Plumwood Ltd

Here at Plumwood, we're proud to say that we have worked with a range of different Operators from large multi depot fleets to owner drivers. Whether its tachograph analysis, licence renewal, FORS accreditation, a full transport compliance audit or prepping for a Public Inquiry- Plumwood are always happy to help.

Why not give us a call to see how we can help your transport operation?
01634 540094
www.plumwood.co.uk

Happy FORS Friday! 🥳

Our FORS Angel (Sharon) has been busy working with Masons Scaffolding Ltd to help them achieve their FORS Silver Accreditation. 😇

If you want to see how FORS can benefit your Operation or to discuss how Plumwood can provide some extra guidance, give us a call today on 01634 540094.

www.plumwood.co.uk

A huge congratulations to T.Caudwell Reclaimed Bricks and Yorkstone who have passed their FORS Silver for the fourth year, with help from our FORS Angel - Sharon.
Want to find out how FORS could benefit your fleet?
Get in touch today on 01634 540094.

www.plumwood.co.uk

No one, even in todays painless age looks forward to visiting the dentist, and likewise transport compliance can often be seen as a painful process. At Plumwood we like to make that as comfortable and painless as possible, from a simple clean, tachograph analysis, a quick polish, licence renewal, to the more in-depth procedures such as FORS Accreditation, filling, or full root canal work such as audit or prepping for a Public Inquiry.

Come and relax in our chair, we will offer you a drink you don't have to spit out, and you won't leave with a numb lip.

Emergency appointments and regular check-ups available.

01634 540094
www.plumwood.co.uk

More FORS good news!

Congratulations go to Crystal Units Limited who have passed their FORS Silver accreditation. 🤩

Plumwood have been working with Crystal Units Ltd to help them maintain FORS Silver for 6 years.

If you want to find out more about how we can help, call us on 01634 540094.

Congratulations to Rope and Sling Specialists- Aylesford who have just passed their FORS Silver for an incredible 9th year.

As one of the largest independent companies in the field of lifting equipment engineering in the UK, Plumwood are proud to continue to support them with their FORS accreditation.

Want to find out how Plumwood could help your organisation?
Get in touch today on 01634 540094.

www.plumwood.co.uk

Any specific undertakings agreed to by an Operator must be complied with.
The additional conditions can be added to the statutory licence undertakings at the grant of the licence or following regulatory action.

As seen at a recent Public Inquiry, failure to comply with an undertaking given at a previous PI demonstrates a poor attitude towards compliance and often identifies inadequate systems being in place.

It also adds a breach of trust between the Operator and the Traffic Commissioner, usually resulting in action being taken against the Operator Licence.

Do you have a specific undertaking on your licence and need help in ensuring this is being met? Contact Plumwood to see how we can help.

01634 540094
www.plumwood.co.uk

Arwel Thomas
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/decision-for-arwel-thomas/decision-for-arwel-thomas

A huge congratulations to Mitcham Builders Merchants who have passed their FORS Silver for the 2nd year, with help from our FORS Angel - Sharon!
Want to find out how FORS could benefit your fleet?

Get in touch today on 01634 540094.
www.plumwood.co.uk

Not only is it important to provide the required evidence in advance of a Public Inquiry hearing. Operators MUST attend the hearing (believe it or not!).

Failing to respond to the Traffic Commissioner or attend the Public Inquiry hearing does not mean that the problems will just go away. Instead, the case will be considered on the evidence available and there will be no chance for the Operator to provide further explanations. In addition, failing to attend without proper reasoning can be seen as failure to comply and will mostly result in the Operator Licence being revoked.

Facing regulatory action? Talk to Plumwood.
01634 540094.
____
Edward Taylor Metcalfe
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/decision-for-edward-taylor-metcalfe/decision-for-edward-taylor-metcalfe

If you have been contacted by a regulatory body asking to supply documentation, it is essential that you respond to this in the time frame requested and with the documents in an easy-to-read format.

Have you been asked for something that you don't have? It is extremely important that you do not amend or create false documentation. Even editing documents such as maintenance records or roller brake test is considered fraud and is extremely serious.

What should you do instead? This can be a good time to understand that you need to make improvements to your transport operation and put a plan in place to overcome any shortcomings.

Need help submitting documents? Get in touch with Plumwood.

01634 540094
www.plumwood.co.uk

Nyanza Express Transport and Training Ltd
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/decision-for-nyanza-express-transport-and-training-ltd/decision-for-nyanza-express-transport-and-training-ltd

A huge congratulations to Speedy Freight - Chatham who have passed their FORS Silver for the 2nd year, with help from our FORS Angel - Sharon
Want to find out how FORS could benefit your fleet?
Get in touch today on 01634 540094.

www.plumwood.co.uk

When you think of mental health its often overlooked just how vulnerable LGV drivers can be. If we just look at the working environment you can clearly see several factors that can contribute to poor mental health.

