who felt he was unable to attend a public inquiry following the murder of his brother has had his appeal against his O-licence revocation upheld by an appeal tribunal.Wed, 03 Feb 2010 07:52:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/02/135483/translact-tacho-break-blamed-on-electrical-fault.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/02/135483/translact-tacho-break-blamed-on-electrical-fault.htmlThe public inquiry to determine if Translact and Taymix should retain their O-licences has heard how an interruption in a tacho recording could have been the result of an "electrical fault".Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:58:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/02/124936/hazardous-substances-and-coshh.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/02/124936/hazardous-substances-and-coshh.htmlCOSHH requires employers and the self-employed to control exposure to hazardous substances.Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:13:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/02/135478/taymix-employee-defends-firm.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/02/135478/taymix-employee-defends-firm.htmlTaxmix Transport always allowed drivers "plenty of rest", reveals a driver who has worked for the company for 20 years. The firm, and sister business...Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:44:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/01/135476/pi-hears-that-translact-drivers-were-overworked.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/02/01/135476/pi-hears-that-translact-drivers-were-overworked.html A public inquiry has heard how drivers at a haulage firm committed a string of tachograph offences, despite complaints being made to the company's management...Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:39:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/29/124938/load-handling-and-loler.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/29/124938/load-handling-and-loler.htmlAnybody with direct or indirect control over lifting equipment and its users should know about LOLER.Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/29/124924/workplace-equipment-and-puwer.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/29/124924/workplace-equipment-and-puwer.htmlEmployers and users of industrial equipment have important obligations - what are they, and how do they work?Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/29/135464/hgv-trainer-loses-dismissal-claim.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/29/135464/hgv-trainer-loses-dismissal-claim.htmlAn HGV driving assessor has lost a claim for unfair dismissal but been awarded £473 in unpaid wages after being sacked for not doing his job.Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/28/124921/workplace-accidents-and-riddor.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/28/124921/workplace-accidents-and-riddor.htmlWorkplace accidents need to be notified in a controlled way - here's how to comply with the law.Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:03:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/27/124920/workplace-safety-and-risk-assessments.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/27/124920/workplace-safety-and-risk-assessments.htmlRisk assessment is a key part of establishing a safe workplace - and complying with Health and Safety law.Wed, 27 Jan 2010 09:14:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/27/135438/limited-o-licence-is-likely-for-repeat-offenders.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/27/135438/limited-o-licence-is-likely-for-repeat-offenders.htmlTwo brothers with a history of operating vehicles without an O-licence must wait to learn if their latest application is successful.Wed, 27 Jan 2010 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/27/135439/muddled-management-results-in-licence-cut.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/27/135439/muddled-management-results-in-licence-cut.htmlTransport manager admits he had taken his "eye off the ball", which resulted in a breakdown when it came to compliance and maintenance.Wed, 27 Jan 2010 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/25/135429/rha-wins-unfair-dismissal-tribunal.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/25/135429/rha-wins-unfair-dismissal-tribunal.htmlA former Road Haulage Association (RHA) employee has lost his unfair dismissal claim against the organisation. Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:43:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/25/135423/vosa-test-fee-rises-remain-on-the-cards.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/25/135423/vosa-test-fee-rises-remain-on-the-cards.htmlAbove-inflation test fee increases have not been ruled out as VOSA pursues its plan to close its own testing stations in favour of privately-run Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs).Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:31:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/22/135410/hse-hopes-for-overloading-checks-improvement.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/22/135410/hse-hopes-for-overloading-checks-improvement.htmlThe Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has admitted it is disappointed with the findings of its spot checks on suspected overloaded trucks last year, and says it is hoping for improvements from hauliers this year.Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/22/124792/individual-responsibilities-and-gross-negligence-manslaughter.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/22/124792/individual-responsibilities-and-gross-negligence-manslaughter.htmlHealth and safety offences can be committed by individuals as well as companies. When there has been a death, manslaughter prosecutions can also be brought against individuals.Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/21/135395/prohibitions-lead-to-licence-cuts-for-two-firms.