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 Leicester?
Operating in Leicester, compliance is at the core of protecting your Operator’s Licence and ensuring your transport business runs safely, legally, and efficiently. Whether you operate HGVs (Heavy Goods Vehicles) or PSVs (Public Service Vehicles), the Traffic Commissioner expects every Leicester operator to uphold statutory standards for fleet maintenance, recordkeeping, competent staffing, and safe operations. 2025 brings new legislative updates—around driver records for international work, maintenance auditing, and operating centre criteria—which must be embraced to remain audit-ready and avoid penalties.
Core undertakings for Leicester operators:
- Maintain all vehicles in a roadworthy, safe condition with structured preventative maintenance plans, daily walkaround checks, timely repairs, and updated documentation. Inspection manuals are revised from April 2025, clarifying technical details that must be included in your maintenance controls.
- Keep full, accessible records: servicing, preventive maintenance inspections (PMIs), MOTs, repairs, brake tests, accident logs, and staff training. Tachograph downloads and driver hours audits are required at set intervals—ensure all staff are briefed on record retention, especially for international work.
- Enforce drivers’ hours compliance and Working Time Directive adherence. From 21 April 2025, international HGV journeys must record and produce 56 days of drivers’ hours data, including digital tachograph data, analogue charts, and manual entries. AETR rules apply for non-EU routes, overriding some UK rest and working hour standards for these trips.
- Specify a suitable operating centre for HGVs and PSVs in Leicester, with the required capacity for safe parking and regular inspection. Notify DVSA and the Traffic Commissioner of all centre changes. New applications must be advertised; local authorities and the police may object if the site or applicant does not meet statutory requirements.
- Ensure all drivers hold the correct licence, up-to-date Driver CPC, and have completed regular refresher or CPD training. Maintain published procedures for driver checks, defect reporting, medicals, and ongoing professional development.
- Upgrade your vehicle technology and ensure all HGVs on international work are equipped for Smart Tachograph V2 and can handle new regulatory requirements around remote compliance checks and data submission, in line with regulatory deadlines.
- For LGVs, implement robust compliance systems—DVSA is focusing more roadside checks and enforcement on high-risk sectors in Leicester. Keep records on weight, load security, and maintenance up to date to avoid higher penalty rates.
- For PSV fleets, provide evidence that your Leicester operating centre offers off-street parking, access for maintenance checks, and safe vehicle movements. Secure up-to-date documentation for all passenger vehicles, service routes, and legal authorisations.
If ongoing changes or detailed requirements feel complex, The Transport Consultancy Leicester offers tailored compliance systems and process reviews so your business remains legal, responsive, and environmentally sound.
How can Leicester operators keep their HGV or PSV Operator’s Licence safe?
Regular compliance audits are key to protecting your licence from curtailment, suspension, or public inquiry. The Transport Consultancy benchmarks your Leicester operation against all DVSA, Traffic Commissioner, and city requirements—covering maintenance planning, tachograph checks, MOT and brake test scheduling, training documentation, and operating centre criteria.
Benefits of regular audits for Leicester operators:
- Regulatory compliance: Demonstrate full adherence to evolving 2025 legislation, statutory retention rules, international driver records, and operating centre approval.
- Safety and public trust: Lower risk by catching defects early, scheduling prompt repairs, and keeping clear records of all safety-critical work.
- Operational efficiency: Minimise downtime, missed checks, and compliance-related costs by optimising schedules and keeping all records audit-ready for unannounced inspections.
- Risk management: Identify systemic issues before DVSA or the Traffic Commissioner intervenes, and keep up to date with all requirements for licence retention and service quality.
Book your independent Leicester compliance audit with The Transport Consultancy and secure your business, staff, and Operator’s Licence.
Tachograph Analysis, MOT Scheduling, and New Legislation in Leicester
Tachograph and working time compliance are compulsory in Leicester:
- Download and audit driver card data every 28 days and vehicle unit data every 90 days. Review, action, and document all infringements using scheduled remedial training.
- For international routes, retain 56 days’ worth of driver records (from 21 April 2025). Ensure technology meets all Smart Tachograph V2 calibration and transmission standards, especially for non-EU trips covered by AETR legislation.
- Brake test every vehicle four times a year, recording at least 65% laden tests. MOT and compliance documents must be digital and current for fast inspection.
Book a Tachograph Analysis Healthcheck with The Transport Consultancy Leicester to safeguard every aspect of driver hour, rest, and route compliance.
Maintenance Scheduling and Recordkeeping for Leicester Fleets
Every Leicester operator must keep a rolling six-month planner with PMIs, MOTs, repairs, brake tests, and defect logs for all trucks and PSVs. Review schedules and contract arrangements with maintenance providers frequently, ensuring any changes or upgrades required by 2025 legislation are implemented and documented.
- For LGVs, take extra care with maintenance cycles, defect checks, load securing, and weight controls in light of DVSA’s new compliance and enforcement focus on these vehicle types in Leicester.
Book a Maintenance Planning Session with The Transport Consultancy Leicester for bespoke scheduling and recordkeeping support.
Desk-Based Assessments, PG9 Events, and Audit-Ready Records for Leicester Operators
DVSA desk-based assessments and roadside checks are increasingly common—especially for those with incomplete, patchy, or missing records, repeat defects, or internal complaints. Respond to any PG9 (Prohibition Notice) by immediately repairing the issue, updating all relevant logs, and revising inspection and planning routines. Multiple or repeated PG9s or failed audits risk enforcement and licence review.
Monthly compliance audits and proactive record reviews with The Transport Consultancy Leicester help keep you fully audit-ready and prevent disruption, fines, or business interruption.
Ongoing Compliance, Staff Training & Audit Support for Leicester Operators
Train drivers regularly on new tachograph, MOT, and compliance rules, including working with Smart Tachograph V2 and handling lost cards, manual entries, and warnings. Keep internal controls, discipline procedures, and driver handbooks up to date. The Transport Consultancy Leicester provides audits, process reviews, and bespoke training for all staff and management requirements.
Responding to a PG9 or Compliance Notice in Leicester
Address all prohibitions or notices immediately through defect rectification, process reviews, and record updates. Review why any defect was missed and adapt your system if necessary. Ongoing monthly audits, staff refreshers, and compliance planning help avoid repeat enforcement or risk to your Operator’s Licence.
Book The Transport Consultancy Leicester for fast, practical support and long-term risk mitigation.
Monthly Compliance Audits for Leicester HGV & PSV Operators – Stay Audit-Ready All Year
Ongoing, scheduled audits keep your Leicester records up to date and staff trained on regulations, regardless of enforcement campaigns or rule changes. Regular professional reviews lower risk, maintain business confidence, and foster strong relationships with authorities and customers alike. Book your Leicester compliance audit subscription with The Transport Consultancy and operate with confidence, safety, and proven legal assurance.