Transport solicitors and operators licence application? Border Force & HMRC Vehicle Seizures: Trucks and loads entering the UK will be seized by the UK Border Force or HMRC (UK customs) if they are found to be carrying forbidden contraband (e.g. weapons, drugs, tobacco, alcohol etc). In most cases, both the haulier and the owners of the goods being transported will have no knowledge of the presence of the forbidden contraband. Reclaiming Seized Trucks: Our transport lawyers have a very high success rate of securing the release of EU owned trucks and trailers seized at the UK Border. We can usually achieve this without the need for a court hearing.
If you cannot show that you have an effective system in place and that it was being properly operated on the day, as the haulier you can ultimately be liable to pay up to £4,000 per migrant. If you fail to pay your penalty you can expect your vehicle to be seized and sold or even destroyed by the UK Border Force. You have the right to appeal against both the imposition of your Civil Penalty, and its amount. The appeal process consists of two routes: A Notice of Objection to the Border Force. This entails the submission of written representations and supporting evidence to the Border Force. Using this route, our transport lawyers have a high success rate in dramatically reducing the amount of penalty payable, without the need to go to court. This is often the most cost-effective route.
Expert team of Barristers and Solicitors with years of experience in providing advice and representation in Road Transport Law.Road Transport Lawyers for HGV and PSV Operators and Drivers in the UK and around Europe. Does your company provide vehicles for employees to use as part of their employment? You may not realise it but the company could be liable for prosecution, in addition to the driver, if the vehicles are used in circumstances where motoring offences are committed. Read more information on https://www.smithbowyerclarke.co.uk/services/assistance-with-application-for-or-variation-of-operators-licence/.
Visited by the DVSA / VOSA? There are some things that happen, even to the best run businesses, which are less than welcome. High up on that list must be the DVSA (formerly VOSA) announcing that they intend to visit your operating centre. However well-meaning, it is always a trial when your systems are put to the test – especially by an eye that misses nothing and is not afraid to tell you when you’ve got it wrong! It always helps if you are courteous and cooperative. Let them see what they need to see. If they point out a fault and suggest a remedy then take it up. Even when the worst comes to the worst and you are called into a Public Inquiry a Traffic Commissioner is going to be more easily disposed to an operator who was open and cooperative to the DVSA than to one who was rude and obstructive.
Using a device to interfere with tachograph equipment: The DVSA / VOSA have very sophisticated technology to check whether a tachograph interference device is being used. Drivers and Operators found with interference devices installed will almost certainly be prosecuted and the Courts have shown a tendency to impose sentences of immediate imprisonment. An Operator suspected of forging or creating false tachograph records can expect to be prosecuted, and/or called before the Traffic Commissioner at Public Inquiry. The Traffic Commissioner will want to consider whether, as a result of the deception, the Operator should have its licence revoked. Find more info at Road Haulage Lawyers.