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/21/135395/prohibitions-lead-to-licence-cuts-for-two-firms.htmlTwo associated operators have suffered O-licence cuts after an inquiry heard they had clocked up more than 40 prohibitions for maintenance offences. However, remedial measures taken meant that the operators managed to hang on to their licences. Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/21/135396/willingness-to-learn-safeguards-licence.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/21/135396/willingness-to-learn-safeguards-licence.htmlA company escaped with a formal warning after it remedied maintenance problems,including the poor condition of trucks in roadside checks and annual tests.Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/21/135397/skip-firm-warned-but-no-action-taken.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/21/135397/skip-firm-warned-but-no-action-taken.htmlA skip operator escaped action against its licence after it gave undertakings linked to safety inspections; brake tests and annual tests.Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/21/124793/health-and-safety-at-work-act-1974.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/21/124793/health-and-safety-at-work-act-1974.htmlThe Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA 1974) is the most significant piece of legislation in the area of health and safety. It applies to everyone "at work" which includes employers, the self-employed and employees. It also protects the general public who may be affected by work activities.Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:10:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/21/135285/corporate-manslaughter-and-corporate-homicide-act-2007.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/21/135285/corporate-manslaughter-and-corporate-homicide-act-2007.htmlThe long awaited Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 finally came into force on 6 April 2008. The Act, which the Government had been promising for 10 years, introduced a new statutory offence of corporate manslaughter in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/20/135404/o-licence-cut-until-hauliers-finances-recover-from-arson.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/20/135404/o-licence-cut-until-hauliers-finances-recover-from-arson.htmlAn operator that lost four lorries to an arson attack has had its O-licence cut until it can demonstrate it has financially recovered. The company also had maintenance problems, including a near 50% failure at annual test. Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/19/135391/vehicle-spotchecks-focus-on-overloading.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/19/135391/vehicle-spotchecks-focus-on-overloading.htmlVOSA and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are carrying out hundreds of random spotchecks in the north-west of England on trucks and vans suspected to be overloaded or have unsafe loads.Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:38:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/19/135388/norberts-snow-absentees-must-use-annual-leave.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/19/135388/norberts-snow-absentees-must-use-annual-leave.htmlNorbert Dentressangle (ND) has told staff who could not get into work during the snow that they must take the time as holiday or make up the hours.Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:18:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/19/135374/welsh-tc-hits-out-at-vosa-two-tier-system.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/19/135374/welsh-tc-hits-out-at-vosa-two-tier-system.htmlWelsh Traffic Commissioner Nick Jones delivered a stinging rebuke of VOSA's lack of spending and a presence in large swathes of the principality, which, he says, are leading to a two-tier system of regulation for truck operators.Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/19/135381/sausage-throwing-trucker-ordered-to-pay-more-than-600.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/19/135381/sausage-throwing-trucker-ordered-to-pay-more-than-600.htmlA sausage-throwing trucker has been ordered to pay more than £600 in fines and costs after failing to pay an initial £75 fine for littering.Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:31:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/19/135387/ex-trailer-boss-found-guilty-of-fraud.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/19/135387/ex-trailer-boss-found-guilty-of-fraud.htmlAlan Wilson, the former director and major shareholder of Blue Cube Rentals, has been sentenced to 44 months imprisonment at Stafford Crown Court this week after pleading guilty to fraud.Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/15/135360/hauliers-must-grit-yards-to-prevent-injury-claims.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/15/135360/hauliers-must-grit-yards-to-prevent-injury-claims.htmlHaulage firms must properly grit yards, steps and walkways affected by snow and ice or face compensation claims for accidents, a personal injury lawyer has warned. Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:13:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/15/135351/rha-urges-renewal-of-workforce-agreements.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/15/135351/rha-urges-renewal-of-workforce-agreements.htmlLarge numbers of hauliers need to renew working hours agreements with their employees, according to the Road Haulage Association (RHA).Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:54:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/14/135297/scottish-tc-revokes-waste-haulage-firm-licence.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/14/135297/scottish-tc-revokes-waste-haulage-firm-licence.htmlFalsified bank statements and maintenance agreements result in revocation of a aste haulage company's O-licence.Thu, 14 Jan 2010 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/13/135339/am-widdowson-fined-5000-for-fire-risk.