Transport Managers Now Face Disqualification As Legal Pressure Increases

The roles of transport managers are integral to the operation of company vehicles and public transport alike. Yes, without transport managers in tow, our roads would be in a sorry state, and with this level of responsibility, the government is ramping up the legal pressure to ensure processes are completed by the book, particularly when things do go wrong.

The news comes after Transport Manager Tina Domeney was disqualified by Traffic Commissioner Nick Denton. According to Denton, Domeney failed to tackle a number of serious infringements – including countless driver hours and working time offences, and drivers regularly driving for hours without qualifying breaks – on several occasions, leading to increased road safety risk. But where does this example and the resulting increased legal pressure leave you as a transport manager?

Be clear about your duties

Safe operation and compliance should be the two primary focuses for transport managers, and as a result they have a selection of responsibilities, each of which may change as legislation evolves further.

Making arrangements to ensure that drivers comply with the latest rules regarding drivers’ hours and tachograph is important, whilst the same level of care leaves managers overseeing compliance with speed limits, the maintenance of vehicles, the inspection of fleets, and the remedy, reporting and recording of any defects identified. Reporting should be as accurate as possible across the entire spectrum, and ensuring that vehicles are not overloaded in the process should be high on the list of priorities. A transport manager’s relationship with the relevant Traffic Commissioner is another vital part of the role. Transport managers must liaise with their Traffic Commissioner to report operator prosecutions and convictions.

How technology can help

Legally approved products like the Hope Safe-T-Bar can help to ensure all the vehicles within your fleet are as safe as possible. The UK manufactured, industry standard Safe-T-Bar uses years of experience and commercial vehicle knowledge to provide optimum protection for your vehicles as well as safe and easy access for your drivers. The Safe-T-Bar in particular is a rear under-run protection device that has transformed the safety of light commercial and heavy goods vehicles. Since its creation more than 20 years ago, the Safe-T-Bar has become an integral part of vehicle safety for fleet managers and individual customers alike. Thanks to its high tensile cold formed alloy steel and universal design, the Safe-T-Bar provides a high quality, durable and reliable defence against fork lift damage and low speed rear impact for most van makes and models. The product’s specially formulated, non-slip step comes as standard too, and works to protect workers from the slips, trips and falls that are so common from commercial vehicles.

The benefits and unique features of the Safe-T-Bar can be fine-tuned to your specific vehicle application further. Our team of specialists can work with you to create a higher specification product that caters to your exact requirements and ultimately gives your vehicles and workers even better protection. Using the Safe-T-Bar has been proven to lower risk, and our collaboration with commercial vehicle drivers and fleet owners means you can benefit directly from expert product manufacture. Additional features are also available when purchasing the Hope Safe-T-Bar. The reliable sensor option is an excellent addition, and the system uses four sensors alongside audible and visual warnings to ensure the risk of accidents can be minimised when reversing or parking.

Want to find out more about how the Hope Safe-T-Bar can help you remain compliant as a transport manager? Contact our team direct for further details.