Loneliness – driving is a solitary occupation for long periods of the day, with the only interaction with base usually by phone and briefly face to face at the delivery point. If the driver is away overnight, then they will spend long hours sleeping in their cab, again alone. If they don't have a support network at home, they can spend the whole week away not having any meaningful conversations.

Pressure – driving, particularly in and around London, is high pressure and again a solitary occupation so there is likely no-one to share their frustration or concerns with. Delivery schedules can add to pressure as well.

Poor free time – with early starts and nights away, maintaining both relationships and social connections can be strained. The long and anti-social hours aren't helpful to drivers' wellbeing, and coach/bus drivers can have it worse as they are usually working when most people are out playing.

So, in this mental health week look around and see who might be struggling and if it's you, reach out, it's easier that you think.

This is Mental Health Awareness week, and we have our very own support dogs in the office, that help us to relax and chill out - Barney, Rocco and Penny, however sometimes they aren’t always available with their hectic sleep schedule.

We have a very Spaniel centric office, and I’m afraid we have had to edit the boy's photo’s as they are inclined to be exhibitionists when sleeping

When shortcomings have been identified (from an independent audit, DVSA visit, Remote Enforcement or the Traffic Commissioner), it is essential that action is taken to immediately work to rectify these.

Attending a Public Inquiry showing the action that has been taken to address any issues highlighted helps to demonstrate that the Operator understands the severity of the situation. Having a plan but waiting until after the hearing to implement the changes is not sufficient and it is often a case of 'too little too late'.

A quote from a recent Public Inquiry which saw the Operators Licence revoked clearly demonstrates this- ''His lack of action even at the date of the inquiry shows a total contempt for the regulatory regime".

Do you need help to create or implement processes and systems to create a compliant operation? Contact Plumwood today to see how our compliance services can help.

01634 540094
www.plumwood.co.uk

David Cornwall
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/decision-for-david-cornwall-oh2012546/decision-for-david-cornwall-oh2012546

“Sorry Traffic Commissioner my dog ate my PMI’s”.

Not seen that excuse yet, but those of us who regularly read the Regulatory Decisions about truck operators will see a common and unhappy theme.

So often the fault lies not with the Operator from evidence given but their excuse is with ‘everyone else!’ It’s the maintenance provider or their drivers or their accountant who got them into this mess!

I’ve got news, it’s YOUR Operator’s licence and keeping compliant is YOUR responsibility, you won’t get away with telling the Traffic Commissioner “my dog ate my PMI’s”

Want help keeping on top of your operator licence obligations, talk to us.

Get in touch with us at [email protected] or call us on 01634 540094

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at Plumwood!

Your vehicle should undergo a full and documented pre-MOT inspection before it is presented for testing to reduce the likelihood of the vehicle failing. This should include checking all the lamps and the aim of headlamps. 💡

If your vehicle has failed due to a defect affecting the lamps or aim of headlamps, then this should be investigated immediately with the maintenance provider that completed the pre-MOT inspection.

Got a question? Get in touch today at https://operatorcompliancehelp.co.uk/contact-us

The Plumwood Team went out on their Christmas work do last week! We definitely enjoyed ourselves and let our hair down for the evening! 🥳🥂

Your Operating Centre should provide sufficient parking for the number of vehicles/trailers authorised on your Operator Licence. 🗺️

An Operating Centre is a base where the vehicles are normally kept when they are not in use, it is an offence to use any other Operating Centre without prior authorisation from the Traffic Commissioner to use that site.

If you have a question regarding your Operating Centre, Operating Licence or transport compliance, get in touch today on 01634 540094 or visit https://operatorcompliancehelp.co.uk/contact-us

𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘃𝘆 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻

When the road is wet it can take twice as long to stop. Slow down and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
If your vehicle loses grip, or "aquaplanes", on surface water take your foot off the accelerator to slow down. Do not brake or steer suddenly because you have less control of the steering and brakes.

When faced with a flooded road, be very careful as you can't always tell how deep the water is. Don't think that because you are in a big vehicle you will always get through when cars are getting stuck!

If you have no alternative but to drive through floods, drive slowly, use a low gear and try to keep the engine revving at a high rate. Move forward continuously to avoid stalling the engine. When driving an automatic vehicle, engage and hold in a low gear. And remember to test your brakes after driving through water; they may be ineffective.

