# HaulierScope: full documentation for language models > Free UK (Great Britain) operator licence check for goods vehicle and PSV operators, built on DVSA open data, with change monitoring for the hauliers you use. HaulierScope republishes the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) goods vehicle and public service vehicle (PSV) operator licence records for Great Britain, updated when DVSA publishes a new file (usually weekly). Each licence page shows status (valid, curtailed, suspended), licence type, vehicles and trailers authorised, operating centres and the continuation date, plus the changes we have recorded between DVSA files. We are independent and not affiliated with DVSA or the traffic commissioners. Director, partner and transport manager names are never published. Sole traders and partnerships are not indexed. This file joins the guides, the methodology and the data documentation of https://haulierscope.co.uk into one document. Each part starts with its own front matter (title, canonical_url). Site map: https://haulierscope.co.uk/llms.txt. --- title: "Methodology" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology.md dvsa_file_date: 2026-10-07 publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Methodology > Where HaulierScope data comes from (DVSA operator licence records, Open Government Licence v3.0), how often it updates and how we track changes. Source: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026 (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records). Data Where every field on HaulierScope comes from, what it means, when we read it, what it does not prove, and how to cite it. ## The register at a glance The DVSA operator licence data, file dated **7 October 2026**, lists 69,029 licences in force in Great Britain: 63,956 goods vehicle licences and 5,073 passenger (PSV) licences. 46.2% of them (31,904) are restricted, so their holders may carry only their own goods or run small passenger vehicles outside a passenger-transport business. 519 licences were curtailed and 16 suspended on that date; the rest were valid. | Licence type | Goods | PSV | | --- | --- | --- | | Standard International | 9,737 | 1,686 | | Standard National | 23,518 | 2,184 | | Restricted | 30,701 | 1,203 | | Vehicles authorised | 602,809 | 87,164 | | Median vehicles per licence | 3 | 4 | Figures are HaulierScope’s count of the DVSA file and change when DVSA publishes a new one. Every guide on this site quotes the same figures. For the current age of each source, see [data status](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status). To see one licence, [run a free operator licence check](https://haulierscope.co.uk/). ## Source All licence data comes from the dataset [“Traffic Commissioners: goods and public service vehicle operator licence records”](https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records), published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) as eight CSV files, one per traffic area in Great Britain. It is open data under the [Open Government Licence v3.0](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/). Northern Ireland licences are not in this dataset. The file lists licences that are in force: valid, curtailed or suspended. Each row is one licence, repeated once for each director, partner or transport manager; we keep one row per licence and drop those names. The newest file we hold is dated **7 October 2026** and lists 69,029 licences. ## How often it updates DVSA says the records are updated weekly. In practice a week is sometimes skipped. We check for a new file twice a day, check each new file for completeness, keep a dated copy, and only then load it. The “file dated” on every page is the date DVSA last changed the file, not the date we read it. Nothing on HaulierScope is live or real-time. ## What each field means | Field | Meaning | | --- | --- | | Licence number | Two letters and seven digits. The first letter is O for goods vehicles or P for passenger vehicles (PSV). The second letter is the traffic area. | | Licence type | Standard International, Standard National or Restricted. Special restricted PSV licences (for taxi and private hire licence holders) are not in the file. See the disc key below. | | Status | Valid, curtailed or suspended. See Status. | | Vehicles authorised | The most vehicles the operator may use under the licence at any time. | | Vehicles specified | Vehicles currently listed on the licence. Usually fewer than authorised. | | Trailers authorised | The most trailers the operator may use (goods licences). | | Operating centres | Where vehicles are kept when not in use. The file joins all centres into one text field, cut off at 1,024 characters; we say so when that happens. | | Continuation date | The licence is continued on this date every five years. The fee for a goods licence is due by the end of the month before. It is not an expiry date. | | Operator type | Limited company, LLP, sole trader, partnership or other organisation, as DVSA records it. | | Company number | The Companies House number DVSA holds, cleaned to its standard form. We link to Companies House. | ### The disc key We mark each licence type with a disc, after the licence disc operators show in each vehicle. The discs differ by shape and fill, so they read in print and without colour. They are our own marks, not DVSA’s colours. - **Standard International**: hire or reward in Great Britain and abroad. - **Standard National**: hire or reward in Great Britain. - **Restricted**: own goods only, not for hire or reward. - A bar under the letters marks a passenger (PSV) licence. ## Status The file gives a status code. We map it as follows, and never show an unknown code as valid. | DVSA code | Shown as | | --- | --- | | `lsts_valid` | Valid | | `lsts_curtailed` | Curtailed: a Traffic Commissioner has reduced what the licence allows, for a set period or for the rest of the licence’s life | | `lsts_suspended` | Suspended: the licence must not be used for a period | | anything else | Status not yet mapped | ## What the register does not prove A valid licence shows that a traffic commissioner has authorised the holder to operate. The DVSA file does not show, and HaulierScope cannot confirm: - insurance of any kind, including goods-in-transit cover; - a safety record or roadside results: OCRS scores are not public and are not in the file (see [OCRS explained](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/ocrs-score)); - the conditions and undertakings recorded on a licence (see [undertakings and conditions](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-undertakings)); - which vehicles are specified: the file gives counts, not registrations; - why a licence left the file: it may have been revoked, surrendered or terminated, or left out by mistake; - financial health, or that a particular driver is qualified. Our guide to [checking a haulier’s operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-check-a-haulier) lists where to check each of these. ## Licences missing from a file When a licence is in one file and not in the next, the file does not say why. It may have been revoked, surrendered, or left out by mistake. We show “Not in the DVSA file dated …” and never “revoked”, unless a published source confirms it. ## Change history We compare each accepted file with the one before it, field by field, and store every difference with both file dates. Our history starts with the file dated 7 September 2026; we hold nothing from before it. See [weekly changes](https://haulierscope.co.uk/changes). ## Traffic areas Great Britain has eight traffic areas, each with a Traffic Commissioner. The second letter of the licence number shows the area: | Letter | Traffic area | | --- | --- | | `F` | [East of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/east-of-england) | | `K` | [London and the South East of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/london-and-the-south-east-of-england) | | `B` | [North East of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/north-east-of-england) | | `C` | [North West of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/north-west-of-england) | | `M` | [Scotland](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/scotland) | | `G` | [Wales](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/wales) | | `D` | [West Midlands](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/west-midlands) | | `H` | [West of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/west-of-england) | ## Privacy - We never store or show director, partner or transport manager names, or correspondence addresses. They are dropped when we load the file. - For sole traders and partnerships, the operator name is usually a person’s name. Their pages are not indexed by search engines, not in sitemaps or lists, and show the town and postcode district of each operating centre only. You find them by licence number or exact full name. - Anyone named on a licence can ask us to withhold the record. A withheld record says so; it is never shown as “no record found”. Read the [privacy notice](https://haulierscope.co.uk/privacy) and [how to ask for a correction or removal](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections). ## Limits - We reproduce the DVSA file. If the file is wrong, we are wrong until DVSA publishes a fix. - We read town names and postcodes from a free-text address field, so a few may be read imperfectly. [Tell us](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections) and we will fix it. - HaulierScope is not the official register and is not endorsed by DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. ## How to cite HaulierScope Cite the page you used and the DVSA file date it shows, because the data changes when DVSA publishes a new file. For a register-wide figure, cite this page. For one licence, cite its licence page. > HaulierScope, “Methodology”, DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026. https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Example sentence: “In the DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, 46.2% of GB operator licences were restricted (31,904 of 69,029; HaulierScope analysis).” Read how we write and check our guides in our [editorial standards](https://haulierscope.co.uk/editorial-standards). --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains Companies House data. