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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...

Rebuilding Trust After a Public Inquiry – Blue Flag Transport Consulting Success Stories

Dec 4, 2025

A Public Inquiry can feel like the lowest point for a transport operator. You face questions about safety, management, and your fitness to hold an operator licence. Many operators worry about losing their vehicles, their income, or their place in the market. Yet, many...

How Compliance Failures Can Trigger a Public Inquiry in 2025

Dec 2, 2025

Public Inquiry hearings remain one of the biggest risks for transport operators in 2025. Traffic Commissioners continue to focus on safety, record-keeping, and the fitness of operators to hold an operator licence. When your systems fail, even small issues can snowball...

Blue Flag Transport Consulting Shares Expert Tips on Preparing for a Public Inquiry Hearing

Dec 1, 2025

Public Inquiry hearings make operators nervous. You face questions from a Traffic Commissioner, and the outcome can affect your operator licence. A hearing can lead to warnings, curbs on fleet use, or in the worst cases, the loss of your vehicle operators licence....

The Most Common Causes of Public Inquiries and How to Avoid Them

Nov 28, 2025

A Public Inquiry is one of the most serious actions a Traffic Commissioner can take against an operator. It shows that your business has raised compliance concerns that cannot be ignored. Many operators feel pressure when they receive a call-up letter, but the truth...

Facing a Traffic Commissioner Inquiry? Here’s How Blue Flag Transport Consulting Can Help

Nov 27, 2025

A Traffic Commissioner Inquiry is one of the most serious situations an operator can face. It signals deep concerns about your compliance, safety standards, or management systems. Many businesses feel overwhelmed when they receive a call-up letter. The questions are...

How Blue Flag Transport Consulting Helps Businesses Build Reliable Transport Management Systems

Nov 26, 2025

A strong transport management system is the backbone of every goods vehicle operator in the UK. It protects your operator licence, keeps vehicles safe, supports your drivers, and makes day-to-day work smoother. When these systems fail, the risks rise quickly. Poor...