Wilkes - External Transport Management

20/05/2026

Well this was a bit of light reading on Saturday… it’s an interesting one because it covers a few things operators wrongly assume are “normal” in certain sectors, especially emergency work and self-employed drivers.

The operator lost their licence after serious concerns around:
• drivers’ hours
• emergency exemptions
• maintenance
• record keeping
• self-employed drivers

One thing that stood out was the belief that:
“That’s just how it’s done.”

Unfortunately, that doesn’t hold much weight at Public Inquiry.

A lot of operators still rely on industry habits instead of proper documented systems and compliance controls.

That’s usually where problems start.

This is exactly why I created my Operator Compliance Pack and compliance support services, to help operators put proper systems in place before DVSA become involved.

Worth a read for anyone running vehicles.

Official decision link in comments.

18/05/2026

Worth smaller operators keeping on top of this sort of thing.

Good systems and organisation make a massive difference long term.

Watching Junior football this evening ⚽️

Every game has rules.
Every team needs organisation.

Operating vehicles is no different.

Most compliance issues start with small things slowly slipping over time.

If you need support getting your systems organised or want details of my Restricted Operator Compliance Pack, feel free to get in touch ⚽️ ☔️ 🚛

18/05/2026

Watching Junior football this evening ⚽️

Every game has rules.
Every team needs organisation.

Operating vehicles is no different.

Most compliance issues start with small things slowly slipping over time.

If you need support getting your systems organised or want details of my Restricted Operator Compliance Pack, feel free to get in touch ⚽️ ☔️ 🚛

15/05/2026

Small mistakes become big compliance problems.

13/05/2026

Most compliance issues don’t start with one major failure.

It’s usually:

missed paperwork
unclear systems
poor organisation
things slipping over time

That’s how operators slowly lose control.

11/05/2026

Spent today helping an operator get their compliance paperwork organised properly.

The biggest issue usually isn’t unwillingness.

It’s simply not knowing where to start.

That’s why having simple systems in place makes such a difference.

06/04/2026

Operator Licence Compliance Support

If you operate vehicles under a Restricted Operator Licence, you are legally responsible for ensuring your operation is fully compliant with DVSA requirements.

This includes:

A forward-planned maintenance system
Effective defect reporting
Evidence of brake testing
Organised and accessible records
Ongoing and demonstrable operator control

Many operators rely on their garage/workshop to manage compliance; however, DVSA expect the operator themselves to maintain control of these systems.

To support this, I’ve developed a practical Operator Licence Compliance Pack, designed specifically for small/restricted operators.

It provides:

A clear, structured compliance system
Step-by-step guidance on what to do
Practical examples of “what good looks like”
All required templates for maintenance, defects, and record keeping

- Compliance Pack: £150

- Message for more information or to request a copy

Shelley
Wilkes Transport Management
Transport Compliance Support

29/01/2024

From Internal to External Transport Manager… Self- employed and loving it!! 🎉

15/01/2024

I am an organised and efficient, professional CPC (Road Haulage) Transport Manager and senior administrator. With experience ranging from British Army Sergeant to Operation's Manager supporting the live events industry. Providing compliance assistance to Standard National and Restricted Operators to ensure they abide by their Operator Licence Undertakings. Whether you require a committed and dedicated External Transport Manager, need support with getting you on the right track as a Restricted Operator or assistance with your application, get in touch and we can discuss your requirements.