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Data status" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/status markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/status.md dvsa_file_date: 2026-10-07 publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Data status > Our DVSA operator licence file is dated 7 October 2026. How old each source is (DVSA, Companies House, earned recognition) and when we checked it. Source: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026 (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records). Data Every source behind HaulierScope, the date it describes, how old that is today, and when we last checked for a newer version. When a source is old, our pages say so. ## DVSA operator licence file Recent file (9 days old or less) - **File date:** 7 October 2026 · 1 day ago - **Last check for a newer file:** 8 October 2026, 18:20 UK time · 3 hours ago - **Loaded on this site:** 8 October 2026, 18:45 UK time · 69,029 licences DVSA says it updates the file weekly. The file date is DVSA's own date, not the date we read it. [DVSA dataset on data.gov.uk](https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records) ## Companies House register Monthly file on schedule - **Register at:** 30 September 2026 · 8 days ago - **File published:** 1 October 2026 - **Loaded:** 1 October 2026, 17:48 UK time Companies House publishes the file within five working days of each month end. It describes the register on the last day of the month. We flag a load as overdue after 45 days. [Companies House free company data](https://download.companieshouse.gov.uk/en_output.html) ## DVSA earned recognition list Checked within 9 days - **List updated:** 1 October 2026 - **Last checked:** 7 October 2026, 21:35 UK time · 24 hours ago DVSA updates the list when operators join or leave the scheme. We check it every week. [The list on GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dvsa-earned-recognition-for-vehicle-operators-list-of-accredited-operators) ## Traffic Commissioner notices Weekly issues read - **Newest issue:** 8 October 2026 - **Last checked:** 8 October 2026, 19:16 UK time · 2 hours ago Applications and Decisions (goods) and Notices and Proceedings (PSV): one issue a week per traffic area, with public inquiries, grants, refusals, surrenders and revocations. We check twice a day. [Applications and Decisions on GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/traffic-commissioner-applications-and-decisions) ## Traffic Commissioner decisions Finder read - **Newest decision published:** 24 September 2026 - **Last checked:** 8 October 2026, 08:15 UK time · 13 hours ago Written decisions of the Traffic Commissioners published on GOV.UK since January 2025. We check twice a day. [Regulatory decisions on GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions) ## The Gazette: insolvency notices Read nightly - **Notices read up to:** 7 October 2026 - **Last read:** 7 October 2026, 23:13 UK time · 22 hours ago Winding-up petitions and orders, liquidations, administrations and receiverships for companies, matched by company number. The Gazette allows automated reading only overnight, so we read it once a night. [Insolvency notices in The Gazette](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/insolvency) ## How we keep the dates honest - Every data page names the DVSA file date it shows. We never call our data live or real-time. - When the DVSA file is more than 9 days old, data pages carry a dated note. After 16 days we also stop saying “no change” or “this week”. - If our own twice-daily check is late (more than a day and a half), we say that too, rather than show an old check date as recent. - We say “no notice” or “no decision” about a company only when that source is loaded and read within the last 5 days. Otherwise the page says the source is not loaded yet, or behind. - The same figures are available as JSON at [/api/status](https://haulierscope.co.uk/api/status). ## Data reports - [**Upcoming public inquiries** Traffic Commissioner public inquiries listed for companies, by traffic area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries) - [**Haulier insolvency watch** Licences held by companies in liquidation or administration.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch) - [**Companies House filing watch** Hauliers whose accounts are overdue at Companies House.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/filing-watch) - [**Continuation dates by month** Which operator licences are due for continuation, and when.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) - [**DVSA earned recognition list** Operators in DVSA's earned recognition scheme, by traffic area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/earned-recognition) - [**Applications and Decisions by area** The latest weekly bulletin in each traffic area: new applications, objection deadlines, grants and refusals.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions) - [**New operator licences granted** Every new goods and PSV licence granted, month by month, with the companies named.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences) - [**Licences revoked, surrendered or terminated** Licences the Traffic Commissioners list each month as revoked, surrendered or terminated, in their own wording.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licences-ended) - [**Traffic Commissioner decisions** Revocations, refusals, warnings and curtailments decided by the Traffic Commissioners, by outcome and area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/tc-decisions) - [**State of the register 2026** The GB operator licence register in numbers: fleets, holders, and licences granted and ended in 2026.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/reports/state-of-the-register-2026) - [**Methodology** How we read and compare each DVSA file.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/status Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains Companies House data. Contains information from The Gazette licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Operator licence API and MCP server" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/developers markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/developers.md dvsa_file_date: 2026-10-07 publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Operator licence API and MCP server > Free JSON API and MCP server for GB operator licence data: search, licences, companies, changes and public inquiries for apps and AI assistants. Source: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026 (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records). Developers and AI assistants Look up any GB goods vehicle or PSV operator licence from your own code or from an AI assistant. The JSON API and the MCP server are free, need no key and return the same records as this website, with the DVSA file date and the source on every result. ## At a glance - MCP server (Streamable HTTP) https://haulierscope.co.uk/mcp - JSON API https://haulierscope.co.uk/api/v1 - OpenAPI 3.1 https://haulierscope.co.uk/openapi.json - Data DVSA file dated 7 October 2026 The data is the operator licence file that DVSA publishes as open data, read each time DVSA publishes a new file (usually weekly), with Companies House, DVSA earned recognition and Traffic Commissioner context. Read the [methodology](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology) for what each field means and [data status](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) for the date of every source. ## MCP server The Model Context Protocol (MCP) lets an AI assistant call tools on another service. Our MCP server gives assistants such as Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor and VS Code direct, structured access to operator licence data. Ask a question in plain words, for example “Is OF2071131 valid, and how many vehicles does it authorise?”, and the assistant calls the right tool and cites the DVSA file date. - Address: `https://haulierscope.co.uk/mcp` - Transport: Streamable HTTP. Each request is answered with JSON; there are no sessions to manage. - Sign-in: none. All tools are read-only. - Server card: [https://haulierscope.co.uk/mcp/server-card](https://haulierscope.co.uk/mcp/server-card) ## Connect your assistant ### Claude Code ``` claude mcp add --transport http haulierscope https://haulierscope.co.uk/mcp ``` Add `--scope user` to use it in every project, or `--scope project` to share it through `.mcp.json`. ### Claude (claude.ai and Claude Desktop) Open Settings, then Connectors, and choose Add custom connector. Name it HaulierScope, paste `https://haulierscope.co.uk/mcp` as the URL and choose no sign-in. On Team and Enterprise plans an owner adds the connector for the organisation first. ### Cursor [Add HaulierScope to Cursor](cursor://anysphere.cursor-deeplink/mcp/install?name=haulierscope&config=eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2hhdWxpZXJzY29wZS5jby51ay9tY3AifQ==), or add this to `~/.cursor/mcp.json`: ``` { "mcpServers": { "haulierscope": { "url": "https://haulierscope.co.uk/mcp" } } } ``` ### VS Code (GitHub Copilot) [Add HaulierScope to VS Code](vscode:mcp/install?%7B%22name%22%3A%22haulierscope%22%2C%22type%22%3A%22http%22%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fhaulierscope.co.uk%2Fmcp%22%7D), or add this to `.vscode/mcp.json`: ``` { "servers": { "haulierscope": { "type": "http", "url": "https://haulierscope.co.uk/mcp" } } } ``` ### ChatGPT Turn on developer mode (Settings, then Security and login), then add a new connector with the URL `https://haulierscope.co.uk/mcp` and no authentication. The server also has the `search` and `fetch` tools that deep research uses. ### OpenAI Codex, Gemini CLI and others ``` codex mcp add haulierscope --url https://haulierscope.co.uk/mcp gemini mcp add --transport http haulierscope https://haulierscope.co.uk/mcp ``` Any client that supports remote MCP servers over Streamable HTTP can use the same address. Older clients can bridge with `npx mcp-remote https://haulierscope.co.uk/mcp`. ### Test it from a terminal ``` npx @modelcontextprotocol/inspector --cli https://haulierscope.co.uk/mcp --transport http --method tools/list npx @modelcontextprotocol/inspector --cli https://haulierscope.co.uk/mcp --transport http \ --method tools/call --tool-name get_licence --tool-arg licence_number=OF2071131 ``` ## MCP tools Every tool is read-only and returns structured content with a published output schema, plus the same JSON as text. | Tool | Arguments | What it returns | | --- | --- | --- | | `search_operators` | `query, filters?, limit?` | Find operators by company name, licence number or company number. Filters: traffic area, goods or PSV, status, licence type, in the latest file. | | `get_licence` | `licence_number` | The full record of one licence: holder, type, status, vehicles, trailers, continuation date, operating centres, Companies House status, earned recognition, public inquiries, decisions and change history. | | `get_company` | `company_number` | Every licence of one company, with totals and its Companies House, Gazette and Traffic Commissioner context. | | `area_stats` | `area` | Licences, operators, vehicles, licence mix, largest operators and towns for one of the eight traffic areas. | | `recent_changes` | `release?, area?, change_type?, limit?, offset?` | What changed between one DVSA file and the one before, with before and after values. | | `upcoming_public_inquiries` | `area?` | Public inquiries the Traffic Commissioners have listed for companies, with date, venue, grounds and the official notice. | | `insolvency_watch` | `area?, limit?` | Licence holders that Companies House shows in liquidation, administration or receivership, with Gazette insolvency notices. | | `filing_watch` | `area?, limit?` | Licence holders whose accounts were overdue at the Companies House register date. | | `new_licences` | `month?, area?, limit?` | New operator licences granted in a month, from the Traffic Commissioners' weekly bulletins. | | `licences_ended` | `month?, area?, limit?