Transport Law
At Richard Nelson LLP, our established Transport Law Department comprises a number of skilled solicitors and fee earners with a wealth of experience of Tribunal and Court advocacy.
The Transport Department is able to offer advice, assistance and representation in relation to a wide range of issues affecting haulage and delivery companies, transport operators, fleet operators and others involved in commercial road traffic.
Traffic Offences
Please see the ‘road traffic offences’ section of the website for further details.
Tachograph Offences
It is the responsibility of both drivers and their employers to ensure that they comply with the drivers’ hours and tachograph rules. Currently, breach of the drivers’ hours rules can result in a fine of up to £2,500.00, whilst the penalty for failing to install or use a tachograph is a fine not exceeding £5,000.00. Deliberate falsification of tachograph records can result in up to two years imprisonment and/or a fine. Convictions of this nature may also be taken into consideration by Licensing Authorities when making the decision to grant or renew an operator’s licence or HGV driver’s licence.
Not only will convictions of this nature severely curtail a persons ability to conduct their work, it should also be noted that many tachograph offences relate to fraudulent activities which would severely damage the character of those involved. It is essential for anyone who has notice of offences of this nature (whether by interview with VOSA representatives or by summons to Court), to contact our expert team to discuss their options.
Richard Nelson LLP can help you as either an employer or owner driver when facing any such breaches or charges, including representation before the Courts and the Traffic Commissioners.
Operators Licences
Richard Nelson LLP can offer advice in relation to the various goods vehicle operator licensing legislation, including applications for licences, variations and disciplinary action.
Construction Use Offences
Richard Nelson LLP can offer guidance and representation for any breaches of the Construction and Use Regulations, which regulate the construction and use of motor vehicles.
Public Inquiry before a Transport Commissioner
Appearing before a Transport Commissioner can be a daunting experience. Richard Nelson LLP can assist you in preparing for and represent you at these hearings.
It is essential that you contact a solicitor for advice as soon as you receive a request to appear before the Transport Commissioner as they have the power to restrict your licence or add stipulations to it.
Health and Safety
Health and Safety legislation imposes a duty of care on employers in relation to all employees, including a duty of care for all staff engaged on ‘at work journeys’. Therefore, whether employees are full time, temporary or driving their own vehicles on company business, their safety is the concern of the company.
Failure to adhere to the relevant Health and Safety legislation can result in imprisonment, financial penalties and other punitive action. Richard Nelson Solicitors can offer specialised assistance in this area, including representation before the Health and Safety and other regulatory bodies.
Specialised sections of the transport industry
Richard Nelson LLP can assist in the promotion of the safe carriage of dangerous goods in your business, and compliance with the relevant regulations, including legal advice in relation to abnormal loads, dangerous goods, food distribution, Local Authority activities, passenger transport and waste transport.
Contact Us
For more information about how Richard Nelson LLP can assist you with motoring and road transport issues please visit our additional website www.keepmedriving.com where you will find a wide range of useful and practical guidance on matters relating to tachograph offences, loading offences, taxis and whole range of other driving related matters.
Should you require advice or representation in respect of a transport law matter please contact us.