Are you worried about compliance?
Do you struggle to ensure you are running legally and following the DVSA Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness?
Transport Compliance – What is it and why is it so important as an HGV or PSV Operator in Kettering?
As an operator in Kettering, compliance is the key to licensing your Operator’s Licence and running your transport business safely, efficiently, and legally. Whether you operate Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) or Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), you must meet strict national standards, show ongoing professional competence, and be ready at all times for DVSA inspections or audits.
What must Kettering operators do to stay compliant?
- Maintain every vehicle in a roadworthy condition through scheduled inspections and a robust, preventative maintenance regime. Document each check, PMI, and repair, keeping records easily accessible for audit or unannounced visits.
- Conduct thorough daily walkaround checks, act on all defect reports before vehicles go into service, and maintain a central defect log.
- Keep meticulous records: driver hours, tachograph downloads, servicing, insurance, licensing, medical checks, accident records, and driver training. Be prepared for DVSA or Traffic Commissioner spot checks at any time.
- Ensure all drivers are fully qualified, hold the necessary CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence), and undergo periodic training to keep knowledge up to date with the latest safety and compliance requirements.
- Adhere strictly to the Working Time Directive and all drivers’ hours legislation. This limits fatigue and is essential for a safe, responsible operation.
- If you operate PSVs, understand that vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats used for hire or reward must be covered by a full PSV Operator’s License. For smaller vehicles, or those used under certain not-for-profit exemptions, ensure you hold the correct section 19/22 permit or local taxi/hire license as required.
- Maintain a suitable operating center in the Kettering area and notify the Traffic Commissioner of any changes to your operating base or structure.
If you are unsure about your compliance status, The Transport Consultancy in Kettering is ready to support you, putting in place the systems and training you need for safe, legal, and efficient operation.
How can Kettering operators protect their HGV or PSV Operator’s License?
A full compliance audit is the first step. The Transport Consultancy’s audit benchmarks your business against national DVSA standards and local licensing requirements, exposing weaknesses and recommending practical solutions.
Why are regular compliance audits essential in Kettering?
- Regulatory Compliance – Ensure your entire Kettering fleet meets DVSA licensing, driver hours, tachograph, and roadworthiness standards. Failure to comply could result in license suspension or prosecution.
- Safety and Reputation – Protect drivers, passengers, and the Kettering public with safer vehicles, active defect management, and proactive driver supervision. Having audit-ready records reduces risk and enhances trust in your services.
- Efficiency – Streamline maintenance planning, scheduling, and driver allocation, avoiding unexpected breakdowns or road prohibitions (PG9s).
- Risk Management – Identify and correct gaps early, before they become significant compliance breaches. Strong documentation also supports you during application, renewal, or desk-based assessments.
Stay audit-ready—book a compliance audit for your Kettering fleet today and give your business an advantage.
Tachograph Analysis and Record-Keeping for Kettering Operators
Tachograph analysis is at the heart of transport compliance. Operators in Kettering must download and review driver card data at least every 28 days and vehicle unit records every 90 days. Store records properly for at least 12 months (longer for international journeys), and regularly review for hours or rest-period breaches.
- Provide regular driver training on tachograph usage, error correction, and the transition to smart systems as 2025–2026 technology upgrades are enforced.
- Implement thorough review and remedial processes for any detected violations, ensuring corrective action and recordkeeping are documented.
Book a Tachograph Healthcheck with our Kettering team for tailored advice and a practical improvement plan.
Maintenance Planning, Operating Centers, and PG9 Prevention in Kettering
Operators must retain a six-month rolling maintenance planner, scheduling PMIs, repairs, brake tests, and MOTs tailored to their fleet’s usage, age, and operating patterns.
- The planner reduces missed inspections, assists with parts and workshop resource allocation, and demonstrates your compliance to enforcement officers. Keep VOR, defect, and maintenance logs up to date.
- Establish a compliant operating center, and notify DVSA or the Traffic Commissioner of any changes in size, location, or use of the base. Ensure your site meets all requirements for safe parking, inspections, and access.
Book a Maintenance Planning Session to customize your Kettering schedule for local and national compliance.
Adapting to Regulation—Desk-Based Assessments and Ongoing Audits in Kettering
With more frequent desk-based assessments and roadside checks across the Midlands, Kettering operators need robust, audit-ready systems for records, maintenance, driver management, accident reporting, and ongoing compliance. Proactively addressing enforcement notices, PG9s, or complaints is essential to avoid license suspensions or public inquiries.
Regular monthly compliance audits and process reviews prepare your business for DVSA inspections—helping you maintain best practice, support driver training, and continually reduce operational risks. The Transport Consultancy offers ongoing support and updates tailored to Kettering’s regulatory landscape.
Monthly Compliance Audits—Protecting Your Kettering Business
Continuous auditing keeps your fleet on track, creates a culture of compliance, and ensures you’re always ready for unannounced checks. Regular audits from The Transport Consultancy help your records, planning, and staff operate to the highest standard, ensuring your Operator’s License—and your reputation—remain protected year-round.
Book your monthly compliance audit in Kettering now and operate with total confidence in a fast-changing transport industry.