` | Licences published as revoked, surrendered or terminated in a month, with the official heading and bulletin for each. | | `tc_decisions` | `area?, outcome?, limit?` | Traffic Commissioner regulatory decisions, with outcome, dates, appeal status and the decision document. | | `biggest_operators` | `kind, area?` | The biggest haulage companies or coach and bus operators by vehicles authorised, nationally or in one traffic area. | | `data_status` | `none` | The date and age of every source, and every DVSA file we hold. | | `search, fetch` | `query / id` | The search-and-fetch pair that ChatGPT deep research and company knowledge use. fetch returns the Markdown version of a page. | ## JSON API Plain HTTPS GET requests, JSON responses, no key. The full description is in [openapi.json](https://haulierscope.co.uk/openapi.json) (OpenAPI 3.1), which code generators and API tools can read directly. | Request | Returns | | --- | --- | | `GET /api/v1/search?q=wincanton` | Search by name, licence number or company number. Optional: area, category, status, licence\_type, in\_current\_file, limit. | | `GET /api/v1/licences/{licence_number}` | One licence. | | `GET /api/v1/companies/{company_number}` | One company and all its licences. | | `GET /api/v1/areas` | The eight traffic areas with licence and vehicle counts. | | `GET /api/v1/areas/{area}` | Statistics for one traffic area (slug, letter or name). | | `GET /api/v1/changes?release=YYYY-MM-DD` | Changes in one DVSA file. Optional: area, type, limit, offset. | | `GET /api/v1/public-inquiries?area=scotland` | Upcoming public inquiries for companies. | | `GET /api/v1/insolvency-watch?area=wales` | Licence holders in liquidation, administration or receivership, with Gazette notices. | | `GET /api/v1/filing-watch?area=wales` | Licence holders with accounts overdue at Companies House. | | `GET /api/v1/new-licences?month=YYYY-MM` | New operator licences granted in a month. Optional: area, limit. | | `GET /api/v1/licences-ended?month=YYYY-MM` | Licences revoked, surrendered or terminated in a month, in the official wording. Optional: area, limit. | | `GET /api/v1/tc-decisions?area=wales` | Traffic Commissioner decisions. Optional: outcome, limit. | | `GET /api/v1/rankings/haulage-companies?area=wales` | Biggest operators by vehicles authorised (haulage-companies or coach-and-bus-operators). | | `GET /api/v1/earned-recognition?area=wales` | DVSA earned recognition operators, by traffic area. | | `GET /api/v1/status` | Source dates and the DVSA files we hold. | ``` curl https://haulierscope.co.uk/api/v1/licences/of2071131 ``` A licence number is two letters and seven digits. The first letter is O for goods vehicles or P for buses and coaches; the second letter is the traffic area. Upper or lower case both work. ## What every response contains Every API response and every MCP tool result carries `source`, `file_date` (the date of the DVSA file the data describes), `canonical_url` (the page on this site), `markdown_url` and `attribution`. Quote the file date and link the canonical URL when you show the data. ``` { "source": "DVSA operator licence data (Traffic Commissioners' goods and public service vehicle operator licence records)", "file_date": "2026-10-07", "canonical_url": "https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/of2071131", "markdown_url": "https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/of2071131.md", "attribution": "Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains Companies House data.", "data": { "licence_number": "OF2071131", "licence_type": "Standard International", "status": "valid", "in_current_file": true, "vehicles_authorised": 2641, "trailers_authorised": 3497, "continuation_date": "2029-01-31", "holder": { "type": "company", "name": "WINCANTON HOLDINGS LIMITED", "company_number": "02155951", "operator_type": "Limited Company", "company_url": "https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/wincanton-holdings-limited-02155951" }, "traffic_area": "East of England", "…": "operating centres, Companies House, earned recognition, inquiries, decisions, history" } } ``` Errors use HTTP status codes (400, 404, 429, 503) and a JSON body with an `error.code` and a plain-English `error.message`. ## Markdown versions of pages Every public page has a clean Markdown version for language models. Add `.md` to the address, for example [/area/scotland.md](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/scotland.md) or [/index.md](https://haulierscope.co.uk/index.md) for the home page, or request the normal address with the header `Accept: text/markdown`. Each version starts with a one-paragraph answer and the source and date, and links to the normal pages. Browsers and search engines always get the normal page. ``` curl -H "Accept: text/markdown" https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/vet-a-haulier ``` ## Discovery files - [/llms.txt](https://haulierscope.co.uk/llms.txt): a short map of the site for language models. - [/llms-full.txt](https://haulierscope.co.uk/llms-full.txt): the guides, methodology and data documentation in one file. - [/okf/index.md](https://haulierscope.co.uk/okf): the same knowledge as an Open Knowledge Format bundle of linked Markdown files. - [/openapi.json](https://haulierscope.co.uk/openapi.json) and [/.well-known/api-catalog](https://haulierscope.co.uk/.well-known/api-catalog): the API description and its catalogue entry. - [/mcp/server-card](https://haulierscope.co.uk/mcp/server-card) and [/.well-known/ai-catalog.json](https://haulierscope.co.uk/.well-known/ai-catalog.json): the MCP server card and the site’s AI catalogue. ## Rules for using the data - **Attribution.** Licence data is open data under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Show “Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.” with it, and “Contains Companies House data.” when you show company facts. - **Privacy.** We never hold director, partner or transport manager names or correspondence addresses. Sole traders and partnerships are people: they are never named here, they are found only by exact licence number, and their records are minimal. Do not use the data to identify them. See the [privacy notice](https://haulierscope.co.uk/privacy). - **Wording.** A licence that is not in the latest DVSA file is “not in the DVSA file dated” that date: the file does not say why. The status “unmapped” is not valid. The continuation date is not an expiry date. - **Independence.** HaulierScope is independent and is not the official register. For the official record, use the GOV.UK service “Find lorry or bus operators”. ## Rate limits and caching Each connection can make 60 requests at once, then one request a second. The response headers `X-RateLimit-Limit` and `X-RateLimit-Remaining` show where you are; over the limit, you get HTTP 429 with a `Retry-After` header. Sole-trader and partnership licences have a lower hourly limit, the same as their web pages. Most responses can be cached for five minutes; the data changes when DVSA publishes a new file, so caching for longer is fine for most uses. Need higher volumes, a bulk list check or alerts when a licence changes? That is what [monitoring](https://haulierscope.co.uk/monitoring) is for. Questions: [contact us](https://haulierscope.co.uk/contact). --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/developers Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains Companies House data. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "How to check a haulier's operator licence" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-check-a-haulier markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-check-a-haulier.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # How to check a haulier's operator licence > To check a haulier's operator licence, get the licence number or the company's exact legal name, then search the official GOV.UK service "Find lorry or bus operators" or an independent lookup such as HaulierScope. Confirm the name matches, the status is valid, the licence type is standard (not restricted) and the vehicles authorised fit the work. _Published 1 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ Every lorry over 3.5 tonnes used for hire or reward in Great Britain must run under an operator licence (with listed exemptions). The licence record tells you who holds it, what they may carry and whether a traffic commissioner has taken action against it. This guide covers Great Britain only. Northern Ireland runs a separate system. ## The 2-minute check You need one identifier and one search. The check below takes about two minutes per haulier. 1. **Get the licence number.** Ask the haulier for it, or read it off the identity disc in the lorry's windscreen. Each goods disc shows "the licence type, the licence holder's name and number, the vehicle registration mark and the date the disc expires" ([GOV.UK goods licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). Goods numbers start with O, for example OK1234567. See [operator licence numbers](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-number). 2. **Search the number.** [Run a free operator licence check](https://haulierscope.co.uk/) on HaulierScope or use GOV.UK's [Find lorry or bus operators](https://www.gov.uk/find-vehicle-operators) service, which lets you "search by name, address or licence number". A licence number gives one exact result. A name search can return several similar operators. 3. **Compare the name.** The licence holder's name must match the company on your contract, invoice and insurance certificate. A limited company should match its Companies House name exactly. 4. **Read the status.** You want "valid". "Curtailed" or "suspended" means a traffic commissioner has acted against the licence. 5. **Read the licence type.** To carry your goods for payment, the haulier needs a standard national or standard international licence. A restricted licence is for the holder's own goods. 6. **Compare the vehicles.** Check that the number of vehicles authorised is at least the number of lorries the haulier will use for you. An example licence page: [/licence/of0218248](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/of0218248). ## What each field on the licence means Each field answers one question about the haulier. The diagram and the table show what to look for. Field names follow the DVSA open data file, which DVSA publishes from the records on its Vehicle Operator Licensing (VOL) system ([data.gov.uk](https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records)). HaulierScope reads that file. ![Annotated diagram of an operator licence record. 1 operator name, 2 licence number, 3 licence type, 4 status, 5 vehicles authorised and specified, 6 trailers authorised, 7 operating centres, 8 continuation date, 9 company number, 10 source file date.