Vans working across borders subject to O-licensing

Posted by AndrewT on 21st Jan 2022

New laws requiring van operators to obtain operator licences if they undertake international work with vehicles less than 3.5-tonnes could be the start of a licensing regime for all UK vans. From 21 May 2022 vans with a maximum authorised mass of over 2.5-tonnes and up to 3.5-tonnes transporting goods for hire and reward internationally, will be subject to the O-licensing system. Operators will need to be able to show they have enough finance to maintain their vehicles and have a transport manager in place to manage their compliance with regulations. The change in the law could be the start of further enforcement of light commercial vehicles.  With the continued and growing demand for home delivery and shortage of drivers it makes sense for drivers’ hours legislation to apply for the safety of the commercial van driver and other road users. Van operators looking for help in managing drivers' hours, ensuring drivers have a valid licence and essential vehicle safety checks are undertaken by the driver can find everything they will need in Descartes' SmartCompliance compliance management platform for fleets of all sizes.