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/13/135339/am-widdowson-fined-5000-for-fire-risk.htmlLeicestershire haulier AM Widdowson has been prosecuted for creating a fire risk by illegally storing huge quantities of highly flammable aerosols.Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:41:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/12/135332/drivers-hours-rules-relaxed-for-another-week.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/12/135332/drivers-hours-rules-relaxed-for-another-week.htmlA temporary relaxation of drivers' hours rules will be extended until midnight on Monday for operators involved in the delivery of road salt and other essentials being used to cope with the current spell of bad weather.Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/12/135335/drivers-hours-rules-relaxation-extended.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/12/135335/drivers-hours-rules-relaxation-extended.htmlA temporary relaxation of drivers' hours rules has been extended until 23:59 on Monday 18 January by the Department for Transport.Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/08/135311/drivers-hours-rules-relaxed-in-big-freeze.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/08/135311/drivers-hours-rules-relaxed-in-big-freeze.htmlHauliers helping to distribute the UK's supplies of rock salt during the current big freeze have been helped by the DfT's decision to relax drivers' hours rules.Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/07/135245/false-reg-plates-leads-to-licence-revocation.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/07/135245/false-reg-plates-leads-to-licence-revocation.html (HEAD) False reg plates leads to licence revocation (STANDFIRST) North-Western TC says UK firm can submit a fresh application if Dutch managing...Thu, 07 Jan 2010 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/07/135247/operator-wins-appeal-after-address-mix-up.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/07/135247/operator-wins-appeal-after-address-mix-up.htmlAn operator has won an appeal against the automatic termination of her O-licence after the Appeal Tribunal accepted there had been a breakdown in communication between two government offices.Thu, 07 Jan 2010 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/07/135303/highways-agency-roadside-recovery-gets-rha-thumbs-up.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/07/135303/highways-agency-roadside-recovery-gets-rha-thumbs-up.htmlThe Road Haulage Association (RHA) has praised the handling of roadside vehicle recovery by the Highways Agency (HA) following a visit to FMG Support, the national vehicle recovery manager contractor in the UK.Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/06/135296/drivers-forced-to-pay-fines-and-costs-of-4610.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/06/135296/drivers-forced-to-pay-fines-and-costs-of-4610.htmlDrivers employed by a Liverpool haulier have been ordered to pay a total of £4,610 in fines and costs after admitting to falsifying tacho records and failing to keep complete records.Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:16:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/05/135293/rha-faces-tribunal-over-unfair-dismissal-claim.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/05/135293/rha-faces-tribunal-over-unfair-dismissal-claim.htmlThe Road Haulage Association (RHA) will face an employment tribunal next Monday (11 Jan) over a claim of unfair dismissal by one of its former employees who was made redundant last year.Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:26:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/05/135290/haringey-council-to-enforce-lorry-ban.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/05/135290/haringey-council-to-enforce-lorry-ban.htmlOperators in north London, face longer journey times following Haringey Council's decision to implement an HGV ban.Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:08:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/04/135282/aspey-trucks-o-licence-refusal-overturned.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2010/01/04/135282/aspey-trucks-o-licence-refusal-overturned.htmlThe Transport Tribunal has allowed an appeal by a haulage company after it found that "natural justice was not well served" when a Traffic Commissioner (TC) refused to grant an O-licence.Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/27/135263/ts-transport-overturns-four-week-suspension.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/27/135263/ts-transport-overturns-four-week-suspension.htmlDundee haulier TS Transport (Scotland) has managed to overturn the four-week suspension of its 10-vehicle O-licence, however, an appeals tribunal upheld a six-month curtailment of its fleet.Sun, 27 Dec 2009 09:39:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/22/135267/tuffnells-fined-35k-after-employee-breaks-leg.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/22/135267/tuffnells-fined-35k-after-employee-breaks-leg.htmlSheffield-based Tuffnells Parcels Express has been ordered to pay more than £40,000 in fines and costs for an accident that resulted in an employee breaking his leg. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:39:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/19/135256/innes-transport-wins-appeal.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/19/135256/innes-transport-wins-appeal.htmlInnes Transport, a Scottish haulage firm that was refused an O-licence by TC Joan Aitken for its apparently close ties to banned operator JC Innes & Sons, has won an appeal against the decision.Sat, 19 Dec 2009 07:05:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/17/135190/gun-toting-haulier-threatened-to-shoot-examiner.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/17/135190/gun-toting-haulier-threatened-to-shoot-examiner.htmlAn operator who threatened to shoot a traffic examiner and any VOSA staff who visited his premises has been disqualified from holding an O-licence for 10 years.Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/17/135191/disqualification-after-trying-to-hoodwink-dtc.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/17/135191/disqualification-after-trying-to-hoodwink-dtc.htmlA company director has been disqualified from holding an O-licence after false documents were produced at a public inquiry to prove the company had disposed of a vehicle.Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/14/135232/kyle-seafoods-loses-o-licence-refusal-appeal.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/14/135232/kyle-seafoods-loses-o-licence-refusal-appeal.htmlA Scottish firm that was refused an O-licence after "extensive, deliberate operation without a valid operator licence" has lost its appeal against the decision.Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/13/135209/fleet-suspended-unless-vehicles-pass-tests.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/13/135209/fleet-suspended-unless-vehicles-pass-tests.htmlSelby-based Fleetbush will have its fleet suspended unless each vehicle has passed an annual vehicle test first time by the end of the year. The operator has received 16 prohibitions in four years. Sun, 13 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/13/135211/osullivan-associate-has-licence-revoked.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/13/135211/osullivan-associate-has-licence-revoked.htmlA haulier who was given a one-year prison sentence in April for O-licence fraud has had his O-licence revoked and is banned from holding one for 10 years. Sun, 13 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/11/135214/speed-in-shelving-drug-smugglers-jailed.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/11/135214/speed-in-shelving-drug-smugglers-jailed.html'Speed-in-shelving' drug smugglers were jailed for 26 years collectively, after their attempt to bring £1m of amphetamines into the UK was foiled.Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:39:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/11/135208/tc-curbs-will-affect-all-o-licence-holders.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/11/135208/tc-curbs-will-affect-all-o-licence-holders.htmlA final guidance document from the Transport Secretary to Senior Traffic Commissioner Philip Brown (pictured) has now been published - and the FTA warns that the government's attempt to rein in the external activities carried out by TCs will be to the detriment of all O-licence holders. Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:30:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/11/135204/k-line-fined-15k-for-contractor-death.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/11/135204/k-line-fined-15k-for-contractor-death.htmlMiddlesex-based freight forwarder K-Line Logistics has been ordered to pay almost £20,000 after a roofer employed at the firm fell to his death.Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:48:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/10/135210/bed-maker-must-not-lie-down-on-the-job.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/10/135210/bed-maker-must-not-lie-down-on-the-job.htmlA West Yorkshire bed maker has won a 40% increase in its O-licence authorisation, but has been warned it must avoid past problems over fleet management.Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/08/135171/drivers-prosecuted-for-sat-nav-mistakes.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/08/135171/drivers-prosecuted-for-sat-nav-mistakes.htmlTruck drivers whose satellite navigation systems send them down a narrow Staffordshire lane are finding themselves hauled before the courts.Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/04/135159/ni-transport-regulator-must-be-independent.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/04/135159/ni-transport-regulator-must-be-independent.htmlThe new regulator of Northern Ireland's O-licensing system must be granted the same independence as Traffic Commissioners (TC) are in the rest of the UK, industry experts argue.Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:07:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/03/124914/applying-for-an-o-licence.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/03/124914/applying-for-an-o-licence.htmlAnybody who operates goods vehicles for commercial purposes on UK roads requires an O-licence.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:26:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/03/124917/working-time-directive-wtdrtd-explained.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/03/124917/working-time-directive-wtdrtd-explained.htmlTransport operators now have to worry about more than the drivers' hours laws. This page explains the basics of the Working Time Directive, and how it applies to transport workers.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/03/135152/drivers-fine-rises-to-650-after-non-payment.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/03/135152/drivers-fine-rises-to-650-after-non-payment.htmlA Peterborough-based trucker must pay £653 for avoiding a VOSA-issued Graduated Fixed Penalty (GFP) and failing to surrender his licence.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:27:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/03/124919/the-traffic-commissioners-powers.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/03/124919/the-traffic-commissioners-powers.htmlThe Traffic Commissioners can take your livelihood away; we explain how they work, and how you can appeal against them.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:05:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/03/135149/hgv-mechanic-firm-fined-40000-after-employee-crushed-to-death-by-truck.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/03/135149/hgv-mechanic-firm-fined-40000-after-employee-crushed-to-death-by-truck.htmlA Kettering CV repair firm has been ordered to pay £65,000 after an employee was crushed to death by a lorry.