Stone King Partner discusses transport sector compliance with specialist publication

Stone King Partner Peter Woodhouse explained some key transport sector compliance requirements for specialist industry publication Bus & Coach Buyer.

In a piece published in the 22 March issue of the trade magazine, Peter began by highlighting the importance of walk-round checks, an area that he said is often overlooked.

When issues arise with a vehicle, driver’s maintenance records can be reviewed to establish whether walk-round checks are being carried out compliantly.

Peter, Head of Business & Social Enterprise, said: “The Guide to maintaining roadworthiness sets out the legal requirements, but many operators still seem to be unaware of what they are, with the guide saying: “Operators must be able to prove that the check was done. The system needs to be in writing and to generate a record whether a defect is found.”

Peter also explained ways that bus and coach operators can ensure checks are being carried out when vehicles are not brought back to the site at the end of the day.

“In these cases, the operator must ensure that there is a system for ensuring that the defect check is done before the vehicle moves,” he added.

“With the advent of electronic driver defect systems linked to GPS tracking systems, this should be much more manageable.

“A check should cover the whole vehicle and include all interior and exterior items that can be safely assessed without the use of a workshop.

“Drivers who do the check in the dark should be issued with a torch and they should be expected to check, for example, all visible portions of tyres.

“However, they would not be expected to check the inside edge of a double wheel fixing.”

Peter’s article also covered expectations that drivers remain alert for defects, the importance for operators of auditing their defect system, why operators must cross check this system and the need for risk assessments.

Read the full article from Bus and Coach Buyer at this link.