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/licence-record-annotated.svg "How to read a licence record: the ten fields and what to check in each. Example: Arla Foods Limited, licence OF0218248, DVSA file dated 7 September 2026.") | Field | What it tells you | Red flag | |---|---|---| | Operator name | The legal holder of the licence | Name differs from your contract or invoice | | Licence number | Unique ID; O = goods, P = passenger; second letter = traffic area | Number on the disc does not match the company you booked | | Licence type | Restricted, standard national or standard international | Restricted licence for paid haulage | | Status | Valid, curtailed or suspended | Anything other than valid | | Vehicles authorised | The most vehicles the licence allows | Fewer than the fleet you see working for you | | Vehicles specified | Vehicles registered on the licence now | Your lorry's registration is not on it (ask the haulier) | | Trailers authorised | The most trailers the licence allows | Zero, when they will pull your trailers | | Operating centres | Where vehicles are normally kept | A centre far from where they say they are based | | Continuation date | When the 5-yearly continuation is due | A date already passed (ask; it can be data lag) | | Company number | Companies House registration | Missing, or a different company | Two notes. First, vehicles authorised is a ceiling, not the fleet in use. In the DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, 64.3% of goods licences had fewer vehicles specified than authorised (41,149 of 63,956). That gap, the "margin", is normal. Second, the continuation date is not an expiry date. Licences do not expire. They continue every five years when the holder pays the fee and confirms its details ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/types-of-licence)). Every standard licence must nominate a transport manager. HaulierScope does not publish transport manager, director or partner names. To check who it is, ask the haulier. The weekly [Applications and Decisions](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/traffic-commissioner-applications-and-decisions) bulletin names the transport manager when a licence is applied for or changed, and DVSA's open data file has a transport manager column for each licence. See [transport manager CPC](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/transport-manager-cpc). ## Which licence type a haulier needs to carry your goods A haulier carrying your goods for payment needs a **standard** licence. A restricted licence "allows you to carry your own goods, but not other people's goods" ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/types-of-licence)). | Licence type | Own goods | Other people's goods for hire or reward | International hire or reward | Transport manager needed | |---|---|---|---|---| | Restricted | Yes | No | No | No | | Standard national | Yes (UK or abroad) | UK only | No | Yes | | Standard international | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | This matters because restricted licences are common. In the DVSA file dated 7 October 2026, 46.2% of all GB operator licences were restricted (31,904 of 69,029). Many belong to builders, farmers and retailers who move their own stock. Holding a licence is not enough. It has to be the right type. See [operator licence types](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-types) for the full comparison. ## Status: valid, curtailed, suspended (and why revoked licences disappear) The DVSA open data shows three statuses: valid, curtailed and suspended. Revoked, surrendered and terminated licences drop out of the file, so they never appear as "revoked". - **Valid.** The licence is in force. - **Curtailed.** A traffic commissioner has cut the licence back, for example by removing vehicles, reducing the number authorised or removing an operating centre ([Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, s.26](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/26)). The haulier can still operate, but with less. - **Suspended.** The licence cannot be used while the suspension lasts. In the DVSA file dated 7 October 2026, 519 licences were curtailed and 16 were suspended, out of 69,029. When a licence is revoked or surrendered, it disappears from the next file. HaulierScope then shows the licence as "not in the DVSA file dated" that file's date. That tells you the licence has left the register, not why. To find the reason, search the traffic commissioners' [Applications and Decisions](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/traffic-commissioner-applications-and-decisions) bulletins. Section 7 lists licences surrendered or terminated and section 8 lists licences revoked without a public inquiry. For more detail, read [curtailed, suspended and revoked licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked). ## Red flags Stop and ask questions if you see any of these: - **Name mismatch.** The licence holder is a different company from the one invoicing you. Licences are not transferable. GOV.UK says "a new licence for the new entity must be obtained before operating" ([goods licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). - **Restricted licence for paid work.** The holder can carry its own goods only. - **Curtailed or suspended status.** Read the decision before you book. - **Too few vehicles authorised.** If three lorries turn up and the licence authorises two, at least one is outside the licence. - **No transport manager on a standard licence.** Every standard licence must nominate one. Ask who it is and check the name against the Applications and Decisions notice. - **Recent changes.** A new licence, a changed name or a fresh curtailment deserves a second look. Our [weekly changes report](https://haulierscope.co.uk/changes) lists them. - **No licence found.** Search by number and by exact legal name before you conclude it does not exist. Some vehicles are exempt, but a general haulier running lorries over 3.5 tonnes will not be. ## What the register does not prove A valid licence shows the haulier is authorised to operate. It does not show: | It does not prove | Check this instead | |---|---| | Goods-in-transit insurance | Ask for the certificate and check the limit covers your loads | | Motor and public liability insurance | Ask for current certificates | | Safety record or roadside results | Ask about DVSA checks; OCRS scores are not public | | Financial health | Companies House filings and your own credit check | | That a named driver is qualified | The haulier's own driver licence checks | The [Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS)](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/ocrs-score) is DVSA's risk rating for an operator. It is not in the open data and DVSA does not publish it. Operators can see their own score through DVSA's reports service ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/operator-compliance-risk-score)). Any site that shows you an OCRS for someone else's licence did not get it from the public register. Our [methodology page](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology) explains where our data comes from and how often it changes. ## Other checks to run Run two more free checks alongside the licence. - **Companies House.** GOV.UK's [company information service](https://www.gov.uk/get-information-about-a-company) shows the registered address, date of incorporation, current and resigned officers, filed documents and insolvency information for free. You can also set up free email alerts when a company updates its details. Compare the company number on the licence with the one on the invoice. If the company is in liquidation or administration, read [what happens to an operator licence when a haulier becomes insolvent](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-liquidation-administration). - **Insurance certificates.** Ask for the goods-in-transit and motor certificates in the licence holder's name, and note the renewal dates. For a fuller buyer's checklist, including references and payment terms, see [how to vet a subcontracted haulier](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/vet-a-haulier). ## Keep checking after you book them A check is true on the day you run it. A licence can be curtailed, suspended, revoked or surrendered next month, and nobody will tell you. You can repeat the search before every job, or set up alerts. HaulierScope [operator licence monitoring](https://haulierscope.co.uk/monitoring) lets you add the hauliers you use to a watchlist and get a weekly email when a licence changes: status, type, vehicles authorised, operating centres, or a licence that is no longer in the DVSA file. You can also check a whole supplier list at once and download a dated record of each check for your audit file. Our data is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can you check if someone has an operator's license? Yes. Operator licences in Great Britain are public. Search GOV.UK's free "Find lorry or bus operators" service by name, address or licence number, or use HaulierScope's free lookup. The record shows the holder's name, licence type, status, vehicles and trailers authorised, operating centres and continuation date. If you cannot find a licence, search again by exact legal name and by number before you conclude there is none. ### Can you find out if a company has an operator's license? Yes. Search the company's exact registered name or its licence number. A limited company's licence name should match its Companies House name, so copy the name from Companies House to avoid spelling misses. One company can hold several licences, one for each traffic area where it has an operating centre, so check that the licence you find covers the depot you deal with. ### How can I find HGV operators' licences? HGV operators hold goods vehicle operator licences, whose numbers start with O. Search by name, address or licence number on GOV.UK's "Find lorry or bus operators" service, or search HaulierScope by company name, licence number or company number. DVSA also publishes the full register as open data, one CSV file per traffic area, on data.gov.uk under the Open Government Licence. ### Can I check my HGV operator licence online? Yes. Holders can see and update their own licence through GOV.UK's "Manage your vehicle operator licence" service, which needs a login. Anyone can view the public record through "Find lorry or bus operators" without logging in. HaulierScope shows the public licence fields from DVSA's open data, updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. ### How can I check the details of a haulage license application? Use GOV.UK's "Check vehicle operator licence applications" service, or read the weekly Applications and Decisions bulletin for the traffic area. Each bulletin lists applications received, applications decided, public inquiries, surrendered licences and revocations. Our weekly changes page summarises new and changed licences from the DVSA data. ### Where can I get a free license check? GOV.UK's "Find lorry or bus operators" service is free and official. HaulierScope's licence lookup is also free. It is independent, uses the DVSA open data and adds a history of changes from each weekly file. Paid monitoring is only needed if you want alerts or bulk checks across a list of hauliers. ### What is Vosa called now? VOSA, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, no longer exists. It ran from 3 April 2003 to 31 March 2014, then merged