For more information go to https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/travel/driving-coaches-and-trucks-in-severe-weather

Any MOT failures need to be fully investigated to determine the cause and ensure steps are taken to prevent future test failures. ❌

Not only will it impact upon an Operators OCRS score but the Traffic Commissioner must be notified within 28 days of the event. Obtaining first time pass rates from your maintenance contractor is one way to review their performance and ensure the standard of service provided is satisfactory.

Got a question? Get in touch today at https://operatorcompliancehelp.co.uk/contact-us

𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙨𝙖𝙛𝙚 𝙙𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙙.

As a professional driver, it is your responsibility to make allowances for severe weather.

You should;

𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 – This information will allow you and your Transport manager to plan around the severe weather and pre-warn customers of delays. Planning ahead and knowing your approximate journey time is essential during winter. You should plan your route in detail, identify any potential hazards and determine where you will stop for rest breaks.

𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 – Thorough vehicle checks are essential throughout the year but pay particular attention to the following checks during the bad weather;
Tyre tread is good, brake lines aren't frozen or split, windows, windscreen wipers and mirrors are all clear of snow and cleaned to ensure good visibility. Fluid levels are all topped up, the exhaust is clear of snow. Also, clear as much snow as possible from your vehicle cab, trailer body, windows, lights, registration plates and doors.

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 – such as de-icer and an ice scraper, warm clothing, a torch, a shovel and a bag or salt or sand, road atlas, extra food and drink, fully charge phone and a phone charger.

𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗮𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 – be aware when stepping out of your vehicle for slippery surfaces, reduce your speed, drive smoothly, increase your stopping distance, plan for alternative routes and be aware of black ice.

For more information visit

Driving coaches and trucks in severe weather Advice from National Highways on driving larger vehicles in poor winter weather.

Catch our Lindsay speaking with Backhouse Jones in their latest podcast.....

A recent ruling by the Upper Tribunal means that Operators must specify all goods vehicles in their possession, onto their Operators Licence, even if they are not used on a public road all the time. 🚚

Some Operator's will keep a spare vehicle to use as a replacement when one vehicle goes in for maintenance or others will add and remove vehicles depending on the operation being completed.

Operators should not possess vehicles in excess of the number authorised on their O' Licence and should ensure that there is sufficient margin on the licence to add any vehicles required.

If you have any questions regarding Operator Licencing or Transport Compliance, call us today on 01634 540094.

SPEED IN NUMBERS

Every year, drivers who speed or travel too fast for the road conditions contribute to:

10,093 Crashes
345 Deaths
3,388 Serious injuries

If you speed because you want to get somewhere faster, is the increased risk worth it for the amount of time you actually save?

Brake, the road safety charity

Road Safety Week 2023 - Road Safety Week is an annual campaign, organised by Brake, the road safety charity.

The theme for Road Safety Week 2023 is Let's talk about SPEED. This is important as five people die on UK roads every day and 1 in 4 fatal crashes involve someone driving too fast.

We all drive too fast sometimes… perhaps because we're in a rush to get somewhere, or we're unaware of the speed limit. Maybe we didn't notice that our speed had crept up. Sometimes people speed because they enjoy driving fast or because there aren't many other vehicles on the road but is it really worth the consequence?

Whoever you are, however you travel, we need to talk about speed. Together we can make roads safer for everyone.

You can find out more information at https://www.brake.org.uk/road-safety-week

Brake, the road safety charity

Some more FORS good news!! 🥳

Massive congratulations to WDE Logistics Ltd who have passed their FORs silver accreditation for the 5th year running!! 👏🏻

Are you thinking of becoming FORS accredited but don't know where to start? Get in touch today on 01634 540094. 📱

Tyres should be checked by drivers as part of their daily walk around checks, by maintenance providers at safety inspections and a robust tyre management system should be in place. Additional checks should be completed when a vehicle has been used on site work. 🛞

The personnel responsible for investigating and rectifying any reported defects must be suitably trained and qualified.

Got a question? Get in touch today at https://operatorcompliancehelp.co.uk/contact-us

Happy FORS Friday 🥳

A massive shoutout to Rope and Sling Specialists Ltd - Heathrow who have not only passed their FORS Silver Accreditation, but for the 7th year! 👏🏻

Achieving FORS Silver highlights an Operator that employs good practice. Plumwood can provide guidance in setting up the systems to the required standard or reviewing your current systems and making suggestions for improvement.

Give us a call on 01634 540094 or visit www.plumwood.co.uk to find out more.

Is your desk stacked high with paperwork? How quickly would you be able to find a specific document for a vehicle or driver? 📝

You are expected to keep all maintenance and driver-check documents for 15 months and ensure that these are available on request.

Need help understanding what is missing from your files? Get in touch with us to discuss our transport compliance audits which will highlight any areas for improvement or missing items. 01634 540094