areas of practice - transport

“The Department for Transport’s objective is to oversee the delivery of a reliable, safe and secure transport system that responds efficiently to the needs of individuals and businesses whilst safeguarding our environment.”

In response to ever-increasing demands for improvement in the transport system, the Government has established a diverse and stringent regime of licensing, testing and enforcement that affects individuals and businesses alike. Requirements are wide-ranging and can be complex and confusing. The team at OAH can provide bespoke advice and assistance tailored to meet your needs and has vast experience in this esoteric area to include:

• representing businesses and their employees, managers and directors faced with investigations and prosecutions brought by the police for offences ranging from minor motoring matters to manslaughter
• applications for licenses to the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (“VOSA”), and investigations by VOSA into compliance with road traffic legislation. Enforcement action can result in appearances before the Traffic Commissioner and the Transport Tribunal
• environmental compliance and enforcement issues associated with the use of vehicles, to include the transport of controlled and special waste
• taxi licensing and appeals to include campaigning for unmet demand surveys
• investigations and enforcement by the British Transport Police and the Health and Safety Executive . We have particular expertise in advising the rail industry on the policies and procedures they should have in place to ensure compliance, and help prepare them for proper management of any incident.

Businesses cannot operate lawfully without the appropriate valid licences in place. The intervention of a regulator can have a significant impact both on employees and the efficient running of the business. For individuals faced with personal liability the consequences of non-compliance can be just as devastating.

Our clients range from individuals and sole traders to large international corporate bodies. Clients are pleased at our team’s ability to provide accurate, industry specific advice in relation to compliance and enforcement issues. Our in-house advocates, who regularly appear in the Magistrates Court, Crown Court and tribunals, enable us to provide continuity of representation throughout.