AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

STAY COMPLIANT

15th December 2011
Page 21
Page 21, 15th December 2011 — STAY COMPLIANT
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Chris Hallsworth, head of crime and regulatory department at Woodfines, had stern advice for operators who ignore regulations. “This is all about risk and if you run it be prepared to pay the penalty. If you have sacked someone they may have a grudge and phone VOSA. When VOSA arrives it can ask to see the past six months’ records. If you are not prepared to be compliant you are a plonker,” he said.

Compliance is everything. “Get your transport manager on a refresher course if he has not been on one for two years. Examining your systems is time well spent. Organise your systems and delegate monitoring to others. This will minimise the likelihood of a visit from VOSA,” he said.

Should a VOSA officer visit, co-operation is the best approach. “They are box tickers. If you mess them about, they will mess you about,” said Hallsworth. Visits from the Health & Safety Executive or the police are also possible. “If they call at 7am, it’s usually serious and done for dramatic effect – and to prevent vital evidence being removed.” If the enforcement agencies remove tachograph charts or other records, it is important to ask for receipts or to make copies. “If it is potentially serious, call your lawyer. The presence of one may intimidate interrogators and discourage the box tickers.”

▲ Chris Hallsworth, Woodfines’ head of crime and regulatory

Tags


comments powered by Disqus