Previously, when a transport manager submitted an application to be nominated on an Operator’s Licence, they would receive a response saying, “It’s unlawful to act as a Transport Manager for this licence until we’ve approved your application”.
This led to the situation that some prospective transport managers, and sometimes the consultants advising them, were left unsure what they were permitted to do. They were often wary about offering any sort of assistance to the operator, for fear of doing something unlawful.
This was obviously counterproductive to road safety.
As a result of raising this issue with the Traffic Commissioners recently, the wording was amended in a matter of days. The message now reads “A proposed transport manager will not meet the Transport Manager requirement on the operator, until the appointment is formally authorised by the traffic commissioner.”
This new wording should allay any fears and give prospective transport managers the reassurance that they can assist an operator in ensuring they are running their operation in a complaint manner, prior to them becoming the nominated transport manager.
If you would like support with your Operator’s License applications, get in touch with Jared Dunbar today.