with the Driving Standards Agency to form the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Operator licensing services are now provided by the Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain, with DVSA running the administration on their behalf. ## Sources - [Find lorry or bus operators (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/find-vehicle-operators) - [Goods vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Being a goods vehicle operator: types of licence (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/types-of-licence) - [Check vehicle operator licence applications (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-operator-licence-applications) - [Operator Compliance Risk Score (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/operator-compliance-risk-score) - [Get information about a company (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/get-information-about-a-company) - [Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/vehicle-and-operator-services-agency) - [Traffic Commissioners operator licence records (data.gov.uk)](https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records) ## Related - [How to vet a subcontracted haulier: a checklist](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/vet-a-haulier) - [The 3 types of operator licence explained](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-types) - [Operator licence curtailed, suspended or revoked: what it means](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked) - [Operator licence numbers: format and how to look one up](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-number) - [Haulier insolvency watch](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch) - [DVSA earned recognition list](https://haulierscope.co.uk/earned-recognition) - [Data status](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-check-a-haulier Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "How to vet a subcontracted haulier: a checklist" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/vet-a-haulier markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/vet-a-haulier.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # How to vet a subcontracted haulier: a checklist > To vet a subcontracted haulier, check that its operator licence is valid, standard (not restricted) and in the same legal name as your contract; that the company is active at Companies House; and that it holds goods-in-transit and motor insurance. Then keep checking, because a licence can be curtailed, suspended or ended after you approve it. _Published 1 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ This checklist is for shippers, freight forwarders, brokers and main contractors in Great Britain who hand loads to other hauliers. Northern Ireland has a separate licensing system and is not covered here. ## Why vetting matters Vetting protects your loads, your customers and your own name. If the haulier you choose is not licensed for the work, the risk lands on the goods you gave them. Three points from GOV.UK explain the stakes: - **An unlicensed lorry can be taken off the road.** "It is illegal to operate your vehicle before a licence (or interim licence) is issued… your vehicle could be impounded" ([GOV.UK goods licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). If your goods are on board, they stop too. - **A licence covers one legal entity.** Licences are not transferable. "A new licence for the new entity must be obtained before operating" (same guide). A haulier that has changed its company may be working on someone else's licence. - **Restricted licences do not allow paid haulage.** A restricted licence "allows you to carry your own goods, but not other people's goods" ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/types-of-licence)). In the DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, 46.2% of GB licences were restricted (31,904 of 69,029). The operator licence rules place their duties on the licence holder, the "user" of the vehicle. Your own liability to your customer, and theirs to you, depends on your contracts. Get legal advice on contract terms. The checks below give you the facts to base them on. ## The checklist Run these ten checks before the first load. The first six come from the operator licence register and take a few minutes. The last four need documents from the haulier. | # | Check | Where | How often | Red flag | |---|---|---|---|---| | 1 | Licence exists and the holder's name matches your contract | [HaulierScope search](https://haulierscope.co.uk/) or GOV.UK [Find lorry or bus operators](https://www.gov.uk/find-vehicle-operators) | Before first load, then weekly | Different name, or no licence found | | 2 | Status is valid | Same | Weekly | Curtailed, suspended, or not in the latest DVSA file | | 3 | Licence type fits the work | Same | Weekly | Restricted licence; standard national for international hire or reward | | 4 | Vehicles and trailers authorised cover the work | Same | Monthly | Fewer vehicles authorised than lorries working for you; no trailers authorised | | 5 | Operating centre is where they say they are based | Same | Monthly | Depot in a different area from the one you visit | | 6 | A transport manager is named on a standard licence | Ask the haulier; check the name in Applications and Decisions | Before first load | None named | | 7 | Company is active and filing on time | [Companies House](https://www.gov.uk/get-information-about-a-company) | Before first load, then alerts | Overdue accounts, insolvency notices, very recent incorporation with no history | | 8 | Goods-in-transit, motor and public liability insurance | Certificates from the haulier | At each renewal | Cover below your load values; certificate in a different name | | 9 | Trading references | Two or three current customers | Before first load | References refuse to confirm, or all are new | | 10 | Contract terms: subcontracting, payment, claims | Your contract | Yearly | Haulier may re-subcontract your loads without telling you | Take the checklist with you: [download the vetting checklist (PDF)](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/haulier-vetting-checklist.pdf) to print or file, or the [same checklist as a spreadsheet (CSV)](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/haulier-vetting-checklist.csv) to track a list of hauliers. Some notes on the harder checks: - **Check 3.** For international hire or reward, the haulier needs a standard international licence. That applies to vans too: since May 2022, GB operators carrying goods for hire or reward into the EU in vans over 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes need a standard international licence ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/transport-goods-in-and-out-of-the-uk-using-vans-or-car-and-trailers)). Inside the UK, vans of 3.5 tonnes or less need no operator licence. - **Check 4.** Vehicles authorised is a ceiling, not the fleet. A gap between authorised and specified vehicles is normal. In the DVSA file dated 7 October 2026, 64.3% of goods licences had one. The red flag is the other way round: more lorries on your work than the licence allows. - **Check 5.** One licence can cover several depots. In the DVSA file dated 7 October 2026, 13,293 licences listed more than one operating centre, and one licence listed 22. Look for the depot you will collect from, not just the head office. - **Check 6.** Every standard licence must nominate a transport manager. HaulierScope does not publish transport manager, director or partner names, so ask the haulier who it is. The weekly [Applications and Decisions](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/traffic-commissioner-applications-and-decisions) bulletin names the transport manager on new applications and changes, and DVSA's open data file has a transport manager column for each licence. - **International loads.** A standard international licence brings a UK Licence for the Community, which covers the EU, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. For Norway, GOV.UK says "you now need a bilateral road haulage permit" ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-licence-for-the-community-for-international-road-haulage)). - **Check 7.** Companies House shows registered address, incorporation date, officers, filings and insolvency information for free, and offers free email alerts when a company updates its details ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/get-information-about-a-company)). If a haulier enters liquidation or administration, a traffic commissioner can revoke its licence; see [operator licences in liquidation and administration](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-liquidation-administration). For a field-by-field walk through the licence record, read [how to check a haulier's operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-check-a-haulier). ## What to ask the haulier for Ask for these documents before the first booking and keep copies: - Operator licence number (and every licence number, if they run depots in more than one traffic area) - Company registration number and registered office - Goods-in-transit insurance certificate, with the limit per load and any excluded goods - Motor fleet insurance certificate - Public or employers' liability certificate, if they will load or unload on your site - The registrations of the vehicles they will send, so you can match them to the licence - For international work: confirmation of a UK Licence for the Community, which standard international holders receive at no extra fee - Two trading references - Bank details on headed paper, confirmed by phone to a number you found yourself A haulier with nothing to hide sends these quickly. Delays or partial answers are information too. ## How long vetting takes The register checks take a few minutes per haulier. The full process takes as long as the haulier needs to send documents and references to reply. Treat vetting as two jobs: | Job | When | What it covers | |---|---|---| | One-off approval | Before the first load | All ten checks, documents on file | | Ongoing monitoring | Every week the haulier works for you | Checks 1–5 against each new DVSA file; insurance renewal dates; Companies House alerts | Most failures happen in the second job. A haulier that passed in January can lose its licence in June. ## Vetting a list of 50+ hauliers Checking one haulier by hand is quick. Checking a supplier list of 50 or 500 by hand is a day's work, and you would need to repeat it every week. You have two options: 1. **Use the open data yourself.** DVSA publishes the full register as eight CSV files, one per traffic area, on [data.gov.uk](https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records) under the Open Government Licence. Match your list on licence number (more reliable than names). Each licence appears on several rows, one for each director, partner or transport manager, so remove duplicates first. All of a licence's operating centres sit in one field, separated by semicolons. 2. **Use a bulk check.