DON’T RISK A RAID
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The message on prevention rather than cure was rammed home by Woodfines head of crime and regulatory department Chris Hallsworth. “Why should you bother putting systems in place?” he asked rhetorically. “The chance of being investigated is slim so why not take the risk?”
This is a false economy, he assured operators. A driver getting stopped; an accident; a disgruntled ex-driver or a creditor lodging a complaint with VOSA – all expose such a risk.
To stay compliant, operators must have a paper trail; systems must be checked and staff supervised. The owner may need training too. “When did you last have a refresher, apart from down the pub?” said Hallsworth.
Should a haulier face an investigation he must insist that when the enforcement agency takes documents, that copies are made and receipts received. “You may be invited to an interview under caution. It’s your chance to put your version on the record, but take a legal representative.”