𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 – 𝐕𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐯𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐤𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐟𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Vehicle maintenance is a crucial element to operator licensing.

It is one of the twelve undertakings and this demonstrates how important it is to safe and compliant operations.

It does not matter how big or small your operations are the requirements for keeping your vehicles in a fit and serviceable condition is the same. 

Things to consider for ensuring your vehicles and trailers remain fit and serviceable at all times: – 

What is the size of your fleet

What types of operations do you work on

Are there any off-road works which could affect the roadworthiness of vehicles

Do you use subcontracted garages for maintenance or your own garage

How any times are your vehicles used in a day/week

What are the conditions of your operating centres for daily checks

What monitoring of activities is required to ensure drivers/the system is adequately spot checked.

If you receive a prohibition notice from the DVSA for your vehicles condition, this is too late to find out that your vehicles are not being kept fit and serviceable and this will be passed onto the Traffic Commissioner which instantly demonstrates that you have not adhered to this undertaking.

If there was an issue with the maintenance with your vehicles anything you can show that would point to your system being effective will prevent possible regulatory action if you can demonstrate that the issue which was identified was a “one-off” or something which had slipped through the net so retention of written documentation to show that you had been following the required processes to ensure you are complying with this undertaking is essential.

Tyres are top of the list for roadside prohibitions so play particular attention to your systems for checking tyres, as well as checking your drivers knowledge and inspection methods to ensure compliance.

In addition, should a mechanic have a formal qualification before even touching a vehicle.  Listening to a Traffic Commissioner speak recently, this was certainly suggested, and the need for this to come from operators.  Have you checked the qualifications of mechanics, especially if they are an external provider.

If you need any assistance with the topics covered in our Total Compliance Fortnightly Focus, please get in touch through info@totalcompliance.co.uk or by called 0345 9001312.

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