Ever feel like you are on the hook?
08 June 2023
Ever feel that as a director of the company that you are always on the hook? Well, unfortunately, most of the time you are. As a director of the business it is essential that you understand the extent of your legal duties and responsibilities and how that impacts the company’s Operator’s Licence.
All Directors, partners, sole traders and all senior managers are expected to exercise effective oversight of compliance with their Operator’s Licence obligations – regardless of whether the operation of large vehicles is your main business activity or an ancillary part of your business. What does this mean and how can you achieve it in practice?
We have drawn on our extensive and unrivalled expertise representing operators and transport managers before the Traffic Commissioners at Public Inquiry to develop a comprehensive O-Licence awareness training (OLAT) that covers the duties and obligations of senior management, the expectations of the Traffic Commissioners, how you can meet these expectations/obligations in practice, the common pitfalls and the consequences – both for the business and for the relevant individuals – of getting it wrong!
Whether you are entering the world of operator licensing for the first time, or simply want to bring yourself up to date with current expectations, this training course will equip all directors, partners, sole traders and senior managers with the knowledge they need to exercise effective oversight of compliance within their own business.
The OLAT training covers:
- The Operator Licensing system
- The Role of the Traffic Commissioner
- Financial Standing
- Good Repute/Fitness
- Professional Competence/Responsible Person
- Operating Centre/Stable Establishment
- Operator’s Licence undertakings
- Vehicle maintenance obligations
- Operational management obligations including drivers’ hours and working time
- Reporting obligations
- The consequences of getting it wrong
- External and Internal relationships relevant to the Operator’s Licence
- Management reporting
Ignorance is not a defence and as cited in a decision:
“…..the person or persons responsible for managing the business bear the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the road transport aspect of the business operates in compliance with the regulatory regime….they cannot plead ignorance or put the blame on the transport manager….” (LA & Z Leonida t/a ETS).