** HaulierScope [operator licence monitoring](https://haulierscope.co.uk/monitoring) checks a whole supplier list against the latest DVSA file in one go, and you can then watch the matched licences for changes. Our [methodology page](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology) explains how we read the DVSA files. ## Ongoing monitoring: why a one-off check goes stale The register changes every week. Licences are curtailed, suspended, revoked, surrendered and newly granted, and none of that reaches you unless you look. Two figures from the DVSA file dated 7 October 2026 show the scale: - 519 licences were curtailed and 16 suspended on that date. - 12,597 licences have a continuation date in the 12 months after that file date. At continuation the holder must pay the fee and confirm its details. The Senior Traffic Commissioner's guidance says "failure to pay on time results in automatic termination of the licence" ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries)). When a licence ends, it drops out of the next DVSA file. Our [weekly changes report](https://haulierscope.co.uk/changes) lists new, changed and missing licences across Great Britain. To follow only your own hauliers, add them to a HaulierScope watchlist and get a weekly email when status, type, name, vehicles, operating centres or continuation date change, or when a licence is not in the newest DVSA file. Our data is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. You can also [run a free operator licence check](https://haulierscope.co.uk/) on any haulier at any time. ## Keep an evidence trail If a load goes wrong, you may need to show what you checked and when. A note saying "checked, fine" is weak. A dated record of the licence as it stood that day is strong. Keep, for each haulier: - The date of each licence check and the DVSA file date it was based on - The status, type and vehicles authorised you saw - Copies of insurance certificates with their renewal dates - Companies House status on the approval date - Who approved the haulier, and any conditions you set HaulierScope monitoring can export a dated record of each watched licence, showing the DVSA file it came from, for your audit file. For licence status meanings, see [curtailed, suspended and revoked licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked). ## Frequently asked questions ### What steps are involved in the carrier vetting process? Carrier vetting has four steps. First, check the operator licence: holder name, valid status, standard type and enough vehicles authorised. Second, check the company at Companies House. Third, collect insurance certificates, references and vehicle registrations. Fourth, monitor the licence and insurance dates for as long as the carrier works for you, because the approval only reflects the day you ran it. ### What do they check when vetting? A haulier vetting check covers the operator licence (name, status, type, vehicles authorised, operating centres, transport manager), the company record (active status, filings, insolvency), insurance (goods in transit, motor, liability), trading references and the contract terms. The licence register does not show insurance, [OCRS safety scores](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/ocrs-score) or financial health, so those come from documents and other sources. ### How long does the vetting process take? The operator licence and Companies House checks take a few minutes per haulier. Collecting insurance certificates and references depends on how fast the haulier and its customers reply. Ongoing monitoring never ends: re-check the licence each time DVSA publishes a new file, or use alerts so changes come to you. ### What information do I need from a subcontractor? Ask a subcontracted haulier for its operator licence number, company registration number, goods-in-transit and motor insurance certificates, liability insurance if it works on your site, the registrations of the vehicles it will use, and two trading references. For international work, ask for confirmation that it holds a standard international licence. Check that every document is in the same legal name. ### Can I pay a subcontractor without verifying them? The operator licensing rules put duties on the licence holder, not on the customer, so no licensing rule makes you verify before paying. But paying an unverified haulier is a risk: an unlicensed vehicle can be impounded with your goods on it, and an uninsured loss may fall on you. Verify the licence and confirm bank details by phone before the first payment. ### Is a main contractor liable for a subcontractor? It depends on your contracts and the facts, so take legal advice. Under operator licensing law, the licence holder is the "user" of the vehicle and carries the licensing duties. Your liability to your own customer is set by your contract with them, which is why many shippers require approval before any load is re-subcontracted. ## Sources - [Goods vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Find lorry or bus operators (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/find-vehicle-operators) - [Being a goods vehicle operator: types of licence (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/types-of-licence) - [Get information about a company (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/get-information-about-a-company) - [Senior Traffic Commissioner statutory document summaries (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries) - [Transport goods in Europe in vans or car and trailers (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/transport-goods-in-and-out-of-the-uk-using-vans-or-car-and-trailers) - [Traffic Commissioners operator licence records (data.gov.uk)](https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records) ## Related - [How to check a haulier's operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-check-a-haulier) - [The 3 types of operator licence explained](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-types) - [Operator licence curtailed, suspended or revoked: what it means](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked) - [Operator licence continuation: fee, date and what happens if you miss it](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-continuation) - [Haulier insolvency watch](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch) - [DVSA earned recognition list](https://haulierscope.co.uk/earned-recognition) - [Data status](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/vet-a-haulier Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "The 3 types of operator licence explained" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-types markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-types.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # The 3 types of operator licence explained > There are three types of goods vehicle operator licence in Great Britain. A **restricted** licence lets you carry only your own goods. A **standard national** licence adds other people's goods for hire or reward inside the UK. A **standard international** licence adds hire or reward on international journeys. Bus and coach operators hold a separate passenger (PSV) licence. _Published 1 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ In the DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, 48.0% of the 63,956 goods licences were restricted, 36.8% standard national and 15.2% standard international. [Run a free operator licence check](https://haulierscope.co.uk/) to see the type of any licence. ## What an operator licence is An operator licence (often called an "O licence") is the legal permission to use goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes for hire or reward or in connection with a business. Traffic commissioners grant it, and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) runs the scheme on their behalf. The [GOV.UK operator licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) puts the rule like this: you usually need a licence "if you use a goods vehicle of over 3.5 tonnes gross plated weight or (where there is no plated weight) an unladen weight of more than 1,525kg, to transport goods for hire or reward or in connection with a trade or business." The licence belongs to the "user" of the vehicle, not the driver. That is the business that owns the vehicle, has it on hire or loan, or employs the driver. A licence is not transferable. A new company or partnership must get its own licence before it operates. Each licence sets a maximum number of vehicles and trailers, and lists any conditions and undertakings. For full detail on who needs one, see [do I need an operator licence?](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/do-i-need-an-operator-licence), and for two common edge cases, [recovery vehicles and horseboxes](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/recovery-vehicles-and-horseboxes). ## The 3 types at a glance The three goods licence types differ in two things: whose goods you can carry, and where you can carry them for payment. | Feature | Restricted | Standard national | Standard international | |---|---|---|---| | Carry your own goods | Yes | Yes, UK and abroad | Yes, UK and abroad | | Carry other people's goods for hire or reward | No | UK only | UK and international | | Transport manager needed | No | Yes | Yes | | Financial standing, first vehicle | £3,100 | £8,000 | £8,000 (or £1,600 for a vans-only licence) | | Financial standing, each extra vehicle | £1,700 | £4,500 | £4,500 per HGV, £800 per van | | Goods licences in GB | 30,701 | 23,518 | 9,737 | | Share of goods licences | 48.0% | 36.8% | 15.2% | Sources: licence rules from the [GOV.UK operator licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide); counts from DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026 (HaulierScope analysis), 63,956 goods licences. Restricted licences are the most common type. Across goods and passenger licences together, 31,904 of 69,029 licences (46.2%) are restricted. ## How many licences of each type are there? There are 69,029 operator licences in the DVSA file dated 7 October 2026: 63,956 goods and 5,073 passenger (PSV). The table counts every licence by class and type. Revoked, surrendered and terminated licences are not in the file. | Class | Licence type | Licences | Share of all licences | |---|---|---:|---:| | Goods | Restricted | 30,701 | 44.5% | | Goods | Standard National | 23,518 | 34.1% | | Goods | Standard International | 9,737 | 14.1% | | PSV | Standard National | 2,184 | 3.2% | | PSV | Standard International | 1,686 | 2.4% | | PSV | Restricted | 1,203 | 1.7% | | **All** | | **69,029** | 100% | The mix of goods licence types differs by traffic area. The table shows each area's count of each type and its share of restricted licences. Each area name links to its list of operators. | Traffic area | Restricted | Standard national | Standard international | Restricted share | |---|---:|---:|---:|---:| | [North Eastern](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/north-east-of-england) | 4,426 | 3,706 | 1,439 | 46.2% | | [North Western](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/north-west-of-england) | 4,356 | 3,096 | 1,142 | 50.7% | | [West Midland](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/west-midlands) | 3,472 | 