Road haulage lawyers and traffic commissioner public inquiry? Border Force & HMRC Vehicle Seizures: Trucks and loads entering the UK will be seized by the UK Border Force or HMRC (UK customs) if they are found to be carrying forbidden contraband (e.g. weapons, drugs, tobacco, alcohol etc). In most cases, both the haulier and the owners of the goods being transported will have no knowledge of the presence of the forbidden contraband. Reclaiming Seized Trucks: Our transport lawyers have a very high success rate of securing the release of EU owned trucks and trailers seized at the UK Border. We can usually achieve this without the need for a court hearing.

We offer a cost-effective, fixed-fee arrangement designed to cover these steps and to provide you with certainty as to your costs. Smith Bowyer Clarke can arrange training from experts in the Road Transport field on: How to install an effective system to prevent clandestine entrants, in line with the Codes of Practice issued by the UK Government, The paperwork (checklists / training manuals etc) you need, The actions drivers must take to identify and prevent migrant access, The documentation that must be carried in the cab of the vehicle at all times, The information that must be provided to the Border Force if stopped.

Welcome to Smith Bowyer Clarke. We provide, simple, straightforward, and practical legal solutions to all your transport problems. For a no-obligation, free initial consultation or rapid answer to a simple query just get in touch. We know how busy you are, and can attend at your operating centre, home or place of business at a time to suit you – we provide a truly national service. See more info at https://www.smithbowyerclarke.co.uk/services/clandestine-entrants-and-defending-civil-penalties/.

The DVSA don’t waste much of their time visiting compliant operators so it is almost certainly to do with something that you, or your employees/agents, have done or have failed to do. The triggers are legion, but common ones are where your vehicles are stopped and mechanical defects are found; or the vehicle is overloaded; or there are drivers’ hours infringements discovered…. and so on. Alternatively it could be that the visit has been requested by the Traffic Commissioner as a result of a requested variation you have submitted. It might even be that your MOT failure rate is higher than the national average, which always sets alarm bells ringing.

Tachograph Offences: Facing investigation or prosecution for tachograph offences? We can help you. Our transport solicitors and barristers are all highly experienced in this technical area of law. Whether you are facing criminal prosecution, a hearing before the Traffic Commissioner, or a DVSA / VOSA investigation, make sure you get specialist, confidential legal advice. Call us today on 01332 987420 or email info@smithbowyerclarke.co.uk. Operators should be aware that offences found during roadside stops will usually lead to a DVSA / VOSA inspection of your operating centre. Read more info at Road Transport Lawyer.