If your business depends upon large goods or public service vehicles, you could encounter legal problems at some point in time, no matter how meticulous you are. Road Transport Law is complex and highly regulated with new legislation constantly being introduced.
Woodfines’ Road Transport team are widely recognised as being one of the leaders in the country for road transport and logistics advice. Our capability in this sector has resulted in us being appointed by some of the most well known organisations in the industry.
We provide tailored advice to organisations of all sizes from small vehicle owners, major logistics companies, representative organisations, local government and enforcement bodies.
We represent goods and passenger operators and their employees in a variety of courts and tribunals. We cover a full range of offences, but are especially skilled in advising on major drivers’ hours investigations. We also have specialist knowledge in a number of fields including the issue of ‘cabotage’.
As well as conducting defence work, we are fully familiar with all aspects of the Operator’s Licence regime and regularly act for those called before Traffic Commissioners to public inquiries or driver conduct hearings.
The team provides strong representation to both commercial and private drivers facing prosecution for motoring offences.
Goods Sector
Passenger Sector
Operator Licensing
Road Traffic Offences
Agricultural Transport
Employment
Transport businesses are dependent on their driver workforces, whether operating in the goods or passenger sector. It is necessary to ensure that both driver and non-driver employees have suitable contracts of employment and that where something goes wrong the correct procedures take place to comply with the complex world of employment legislation. Some employment law issues are specific to transport and logistics businesses, e.g. Road Transport Working Time.
Woodfines also provides a retainer service for our employment law services which gives businesses requiring ongoing employment law support the information and access to services they need.
For further information on our Employment Law services, please click here
Wills and Succession
Has your transport business planned for the future? Is there a succession plan to deal with the retirement, serious illness or death of business owners, partners or directors?
There are also Operator Licensing issues in the case of incapacitation, death or retirement in the management of your road transport business – in the event of incapacity or death, there are special Operator Licence provisions so that transport operations can continue until a new business may be formed with its own Operator Licence authorisation.
These issues are too easily put to one side but should be planned for in advance. Woodfines can help you to put yours and your business’ future planning into place before it is too late.
For further information on our Wills, Trusts, Tax and Probate services, please click here
Disputes and Injury
There can be many reasons why disputes occur in your road transport business:
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Disputes involving suppliers or vehicle servicing
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Contractual disputes concerning goods or services you buy or sell
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Injuries to staff, such as from falls, trips or spillages
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Injuries to others in the course of your business, such as from collisions or trips from passenger vehicles.
When disputes occur, we can help you to resolve them in a cost effective and practical manner. In this sector, disputes and injuries can sometimes lead to enforcement agencies being involved to investigate what occurred and, possibly, take action which can affect your Operator’s Licence, your business and your livelihood. If this happens, we can offer advice, support and representation.
For further information on how we can help you to resolve disputes, please click here
Business Services
Our lawyers have the knowledge and experience needed to advise you on the business model best suited to you in the road transport and logistics sector and can advise you on the process of becoming a partnership, limited company, limited liability partnership, unincorporated association, company limited by guarantee, PLC or sole trader as appropriate to you and your business. Your business model will help the future development and planning of your business, as well as possible tax savings.
Your business model can also reflect on the responsibilities you have as a business owner – as a partner, director or sole trader, you could be personally liable for offences committed by your drivers, for example. There have been cases recently where business owners have been disqualified from driving as a result of their driver’s offences gaining them points on their own licences! To avoid this and ensure that you are fully compliant with regulations as they apply to your business, contact Woodfines Transport team to ensure your business is structured effectively.
For further information on Woodfines Company and Commercial services, please click here
Debt Recovery
All businesses should have debt collection systems in place to ensure the consistent flow of cash into the businesses.
If you need help and advice on the recovery of debts for your business, visit our Credit Management page for our tailored debt recovery service.
Updates
Our Road Transport team send out a newsletter bi-monthly email newsletter containing legal updates and requirements which you and your business need to be aware of. To receive the newsletter, please contact Nicola.
Woodfines also hold two Transport Conferences each year with key speakers from the road transport industry. To find out more, please contact Nicola