Compliance Failures Cost Operator Its Licence – How Lloyd Morgan Group Can Help You Stay Compliant.

A recent case reported by Commercial Motor highlights the severe consequences of failing to meet compliance obligations in the transport industry. An Essex-based international operator, BM 2016, has lost its operator licence after the Traffic Commissioner uncovered significant maintenance and management failings.

The operator, which ran two vehicles and two trailers, faced prohibition notices following DVSA encounters. One trailer was found with wheel nuts “only finger tight,” and a subsequent inspection revealed a missing brake component. Further investigation exposed incomplete inspection reports, ineffective driver defect reporting, and an alarming annual test failure rate of 40%.

Despite pledging to improve compliance, the operator provided little evidence of robust systems or effective oversight by its transport manager. Traffic Commissioner Richard Turfitt concluded that the transport manager’s duties did not amount to “effective or continuous management.” As a result, the licence was revoked, with the Commissioner stressing that any future application would require immediate steps to address these deficiencies.

What This Means for Operators

This case serves as a stark reminder: compliance is not optional. It is a legal and operational necessity. Failures in vehicle maintenance, record-keeping, and management oversight can lead to prohibitions, loss of trust from regulators, and ultimately, licence revocation. For businesses, this doesn’t just mean downtime—it can result in reputational damage and financial loss.

How Lloyd Morgan Group Can Help

At Lloyd Morgan Group, we specialise in helping operators stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes like those seen in this case. Our comprehensive range of services is designed to support transport businesses in meeting their obligations under the Operator Licence requirements.

Here’s how we can assist:

• Compliance Audits
  Our audits identify gaps in your systems before they become critical issues. We review maintenance records, driver reporting processes, and overall compliance frameworks to ensure they meet DVSA and Traffic Commissioner standards.
• Transport Manager CPC Training & Support
  Effective and continuous management is a legal requirement. We provide CPC training and ongoing support for transport managers, ensuring they have the knowledge and tools to fulfil their responsibilities.
• Policies & Procedures Development
  We help you implement robust compliance systems, including defect reporting, maintenance scheduling, and record-keeping processes that stand up to regulatory scrutiny.
• Driver CPC Training
  Drivers play a vital role in compliance. Our CPC courses ensure they understand their responsibilities, from daily checks to reporting defects accurately.
• Tachograph Analysis & Management
  We offer expert tachograph analysis services to keep your operation compliant with drivers’ hours and working time regulations.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The BM 2016 case demonstrates how quickly things can escalate when compliance is neglected. At Lloyd Morgan Group, we work proactively with operators to prevent these situations. Whether you need a one-off audit, ongoing compliance support, or training for your team, we’re here to help.

Protect your licence, your reputation, and your business.
Contact us today to discuss how we can support your compliance needs:
www.lloydmorgangroup.co.uk