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:38:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/03/124922/changing-and-varying-your-o-licence.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/03/124922/changing-and-varying-your-o-licence.htmlWhat happens if you need to take on more vehicles? We explain how to alter the conditions of your O-licence.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/03/135144/lorry-driver-died-from-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-in-his-truck.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/03/135144/lorry-driver-died-from-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-in-his-truck.htmlA verdict of accidental death was recorded after a lorry driver was poisoned by a camping stove in his truck.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:17:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/02/135128/khj-loses-o-licence-following-fraud-case.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/12/02/135128/khj-loses-o-licence-following-fraud-case.htmlA Barrow-in-Furness haulage firm whose former director and two managers were jailed for their part in a waste fraud has lost its O-licence and been banned from holding one for five years by North Western Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell (pictured). Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:06:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/19/134985/trucks-imported-to-uk-on-false-plates.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/19/134985/trucks-imported-to-uk-on-false-plates.htmlA UK subsidiary of a Dutch transport company faces action by North-Western Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell (pictured) against its O-licence after it was discovered importing trucks from Holland on false registration plates.Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:25:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/19/134997/driver-loses-appeal-over-sacking.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/19/134997/driver-loses-appeal-over-sacking.htmlA DHL driver who was sacked after his trailer uncoupled from his tractor unit on a busy road has lost his appeal against unfair dismissal.Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/19/134998/full-time-building-worker-poses-no-risk-as-transport-manager.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/19/134998/full-time-building-worker-poses-no-risk-as-transport-manager.htmlAn operator that employed a full-time building worker as its nominated transport manager has been given the green light to carry on. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/19/135033/cut-price-cpc-training-in-the-north-west.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/19/135033/cut-price-cpc-training-in-the-north-west.htmlThe Big Train will be rolling into Chester Racecourse on January 29 and 30, giving truck drivers another opportunity to clock-up seven hours of compulsory CPC training for the bargain price of £99 plus VAT.Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/18/135051/trucker-ordered-to-pay-1600-for-fuel-card-fraud.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/18/135051/trucker-ordered-to-pay-1600-for-fuel-card-fraud.htmlA West Midlands-based truck driver who stole £50-worth of fuel from his employer has been ordered to pay £1,600 after pleading guilty to fraud.Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/16/135023/fpb-wants-phoenix-firm-regs-tightened-up.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/16/135023/fpb-wants-phoenix-firm-regs-tightened-up.htmlThe Forum of Private Business (FPB) has demanded that an investigation into corporate insolvencies should also address the issue of "phoenix" companies re-estabishing themselves under another name and leaving creditors unpaid.Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:22:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/16/135024/animal-feed-transporter-fined-25000.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/16/135024/animal-feed-transporter-fined-25000.htmlA Northern Ireland-based haulier has been fined £25,000 after poor working practices led to the contamination of an animal feed load.Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:57:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/16/135026/fsb-in-call-for-a12-outside-lane-truck-ban.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/16/135026/fsb-in-call-for-a12-outside-lane-truck-ban.htmlThe Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) wants trucks confined to the inside lane on the A12 in Essex in an effort to ease congestion.Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/13/135009/ex-tdg-trucker-wins-86000-payout.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/13/135009/ex-tdg-trucker-wins-86000-payout.html A former TDG HGV driver has won an £86,000 payment from the logistics firm after sustaining injuries driving in bad weather.Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:13:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/11/134999/van-driver-beats-speeding-ticket-with-gps-data.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/11/134999/van-driver-beats-speeding-ticket-with-gps-data.htmlA driver of a Ford Transit Connect has successfully challenged a speeding ticket by using GPS data linked to his vehicle.Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/10/134977/son-of-jailed-hgv-driver-walks-free.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/10/134977/son-of-jailed-hgv-driver-walks-free.htmlA man who was jailed for helping his truck-driving father falsify tachograph records has been released from prison after being freed by the Court of Appeal.Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/10/134975/police-trial-spy-truck-to-catch-rogue-hauliers.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/10/134975/police-trial-spy-truck-to-catch-rogue-hauliers.htmlA foreign trucker caught watching a DVD while driving was just one offender detected during a new police-led spy-truck scheme called Operation Parochial.Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:35:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/05/134957/haulier-with-allegedly-faked-contract-wins-appeal.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/05/134957/haulier-with-allegedly-faked-contract-wins-appeal.htmlA Middlesex operator, whose O-licence was revoked because of an allegedly false maintenance contract and a lack of financial standing, has won his appeal.Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:43:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/05/134886/company-fleet-cut-pending-court-case.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/05/134886/company-fleet-cut-pending-court-case.htmlDeputy TC cuts company's O-licence as an interim measure in the interest of road safety before criminal proceedings.Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/05/134895/licence-increase-despite-convictions.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/05/134895/licence-increase-despite-convictions.htmlA dairy operation has had its applications for a fleet increase accepted, despite the Traffic Commissioner being warned about several convictions received by the group.Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/05/134896/driver-fined-415-for-using-wrong-card.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/11/05/134896/driver-fined-415-for-using-wrong-card.htmlA driver who used someone else's driver card and falsified a digital tachograph record must pay £415 in fines and costs.Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/10/29/134808/tc-revokes-o-licence-bid-and-chucks-out-two-other-bids.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/10/29/134808/tc-revokes-o-licence-bid-and-chucks-out-two-other-bids.htmlOne company's O-licence has been revoked and applications from two associates have been denied at a public inquiry after the Traffic Commissioner heard the controlling force was an undischarged bankrupt. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/10/29/134809/three-week-curtailment-at-third-public-inquiry.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/10/29/134809/three-week-curtailment-at-third-public-inquiry.htmlA haulier has been given interim authority for five extra trucks after a new investigation was ordered to ensure maintenance standards were being met.Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/10/29/134807/interim-authority-granted-pending-investigation-results.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/10/29/134807/interim-authority-granted-pending-investigation-results.htmlA haulier has been given interim authority for five extra trucks after a new investigation was ordered to ensure maintenance standards were being met.Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/10/28/134897/wandsworth-council-fines-hgv-rat-run-offenders.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/10/28/134897/wandsworth-council-fines-hgv-rat-run-offenders.htmlWandsworth Council has collected £2,400 in fines from 20 truck drivers caught flouting 'rat-run' bans. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:41:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/10/20/134829/remainder-of-ldv-assets-sold.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/10/20/134829/remainder-of-ldv-assets-sold.htmlFormer automotive consultant Dr Qu Li has bought the remaining assets of van manufacturer LDV.Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:42:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/10/15/134707/southampton-firm-stripped-of-o-licence.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/10/15/134707/southampton-firm-stripped-of-o-licence.htmlThe O-licence held by Southampton-based Standen & Sons has been revoked, and the company and its sole director, Kevin Standen, have been disqualified from holding an O-licence for eight years.Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/10/15/134708/foreign-trucker-fined-for-falsifying-tacho-records.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/10/15/134708/foreign-trucker-fined-for-falsifying-tacho-records.htmlA Moldavian lorry driver, found to be using a magnet to falsify digital tachograph records, was ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £200 by Rochdale Magistrates after being kept in the cells overnight.Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/10/15/134709/pi-adjourned-after-firm-fails-to-produce-records.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/10/15/134709/pi-adjourned-after-firm-fails-to-produce-records.htmlA bid for a new O-licence by Chesterfield-based Trebelar Regeneration Ltd, trading as MXG Waste Solutions, was adjourned by the North-Western Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell until the company can produce all the documents that had been requested in the call-up letter. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/10/13/134765/vietnamese-are-latest-stowaways-caught-by-ukba.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/10/13/134765/vietnamese-are-latest-stowaways-caught-by-ukba.htmlSeven Vietnamese illegal immigrants have been found concealed in a truck-load of wine by UK Border Agency (UKBA) officers at Calais.Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/10/05/134714/vosa-area-manager-admits-disability-benefits-scam.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/10/05/134714/vosa-area-manager-admits-disability-benefits-scam.htmlVOSA area manager James Dorman has admitted a £30,000 plus disability benefit fraud over a 16 year period when he appeared before Liverpool Crown Court. Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/10/03/134705/vosa-improves-drawbar-coupling-tests.htmlhttp://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/10/03/134705/vosa-improves-drawbar-coupling-tests.htmlVOSA has improved its drawbar-coupling test procedure after Swedish drawbar coupling manufacturer VBG raised safety concerns earlier this year regarding proper checks for the locking mechanism.Sat, 03 Oct 2009 06:45:00 GMT