For businesses operating under a restricted goods vehicle operator's licence, compliance with DVSA and Traffic Commissioner regulations is not just a legal requirement—it's crucial for avoiding costly enforcement action. A recent case heard by Senior Traffic Commissioner Richard Turfitt highlights how failing to meet these obligations can put a business's operator licence at serious risk.
The Case: Concept Scaffolding Services Ltd
The case involved Concept Scaffolding Services Ltd, which holds a restricted operator licence for two vehicles. Following a roadside inspection, a Traffic Examiner found multiple compliance breaches, including:
❌ A director driving without inserting his digital tachograph card, admitting he had left it in another vehicle.
❌ Failure to display an operator licence disc on the vehicle.
❌ Vehicle unit data not downloaded for over seven years—a major non-compliance issue.
A follow-up compliance visit revealed even more concerns:
⚠️ Ongoing failure to download both driver card and vehicle unit data.
⚠️ Instances of driving without using a tachograph.
Traffic Commissioner's Warning to Restricted Licence Holders
Senior Traffic Commissioner Richard Turfitt made it clear that the company's directors had not equipped themselves with the necessary knowledge to effectively manage transport operations.
"Simply put, 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."
Mr Turfitt also stressed that restricted licence holders—such as scaffolding firms, construction businesses, and other operators—must take transport compliance as seriously as tax and health and safety requirements.
Lessons for Restricted Licence Holders
This case serves as a wake-up call for all businesses using commercial vehicles under a restricted operator's licence. Compliance is not optional—without proper procedures in place, operators risk enforcement action, prohibitions, and even licence revocation.
What Operators Must Do:
🔹 Download tachograph data regularly – Driver cards must be downloaded every 28 days, and vehicle unit data every 90 days.
🔹 Ensure operator licence discs are correctly displayed – A missing disc can result in penalties and prohibitions.
🔹 Train directors, transport managers, and drivers – Everyone involved in transport operations must fully understand operator licence obligations.
🔹 Conduct internal audits – Regular compliance checks help identify and resolve issues before the DVSA does.
Why Compliance Should Be a Priority
Many restricted licence holders mistakenly believe they are less scrutinised than standard licence holders. However, this case shows that the Traffic Commissioner expects full compliance, regardless of licence type. Ignoring the rules can result in hefty fines, loss of licence, and reputational damage.
Need Help with Compliance?
We specialise in helping restricted and standard licence holders stay fully compliant with DVSA and Traffic Commissioner requirements. Our services include:
✔️ Tachograph & drivers' hours compliance
✔️ Operator licence audits & health checks
✔️ Compliance management systems
🚛 Don't wait for enforcement action—get in touch today to protect your operator licence.
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