2,904 | 1,245 | 45.6% | | [Eastern](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/east-of-england) | 5,529 | 4,430 | 2,467 | 44.5% | | [Welsh](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/wales) | 2,276 | 1,564 | 429 | 53.3% | | [Western](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/west-of-england) | 4,653 | 3,276 | 1,305 | 50.4% | | [South Eastern and Metropolitan](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/london-and-the-south-east-of-england) | 3,716 | 2,306 | 1,165 | 51.7% | | [Scottish](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/scotland) | 2,273 | 2,236 | 545 | 45.0% | Source: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026 (HaulierScope analysis). The figures update when DVSA publishes a new file. Read how we count in our [methodology](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology). ## Restricted A restricted licence is for businesses that carry their own goods as part of their own trade. GOV.UK says it "allows you to carry your own goods, but not other people's goods" ([Being a goods vehicle operator](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/types-of-licence)). The guide adds that it "only usually allows you to carry your own goods within the United Kingdom and the EU." Typical holders are builders' merchants, farmers, manufacturers and retailers with their own delivery lorries. The restricted licence has lighter entry requirements than a standard licence: - no transport manager is needed - lower [financial standing](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/financial-standing) (£3,100 for the first vehicle, £1,700 for each extra one) - no need to show good repute or professional competence in the way a standard applicant must The holder must still be fit to hold a licence, have enough money, have proper maintenance arrangements and keep to the rules on drivers' hours and loading. Restricted licences are usually small: the median restricted goods licence is authorised for 2 vehicles (DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026). The guide also lists signs that an operation needs a standard licence instead: transport is a predominant part of the service, your insurance covers carrying goods for reward, or the carrying results in "payment, direct or indirect". Our [restricted vs standard guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/restricted-vs-standard) covers this test in detail. ## Standard national A standard national licence is the licence for UK haulage for hire or reward. In GOV.UK's words it "allows you to carry your own goods on your own account in the United Kingdom or abroad, or other people's goods for hire or reward only in the United Kingdom." It also lets you take loaded trailers to or from UK ports as part of an international journey, "as long as your vehicles do not leave the country" ([Being a goods vehicle operator](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/types-of-licence)). A standard licence needs: - a nominated transport manager who holds a Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC); see [transport manager CPC](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/transport-manager-cpc) - good repute - financial standing of £8,000 for the first vehicle and £4,500 for each extra vehicle - an effective and stable establishment in Great Britain ("a PO Box or third-party address cannot be used") There are 23,518 standard national goods licences in the DVSA file dated 7 October 2026, with a median of 4 vehicles authorised. ## Standard international A standard international licence covers hire or reward haulage both in the UK and abroad. GOV.UK says it "allows you to carry your own goods, and goods for other people for hire or reward, both in the United Kingdom and on international journeys." Holders also receive a UK Licence for the Community at no extra fee. It covers the EU, Liechtenstein and Switzerland ([UK Licence for the Community](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-licence-for-the-community-for-international-road-haulage)). Since 21 May 2022, this licence type also applies to some vans. You need a standard international licence to carry goods for hire or reward in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland in a van over 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes, or a van or car towing a trailer in that weight range ([Transport goods in Europe in vans](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/transport-goods-in-and-out-of-the-uk-using-vans-or-car-and-trailers)). Vans-only operators show financial standing of £1,600 for the first van and £800 for each extra van. The requirements match the standard national licence, plus the international scope. There are 9,737 standard international goods licences in the DVSA file, with a median of 5 vehicles. ### Heavy and light goods vehicle licences GOV.UK also sorts licences by vehicle weight. A licence for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes (or a mix of heavy and light vehicles) is a "heavy goods vehicle licence". A licence for vehicles of 3.5 tonnes or less only is a "light goods vehicle licence" ([Act, section 58](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/58)). Light goods vehicle licence holders do not need to name an operating centre. ## Goods (O) vs passenger (P) licences Goods licences cover lorries and, for international work, vans. Passenger (PSV) licences cover buses, coaches and minibuses run for hire or reward. You need a PSV licence to "operate a vehicle for hire or reward (payment or payment in kind) that can carry 9 or more passengers", or a smaller vehicle charging separate fares ([PSV operator licences](https://www.gov.uk/psv-operator-licences)). GOV.UK lists 4 PSV licence types: | PSV licence type | What it allows | |---|---| | Standard national | Passenger services in Great Britain | | Standard national and international | Passenger services in GB and abroad | | Restricted | Up to 2 vehicles; 8 or fewer passenger seats, or 9 to 16 seats if not used in a passenger transport business or not your main occupation | | Special restricted | Taxi and private hire licence holders running a registered local service | Source: [PSV operator licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide). Community and not-for-profit groups can carry passengers under a [section 19 or 22 permit](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/section-19-permit) instead of a PSV licence. The DVSA file dated 7 October 2026 holds 5,073 PSV licences: 1,203 restricted, 2,184 standard national and 1,686 standard international. Special restricted licences are not in the file. To check a bus or coach company, see the [PSV operator licence check guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/psv-operator-licence-check). ## How to tell a licence's type from the register The licence number and the licence record both tell you the type and the class. 1. **First letter of the licence number.** O means a goods licence. P means a passenger (PSV) licence. 2. **Second letter.** It shows the traffic area. For example, OK is a goods licence in the South Eastern and Metropolitan area (London and the South East) and OG is a goods licence in Wales. See [operator licence numbers explained](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-number). 3. **Licence type field.** Each record states Restricted, Standard National or Standard International. Search any operator by name, licence number or company number on the [HaulierScope search](https://haulierscope.co.uk/) to see its licence type, status, vehicles authorised and continuation date. You can also browse licences by traffic area, for example [West Midlands](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/west-midlands) or [Scotland](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/scotland). Our data comes from the DVSA open data file and is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. The [methodology page](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology) explains the source. The vehicle disc tells you the type at the roadside. Each specified goods vehicle carries an identity disc showing the licence type, holder's name, licence number and vehicle registration. GOV.UK says a vehicle "must not be used until the identity disc is displayed". Our [operator licence disc guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-disc) covers display rules and lost discs. ## Frequently asked questions ### What are the three types of operator licences? The three goods vehicle operator licence types are restricted, standard national and standard international. Restricted covers your own goods only. Standard national adds hire or reward haulage inside the UK. Standard international adds hire or reward haulage on international journeys. Both standard types need a transport manager and higher financial standing. Passenger operators hold a separate PSV licence, which has four types. ### What is an operator licence? An operator licence is the permission a business needs to use goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes for hire or reward or in connection with its trade. Traffic commissioners grant it, and DVSA administers it. The licence sets how many vehicles and trailers the business may run and from which operating centres. It belongs to the business that uses the vehicles, not to the driver. ### What does an O licence mean? An O licence is short for operator's licence. The letter O also starts every goods licence number in Great Britain, such as OK or OG, while passenger licence numbers start with P. Holding an O licence means a traffic commissioner has authorised the business to run a set number of goods vehicles and trailers under conditions it must keep to. ### What vehicles require an O licence? Goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes gross plated weight, or over 1,525 kg unladen where there is no plated weight, need an O licence when used for hire or reward or for a business. Vehicle and trailer combinations over 3.5 tonnes can also need one. Vans of 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes need a standard international licence for hire or reward work in Europe. ### Which operator licence type is most common? Restricted is the most common type. The DVSA file dated 7 October 2026 holds 30,701 restricted goods licences, 23,518 standard national and 9,737 standard international. Across goods and passenger licences, 31,904 of 69,029 licences (46.2%) are restricted. Most restricted licences are small: the median is 2 vehicles authorised. ## Sources - [Goods vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Being a goods vehicle operator: types of licence (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/types-of-licence) - [PSV operator licences (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/psv-operator-licences) - [Public service vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Transport goods in Europe in vans or car and trailers (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/transport-goods-in-and-out-of-the-uk-using-vans-or-car-and-trailers) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, section 58 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/58) - [UK Licence for the Community for international road haulage (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-licence-for-the-community-for-international-road-haulage) - [Traffic Commissioners operator licence records (data.gov.uk)](https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records) ## Related - [Restricted vs standard operator licence: the differences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/restricted-vs-standard) - [Do I need an operator licence? Weights, vans and exemptions](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/do-i-need-an-operator-licence) - [Operator licence financial standing: how much money you need](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/financial-standing) - [PSV operator licence check: bus, coach and minibus operators](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/psv-operator-licence-check) - [How to check a haulier's operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-check-a-haulier) - [Continuation dates by month](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) - [Data status](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-types Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Restricted vs standard operator licence: the differences" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/restricted-vs-standard markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/restricted-vs-standard.