a I shall shortly be taking up a position as
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office manager which includes responsibility for two light vans operated on C licence. Is there a reference pamphlet which explains simply the law related to the use of these vehicles? Is it legal,. for example, for one of the employees to make deliveries in his own estate car?
AThe many regulations which govern the
operation of a goods vehicle are so complex that quite frankly there can be no simple exposition of them all within the confines of a small and easily read pamphlet such as you suggest. It is, indeed, a very real problem as to just how much time someone in your position can reasonably devote to studying and keeping up to date with the veritable flood of regulations which have a bearing on road transport operations, bearing in mind that your main responsibilities are elsewhere.
But because all these regulations have such important statutory obligations for traders running their own vehicles it is, nevertheless. essential that these are complied with. I would, therefore, suggest that you resolve this otherwise difficult problem by becoming a member of the Traders Road Transport Association. Then you can take advantage of their experts' advice on legal and other matters on goods vehicle operation on own-account The address of the nearest divisional office will be found in your local telephone directory.
Regarding your further point—if the estate car mentioned is, by legal definition, a dual purpose vehicle then it will need a carriers' licence when it conveys goods for a trader. If, in addition, it is carrying for hire or reward then the appropriate licence would be either A or B. In any event, the driver would he governed by the regulations limiting his hours of work and requiring him to keep records.