Ensuring compliance with operator licence regulations is essential for all HGV and commercial vehicle operators. A recent case heard by Senior Traffic Commissioner for the East of England, Richard Turfitt, serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with poor transport management. The case involving Concept Scaffolding Services Ltd highlights serious failures in compliance, which led to concerns over the firm's ability to meet its operator licence obligations.

The Case: Key Compliance Failures

Concept Scaffolding Services Ltd operates under a restricted goods vehicle operator's licence, authorising the use of two vehicles. Following a roadside inspection by a DVSA Traffic Examiner, one of the company's directors, Karl Takkou, was found to have:

🚨 Failed to insert his digital tachograph driver card, admitting it had been left in another vehicle.
🚨 Operated a vehicle without displaying an operator licence disc.
🚨 Neglected to download the vehicle unit data for over seven years.

A follow-up visit by another Traffic Examiner uncovered additional breaches, including:

✔️ Prolonged failures to download vehicle unit and driver card data.
✔️ Instances of driving without using a tachograph.

Traffic Commissioner's Verdict: A Lack of Transport Knowledge

Senior Traffic Commissioner Richard Turfitt was critical of the company's approach to compliance, stating:

"Directors had not adequately equipped themselves with the necessary knowledge to manage transport operations effectively. While they had engaged a transport consultant, serious concerns remained."

He further emphasised that the company's lack of compliance was so severe that there was little prospect of them meeting their licence obligations. Mr Turfitt also questioned why businesses that must adhere to health and safety regulations fail to apply the same diligence to transport compliance.

Key Lessons for Restricted Licence Holders

This case highlights crucial compliance lessons for scaffolders, construction firms, and other businesses operating under restricted operator licences. The Traffic Commissioner made it clear that these businesses must take transport compliance as seriously as they do tax and health & safety obligations.

What Operators Should Be Doing:

✅ Regular Tachograph Data Downloads – Driver cards must be downloaded at least every 28 days, and vehicle unit data every 90 days.
✅ Ensure All Vehicles Display an Operator Licence Disc – Failing to do so can lead to penalties and prohibitions.
✅ Driver Training & Compliance Awareness – Directors and transport managers must fully understand operator licence obligations.
✅ Internal Audits & Compliance Checks – Regular compliance reviews help identify and resolve issues before they lead to enforcement action.

Why Compliance Matters for Your Business

Failing to adhere to operator licence requirements doesn't just lead to fines, prohibitions, or public inquiries—it also damages your reputation and could result in licence revocation. If you hold a restricted operator's licence, you must understand that compliance is not optional.

Need Help with Compliance?

At LDP Transport Consultancy, we help operators stay compliant and audit-ready with tailored support, internal compliance checks, and ongoing advice. Don't wait until enforcement action is taken—be proactive!

📞 Get in touch today to discuss how we can support your compliance needs.

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