DVSA Reminds Operators Of Obligations Over Third-party Trailers

DVSA Reminds Operators Of Obligations Over Third-party Trailers

Senior Traffic Commissioner, Richard Turfitt stated at the recent Microlise Transport Conference that many operators are falling foul of their responsibilities with regards to maintaining third party trailers. He estimated that 50% of operators own their own trailers, whilst the remaining either had them on hire and or participated in traction only haulage.

Turfitt commented:

“The user is generally defined as the driver or the operator who employs the driver, including agency drivers. Any defects found on the vehicle or trailer will be registered against your operators’ licence, regardless of who owns the equipment or instructs you to use it.”

It has always been the case set out in the DVSA’s guide to maintaining roadworthiness that the user is responsible for the roadworthiness of the trailers they are pulling, but it seems some operators are not adhering to the strict guidance.

Further information can be found at the DVSA’s guide to maintaining roadworthiness.

Martin Fryer

Martin Fryer is Managing Director of a specialist haulage company as well as a qualified transport manager with experience across multiple different industries. He holds a BA (Hons) in Logistics and is a chartered member of the Institute of Logistics and Transport.

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