Transportation lawyer and clandestine entrants? Has your truck or load been seized by the UK authorities? Securing the return of your vehicle or load will involve complex legal wrangling. Strict time limits apply and, if the truck isn’t recovered, the authorities can legally sell or destroy the vehicle. At Smith Bowyer Clarke, our transport lawyers specialise in reclaiming vehicles and loads seized and impounded by the UK Border Force, HMRC, Police and DVSA. You can find some of our recent vehicle and load recovery cases here. The procedure for reclaiming a seized vehicle or load will depend on the reasons for the seizure and which UK enforcement agency seized your vehicle.
We offer a cost-effective, fixed-fee arrangement designed to cover these steps and to provide you with certainty as to your costs. Smith Bowyer Clarke can arrange training from experts in the Road Transport field on: How to install an effective system to prevent clandestine entrants, in line with the Codes of Practice issued by the UK Government, The paperwork (checklists / training manuals etc) you need, The actions drivers must take to identify and prevent migrant access, The documentation that must be carried in the cab of the vehicle at all times, The information that must be provided to the Border Force if stopped.
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. How can you protect yourself and your employees? Drivers ought to receive training and be required to comply with a driver handbook. This may refer to an obligation to report accidents or incidents in the vehicle, changes to driving licences/eligibility to drive and a robust drink/drug driving policy. It is good practice to include a walk around check to avoid issues with mechanical or physical defects. See extra details on O licence application.
What Happens When The DVSA Visit? The DVSA will attend, usually in the form of a Traffic Examiner (TE) or a Vehicle Examiner (VE). The Traffic Examiner is more interested in your documentation and the Vehicle Examiner in the actual nuts and bolts of your maintenance regime. It is said that the easy way to distinguish between a TE and a VE is that the VE will have dirty fingernails. The important thing to remember is that most DVSA employees are decent people, trying to do a difficult job as well as they can. They are not actively seeking to close you down but they are attempting to assess whether you are compliant with the regulations and, if not, what can be done. Sometimes an operator will just require a little advice – others may require attention from the Traffic Commissioner.
Tachograph Offences: Facing investigation or prosecution for tachograph offences? We can help you. Our transport solicitors and barristers are all highly experienced in this technical area of law. Whether you are facing criminal prosecution, a hearing before the Traffic Commissioner, or a DVSA / VOSA investigation, make sure you get specialist, confidential legal advice. Call us today on 01332 987420 or email info@smithbowyerclarke.co.uk. Operators should be aware that offences found during roadside stops will usually lead to a DVSA / VOSA inspection of your operating centre. Discover extra information on https://www.smithbowyerclarke.co.uk/.
