Do you Need an Operator’s Licence For a 3.5 Tonne Van?
Not sure if you need an O licence for your 3.5 tonne van? Well, the truth is… it depends. It depends upon how you are using the vehicle and where you are travelling. Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs), including vans, over 2.5 tons used commercially in the EU are in scope of Operator Licensing. Do you […]
Why Proactive Compliance Audits Are Critical For Operator Licence Holders
Holding an operator licence is far more than a legal obligation—it’s a pledge to uphold the highest standards of safety, reliability, and operational excellence. In today’s demanding regulatory environment, relying on reactive compliance is a risk you can’t afford. The Senior Traffic Commissioner and DVSA expect operators to demonstrate robust, continuous management systems that work […]
The Role of Tachograph Analysis in Accident Investigation and Risk Management
In the aftermath of a road traffic collision (RTC) involving a commercial vehicle, time is critical – and so is data. Tachograph analysis has emerged as a vital tool in both accident investigation and risk management, offering objective insights into driver behaviour, vehicle activity, and regulatory compliance. This article explores how tachograph data is used […]
Are We Seeing the End of Usefulness For a Large Part of the 3.5 Tonne Van Fleet?
The first Ford Transit van rolled off the production line on the 9th of August 1965 changing that sector of the market in a way that had never been seen before. In 1972 the Metropolitan Police named it as the most wanted vehicle for Bank Raids, being used on 95% of all Bank jobs due […]
Why Every Operator Should Know the DVSA Earned Recognition Standard and How They Compare
Whether you are a DVSA Earned Recognition accredited operator or not, the standards impact you – and you need to understand them. Why? Understanding the scheme will help you to make an informed decision about when getting accredited might be suitable. Understand the standard will help you to embed the right processes and procedures now. […]
“Mind Your Head” – Bridge Strikes
Perhaps this is the wording that we should be seeing on bridges and low structures these days, as more and more drivers of HGV’s and PCV’s failing to respond to the current warnings of ‘Low Bridge’, flashing lights and illuminated signs. We have seen the huge amount of time and effort that is spent by […]
How the “Help to Grow: Management” Programme Sparked a Transformation at AS Miles Consulting
At AS Miles Consulting, we’ve always prided ourselves on helping others become safer, more compliant, and more profitable. But in 2024, it was our turn to seek growth. Managing Director Andy Miles had a clear vision: expand, innovate, and sharpen our focus – but the path to do that needed clarity. After joining the Help […]
4.25 Tonne EVs and Tachograph Use
The use of Alternatively Fuelled Vehicles (AFV) is on the increase and as they cascade onto the used vehicle market they are being bought by those operations that have not had previous experience of them. A S Miles Consulting are getting an increase in the number of questions of what is and isn’t allowed within […]
Exploring the dual-purpose vehicle exemption and the implication of towing a trailer with a van
When you tow a trailer with a van or dual-purpose vehicle, the rules can get confusing. Do you need an O licence? What drivers’ hours rules apply? What are the maintenance requirements? What records should you be keeping? Here, we explore all these questions to help you understand the implications of towing a trailer with […]
AS Miles Consulting at the IOC Q1 Heads of Industry Roundtable
Driving the Future of Transport Compliance and Innovation At AS Miles Consulting, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of the transport and logistics industry. That’s why our Managing Director, Andy Miles, had the privilege of representing us at the Institute of Couriers (IOC) – Heads of Industry January Q1 Roundtable, held in the heart […]