HGV Operators licence

eco

Hi,
I will have to be a bit vague on the info I put on this thread, but here goes anyway, I have reson to believe the company I work for are not following the FTA rules and practices, my question is if I inform the FTA (I would like to do it annomously), and we lose the O licence would we all lose our jobs, or could it go to another company within our group?

Hintza

I don't know anything about your specific question but I'm sure Conor might have something to say.

But I think you are playing a dangerous game reporting your employer in this climate I would suspect that anything that rocks the boat could be seen as an excuse to close down an operation. So if you fancy losing your job fire ahead.

I think you should have a very very good reason to go down the route you propose. And what are the downsides if they find out it was you? Disgruntled management or co-workers?

Quietmanc

As Hintza really,but you neeed to post slightly more detail about your concerns.Also,if all companies within your group share the same 'O' licence-it could be disastrous.Could you not have a quiet word with someone you trust within the organisation? If it's running bent you're on about-just don't do it.It's your licence and livelihood.

Quinny_2

Your question is a bit vague,but if you wish to pm me,then feel free.

What do you suspect they are doing wrong?

The FTA,(The Freight Transport Association.) is not a legal body,merely a body that is a bit like a union,but in this case for companies.Along with the RHA, (Road Haulage Association.) they are about as much use as a chocolate teapot.

If you suspect that illegal practices are taking place,the people to speak to are VOSA,who do all the traffic enforcement in this country.

I notice that you are not too far away from me in Leeds,therefore the local traffic area office is Hillcrest House in Leeds,(Which deals with O licences,and other forms of licencing.) although the nearest main VOSA testing station,depending on which part of Leeds you are in,is either Wetherby or Patrick Green,(Where I took both my HGV tests.) near Rothwell.

Quinny_2

Just found this on another forum that I use.

It's the VOSA hotline,and I'm unsure if it still works,but what it does,it goes to the VOSA intelligence unit,who will take your details,and then go from there.

You don't have to give your name,if you don't wish to,and all calls are taken in confidence,but the more info you can give,the better.

0870 60 60 440

Quinny_2

Hintza wrote: »

But I think you are playing a dangerous game reporting your employer in this climate I would suspect that anything that rocks the boat could be seen as an excuse to close down an operation. So if you fancy losing your job fire ahead.

I personally don't see a problem with reporting an operator who condones dodgy practices,and I would have no problem in doing it myself.If it rids the industry of people who are prepared to flout the law at all costs,then so be it.At least I'll be able to sleep at night,knowing that another scroat is out of business,and people could be safe because of it.

But the way I read it,is if,in your opinion,people don't report these scumbags,and one of their drivers kills a member of your family by using unsafe practices,then you have no problem with it,as long as everyone still has their job?

Our industry gets enough bad press,without adding fuel to the fire.

And before anyone asks,I have been in this industry,man and boy since I was 11.I'm now 44,and have NEVER run in a dodgy manner,and never needed to.

Conor_3

eco wrote: »

Hi,
I will have to be a bit vague on the info I put on this thread, but here goes anyway, I have reson to believe the company I work for are not following the FTA rules and practices, my question is if I inform the FTA (I would like to do it annomously), and we lose the O licence would we all lose our jobs, or could it go to another company within our group?

FTA is not the law. FTA has nothing to do with the law and is basically nothing more than an unofficial trade body - think confederation of builders. Not following the FTA or RHA rules has no impact on the O licence as they're nothing more than a group representing hauliers.

If you're driving to legal hours, running vehicles with MOT, insurance and road tax that are kept to a good standard of maintenance, there's nothing to complain about.

If you would care to expand on the issues you think there are in here, I can tell you if there's a problem and who to report it to.

Do be aware though as a driver, if you have flouted the drivers hours regs, driven an unsafe vehicle or an untaxed, MOT'd or insured one, you're as liable as the operator.

I echo Quinnys points and have reported companies in the past.

craig18

hello i am looking at buying a 7.5 ton skip lorry can you go on somebody elses operators licence is there a company that you can pay to go on theres or do you have to hold your own op

xocbc

craig18 wrote: »

hello i am looking at buying a 7.5 ton skip lorry can you go on somebody elses operators licence is there a company that you can pay to go on theres or do you have to hold your own op

I suggest you contact VOSA for advice. My understanding following a recent PI decision is that you can "borrow" a vehicle disc AND vehicle from another operator for a short period (2 weeks), but if it is your vehicle you must apply for your own O license. The penalties for failing to adhere to these rules can be severe so I suggest that you take professional advice.

With regard to the OP about FTA regulations, failure to adhere to them could only result in removal from the FTA, unless the operator is breaking the law, in which case it is a case for VOSA/Traffic Commissioner/Police. If the operator is breaking the law the OP should take it further, too many accidents are caused by poorly maintained PSV/HGV vehicles or failure to comply with driver's hours rules.

jonathon

craig18 wrote: »

hello i am looking at buying a 7.5 ton skip lorry can you go on somebody elses operators licence is there a company that you can pay to go on theres or do you have to hold your own op

If you are all legal then you should get your own O licence, if not then i dont think any would would put you on theres.
Dont forget you will need a certificate of professional competance for an O licence but you can hire someones name for that.
I did my CPC 2 years ago and its not too hard.

robredz

craig18 wrote: »

hello i am looking at buying a 7.5 ton skip lorry can you go on somebody elses operators licence is there a company that you can pay to go on theres or do you have to hold your own op

Check out your local colleges for CPC courses as YOU will need one to show competence to hold an O licence. You will have to have proper parking facilities, and maintainance arrangements in place to satisfy the Traffic Commissioners before they will grant an O licence also.