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How to Apply for an Operator Licence in the UK in 2026

by John | January 9, 2026 | Operator Licence Application | 0 Comments

You need an operator licence if you use vehicles over 3.5 tonnes for business.The Traffic Commissioner controls approval.Poor preparation causes delays or refusal. There we will shows how to apply in 2026. Who Needs an Operator Licence You need a licence if you use...

Why Correct Loading Matters at Your Annual Test

by John | January 8, 2026 | Transportation | 0 Comments

Correct loading is one of the most important factors at your annual HGV test. The DVSA requires vehicles to be presented with the right load or simulated load to ensure accurate brake testing and overall roadworthiness assessment. If your vehicle arrives underloaded...

DVSA Updates to the HGV and PSV Inspection Manuals, What It Means for You

by John | January 7, 2026 | HGV Operators Licence | 0 Comments

The DVSA has updated the HGV and PSV Inspection Manuals, and every transport operator needs to understand what has changed. These manuals guide how vehicles are inspected at the MOT, during roadside checks, and during maintenance inspections. Even small updates can...

Operator Licences and Periods of Grace, Guidance from the Traffic Commissioner

by John | January 6, 2026 | Operator's Licence | 0 Comments

Periods of grace are an important safety net for transport operators who temporarily fall short of key Operator Licence requirements. They allow businesses extra time to correct issues without immediately losing their licence. However, Traffic Commissioners apply...

How Traffic Commissioners Review Agency Driver Arrangements

by John | January 5, 2026 | Transportation | 0 Comments

Many transport operators rely on agency drivers to cover busy periods, sickness, holidays, or staff shortages. While agency drivers are common in the industry, Traffic Commissioners look at these arrangements very closely. Poor control, weak oversight, or unclear...

DVSA Earned Recognition, How Blue Flag Transport Consulting Supports Your Application

by John | December 22, 2025 | Transportation | 0 Comments

The DVSA Earned Recognition scheme is the highest compliance standard a UK operator can achieve. It proves your fleet is safe, well-managed, and fully compliant with all transport regulations. Operators who join the scheme enjoy fewer roadside stops, improved business...

Important Notice for All HGV Operators, Stay Compliant and Avoid Penalties

by John | December 19, 2025 | HGV Operators Licence | 0 Comments

Every HGV operator in the UK has a legal duty to run safe, well-managed, and fully compliant transport operations. Failing to meet these standards can lead to penalties, prohibitions, and even the loss of your Operator Licence. This notice highlights the key areas all...

2025 HGV and PSV Inspection Manual Updates, Key Changes for Operators

by John | December 18, 2025 | HGV Operators Licence | 0 Comments

The DVSA has released the 2025 updates to the HGV and PSV Inspection Manual, and every operator needs to understand what has changed. These updates affect safety inspections, defect standards, and how vehicles are assessed during roadside and annual checks. This guide...

M48 Severn Bridge Weight Limits, What Operators Need to Know

by John | December 17, 2025 | Transportation | 0 Comments

The M48 Severn Bridge is a key route linking England and Wales. Because of its age and structural needs, restrictions apply to certain vehicles. These limits affect HGV operators, fleet planners, and drivers who rely on this crossing for regular transport work. There...

Taking a Trailer Abroad Over 750kg, What You Must Register Before You Travel

by John | December 16, 2025 | Transportation | 0 Comments

If you plan to take a Trailer over 750kg abroad, there are clear registration rules you must follow before leaving the UK. These rules apply to both commercial operators and private users, and failing to comply can lead to delays, fines, or your trailer being stopped...

Autumn Budget 2025, what it means for operators with Blue Flag Transport Consulting

Dec 11, 2025

The Autumn Budget 2025 brings several changes that will affect transport operators across the UK. Some measures offer short-term relief, while others raise long-term costs. Understanding these changes helps operators plan ahead, protect margins, and stay compliant....

How to Build Long-Term Compliance and Prevent Public Inquiries with Blue Flag Transport Consulting

Dec 10, 2025

Long-term compliance is the foundation of every successful transport operation in the UK. It protects your Operator Licence, keeps your vehicles on the road, and reduces the risk of a Public Inquiry. Public Inquiries often occur when operators fail to maintain...

Lessons from Real Public Inquiry Cases – Blue Flag Transport Consulting Analysis

Dec 9, 2025

Public Inquiries are often the turning point in a transport operator’s compliance journey. They expose weaknesses, highlight systemic problems, and reveal the consequences of poor management. But they also provide valuable lessons that every operator can learn from....

What Happens After a Public Inquiry? A Recovery Guide for Operators

Dec 8, 2025

A Public Inquiry (PI) is one of the most serious actions the Traffic Commissioner can take against a transport operator. It’s a formal hearing to review your compliance and determine whether you should keep, lose, or have conditions placed on your Operator Licence....

Blue Flag Transport Consulting Reveals the Key to Avoiding a Call-Up Letter

Dec 5, 2025

A call-up letter from the Traffic Commissioner is the warning no operator wants. It signals that your compliance systems need attention. It means the Commissioner sees risks in how your business runs and wants answers at a Public Inquiry. Most operators feel stressed...

Traffic Commissioner Expectations: What Operators Must Know Before a Hearing

Dec 4, 2025

A Public Inquiry hearing can feel intense for any transport operator. You sit before a Traffic Commissioner who reviews your systems, your records, and your fitness to hold an operator licence. Their decisions affect your whole business. You may face curbs, added...