GETTING THINGS RIGHT
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Liverpool haulier Abbey Road Tanks says it has submitted several variation applications this year linked to the firm’s rapid growth.
Ian Clark, safety, health, environment and quality manager, tells CM the company used the self-service O-licence application service on the VOSA website.
“In our case, we would say it has taken no more than six weeks for the applications to be granted,” he says.
“Having said that, we have a good relationship with the case workers in Leeds and they have been able to send us letters by post when we have needed guidance.” Willenhall, West Midlands-based Aspray Transport has also applied for authorisation for vehicles and trailers at several locations this year following expansion.
MD Stuart Laight says: “We applied for an interim licence and the FTA helped us apply for it. It has been particularly useful where we have had to answer questions we considered to be ambiguous or misleading.” Road Haulage Association policy director Jack Semple says: “The application process is complex, so it is important to get it right. The RHA offers a service where it offers to submit an application on members’ behalf and ‘progress chase’ on their behalf.
“The VOSA staff at Leeds do not start the clock ticking until an application is complete, so it is essential to get everything right,” he says.