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Lorries aerial view

Open consultation – Clandestine Entrant Civil Penalty Scheme

Attention to all Fleet Managers, Operators and Drivers travelling from Europe to the UK!

Open consultation – Clandestine Entrant Civil Penalty Scheme

Up until 11:45pm on 12 September 2022, the UK Government are consulting on new regulations related to vehicle security and a new Level of Penalty: Code of Practice.

New motoring offence of ‘Causing Serious Injury by Careless Driving’ comes into effect

As of 28 June 2022, a new offence of causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving will apply. If your driving is “below” the expected and results in the “serious injury” of another, then this can be construed as causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving.

External Transport Manager

A Short Guide to Meeting Your Responsibilities as an External Transport Manager

It is not easy being an External Transport Manager. You have the same responsibilities as a full-time in-house Transport Manager however you might only be contracted for a handful of hours a week in the case of a single vehicle operator. Even for a diligent External Transport Manager it can be difficult to exercise continuous and effective control when you may only see the vehicles you are responsible for a few hours a week.

This guide is intended to be a short, no-nonsense crib sheet for External Transport Managers. It is by no means comprehensive, but it does flag up some of the more common issues that can ultimately lead to problems with the Traffic Commissioner.

Ranking tiers

Rothera Bray’ departments gain top rankings in latest Chambers guide

Chambers’ 2022 UK guide launched on Thursday 21st October, with Rothera Bray’ Family Law, Personal Injury and Transport departments ranked in the top tiers for their practice areas and jurisdictions.

Driver Conduct Hearing

Do I need a Lawyer for my Driver Conduct Hearing with the Traffic Commissioner?

Being called to a Driver Conduct Hearing by the Traffic Commissioner can be a very stressful experience under any circumstances. Whether the hearing takes place in person at the Traffic Commissioner’s office or virtually, the pressure of responding to allegations and being cross examined by the Traffic Commissioner can lead to sleepless nights.

Aerial view of parked lorries.

Life as a transport lawyer: Chris Powell on ‘A Half Dozen Things’ Podcast 

Rothera Bray’ Senior Associate Chris Powell recently spoke to Pete Rushmer, Founder and Managing Director of Flagship Partners and host of the podcast ‘A Half Dozen Things’ about his work as a transport lawyer at Rothera Bray. 

Parked vans

Does my van need an Operator’s Licence?

You usually only need an operator’s licence if you operate goods vehicles or public service vehicles over 3.5t; however, as a result of Brexit, from May 2022 the UK is introducing new regulations meaning that certain vans between 2.5t and 3.5t will require an operators’ licence or they could be operating unlawfully.

desk based assessment DVSA

DVSA Desk Based Assessments: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Transport Solicitor Chris Powell looks at 5 common mistakes transport companies can make when responding to a DVSA desk based assessment.

driver conduct hearing

Driver Conduct Hearings and the Traffic Commissioner: What Should You Expect?

Transport Lawyer Chris Powell Powell and trainee solicitor Joanne Derbyshire explain what to expect if you have been called to attend a Driver Conduct Hearing with the Traffic Commissioner.

kent access permit

Kent Access Permit: A Quick Guide for Transport Companies

Brexit Customs Procedures: The Kent Access Permit is designed to reduce traffic congestion after the brexit transition period.

transport good seized

HMRC Alcohol, Tobacco and Vehicle Seizures: Getting Your Goods Back

HMRC Alcohol, Tobacco and Vehicle Seizures: Transport Solicitor Chris Powell explains how an importer of excise goods can apply for the return of alcohol, tobacco or vehicles detained by UK customs.

Webinar 3 Transport Industry

Webinar recording: Covid-19 Essential Updates for the Transport Industry

Webinar recap: watch the recording of our recent webinar that details the impact of COVID-19 on the transport industry, with practical advice on how to navigate these issues.

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