Some transport rules may have changed during the pandemic but both fleet vehicles and drivers must still remain compliant, warns Licence Bureau.

Steve Pinchen, sales director at Licence Bureau

With various temporary changes to transport legislation put in place by government during the UK’s partial lockdown, the business is encouraging all fleets to ensure they not only stick to the letter of the law of the new policies and maintain stringent records of activity, but that they continue to adhere to their duty of care obligations as employers – in particular as some firms, including delivery operators, see a spike in demand.

Temporary changes to legislation during the pandemic period that affect car and van fleets include:

• A six-month extension to car, van or motorcycle MOTs due on or after 30 March 2020;
• A relaxation of Drivers’ Hours rules
• Changes to Driver CPC requirements including approval of online training.

Licence Bureau sales director, Steve Pinchen said it was a lot to take in but added that all the guidance is available via the www.gov.uk website.

He continued: “One critical aspect amongst all of this is to continue to ensure compliance and within that falls a duty of care.

“Not only are we urging all businesses to follow government advice, but we are advocating two key areas: driver wellbeing and vehicle safety checks.

“All driver and vehicle records must be up to the minute, and any business should be looking very closely at this to ensure they continue to operate in a compliant fashion. Now is not the time to let these stringent controls slip.

“Secondly, and it’s a point which we echo from government, every business and driver has a duty of care to make sure your vehicle is safe to drive. With the extra utilisation some of these vehicles are currently experiencing, consistent and more regular safety checks are a must.”

Alongside its usual compliance services, Licence Bureau is also providing support for businesses navigating the temporary changes to legislation and preparing for when the ‘normal’ rules return.

Pinchin stated: “We are here to help and are working alongside our partners to support them through this challenging time. I would advise anyone who is unsure to get in contact.”