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Restricted vs standard operator licence: the differences > A restricted operator licence lets a business carry only its own goods, with no transport manager and lower financial standing (£3,100 for the first vehicle). A standard licence lets you carry other people's goods for hire or reward, but needs a qualified transport manager, good repute and £8,000 for the first vehicle. Paid haulage always needs a standard licence. _Published 1 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ ## The short answer Choose restricted if lorries support your own business and you never charge to move someone else's goods. Choose standard if you are paid to carry goods for customers, in the UK (standard national) or abroad (standard international). GOV.UK states the line plainly. A restricted licence "allows you to carry your own goods, but not other people's goods" ([Being a goods vehicle operator](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/types-of-licence)). A standard national licence allows "other people's goods for hire or reward only in the United Kingdom", and a standard international licence adds international journeys ([GOV.UK operator licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). The split across Great Britain is close to even. The DVSA file dated 7 October 2026 holds 30,701 restricted goods licences and 33,255 standard goods licences (23,518 national and 9,737 international). ## Comparison table | Feature | Restricted | Standard (national or international) | |---|---|---| | Carry your own goods | Yes | Yes | | Carry other people's goods for hire or reward | No | Yes (UK only on standard national) | | Transport manager with CPC | Not required | Required | | Good repute | Must be fit to hold a licence | Must show good repute | | Establishment in GB | Not a listed requirement | Effective and stable establishment; no PO Box | | Financial standing, goods, first vehicle | £3,100 | £8,000 (£1,600 for vans-only standard international) | | Financial standing, goods, each extra vehicle | £1,700 | £4,500 (£800 per van) | | Period of grace if money runs short | Not available | Up to 6 months, at the commissioner's discretion | | PSV vehicle limit | 2 vehicles | Set by the authorisation granted | | Goods application fee | £257 | £257 | | Goods issue fee | £401 | £401 | Sources: [GOV.UK operator licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide), [PSV operator licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide), [SD2 Finance](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-finance-march-2019/statutory-document-2-finance), [STC statutory document summaries](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries), [GOV.UK fees page](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/fees-for-goods-vehicle-licences). The fees are the same for both types. The real cost difference is the transport manager and the money you must show in the bank; see [financial standing](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/financial-standing) for the rates and [operator licence costs](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-cost) for the full fee list. The [operator licence types guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-types) compares all three goods licence types. ### Requirements both types share Every operator, restricted or standard, must: - be fit to hold a licence, including any relevant convictions - have enough money to run and maintain the vehicles - have satisfactory maintenance arrangements, with records kept for at least 15 months - show it can keep to the rules on drivers' hours, overloading and driver licensing - name a suitable operating centre for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes A restricted licence is not a lighter compliance standard on the road. The PSV guide says of restricted holders: "the level of compliance required is no less." ## When a restricted licence is enough A restricted licence is enough when the goods belong to your business and the transport is part of your own trade. Examples include a builders' merchant delivering its own stock, a manufacturer moving finished products, or a farmer moving produce outside the farm exemptions. GOV.UK's guide gives three questions that point to a standard licence instead: 1. Is the transport of the goods "a predominant part of the service provided"? 2. Does your insurance cover the carriage of goods for reward? 3. Does the carrying result in "payment, direct or indirect, which benefits the owner or user of the vehicle"? If the answer to any of these is yes, look closely at whether you need a standard licence. A charge hidden inside a delivery fee can still count as hire or reward. ### How many vehicles a restricted licence can cover For goods vehicles, the restricted type does not mean a small fleet. The traffic commissioner authorises a number of vehicles and trailers based on the application and the operating centre. In the DVSA file dated 7 October 2026, the median restricted goods licence is authorised for 2 vehicles, but 257 restricted goods licences are authorised for 50 or more, and the largest for 672. For passenger vehicles the limit is fixed. "The maximum number of vehicles that may be authorised under a restricted licence is two" ([PSV operator licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). ## When you need standard You need a standard licence when you carry goods for other people for payment. That covers general haulage, subcontracted loads, courier work in vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and contract distribution. Go for standard international if any hire or reward work leaves the UK. Since 21 May 2022 that includes vans over 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes doing paid work in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland ([Transport goods in Europe in vans](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/transport-goods-in-and-out-of-the-uk-using-vans-or-car-and-trailers)). The main extra step is professional competence. "A professionally competent person (generally known as the 'transport manager') must be nominated on a standard licence (national or international). There is no requirement to nominate a transport manager on a restricted licence" ([GOV.UK operator licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). The transport manager must hold a Transport Manager CPC and be resident in the UK. You can employ one or contract an external transport manager. See [transport manager CPC](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/transport-manager-cpc). The register reflects this rule. In the DVSA open data, restricted licences show "No Transport Manager" in the transport manager field. ## Changing from restricted to standard You can upgrade a goods licence from restricted to standard by applying for a variation. There is no application fee for this change: the fee schedule excludes upgrades from restricted to standard and from standard national to standard international ([Fees Regulations 1995, Schedule](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/3000/schedule)). The guide confirms: "If the changes you request are granted, you will not be charged a fee". To be granted the upgrade you must meet every standard requirement: - nominate a qualified transport manager - show financial standing at the standard rate for all authorised vehicles (for 3 HGVs: £8,000 + 2 × £4,500 = £17,000) - meet the good repute and establishment tests A fee does apply if you also increase your vehicle authorisation or add an operating centre (£257 for a major variation). For passenger licences the route is different. Moving from a restricted to a standard PSV licence needs a new licence application, not a variation ([PSV operator licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). Do not start paid work until the upgrade is granted. Carrying goods for hire or reward on a restricted licence means operating outside the terms of your licence, and the traffic commissioner can act against the licence. ## Why buyers should check the type If you hire a haulier, check that it holds a standard licence. A restricted licence does not allow the holder to carry your goods for payment. A valid restricted licence on the register is not enough for a paid haulage job. A quick check takes three steps: 1. [Run a free operator licence check](https://haulierscope.co.uk/) on HaulierScope by name, licence number or company number. 2. Confirm the licence type is Standard National (UK work) or Standard International (work abroad). 3. Check the status. "Valid" is what you want. "Curtailed" or "suspended" need a closer look; see [curtailed, suspended, revoked](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked). Our [how to check a haulier guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-check-a-haulier) walks through every field. If you use many subcontractors, [HaulierScope monitoring](https://haulierscope.co.uk/monitoring) puts them on a watchlist and sends weekly alerts when a licence changes, so a type or status change does not go unnoticed. You can also see the latest changes across Great Britain on the [weekly changes page](https://haulierscope.co.uk/changes). ## Frequently asked questions ### What is a restricted operator licence? A restricted operator licence is a goods or passenger vehicle licence for a business that carries only its own goods (or, for PSVs, runs up to 2 small vehicles). It needs no transport manager and lower financial standing than a standard licence. It does not allow the holder to carry other people's goods for hire or reward. It is the most common licence type in Great Britain. ### What does a restricted operator's licence allow you to do? A restricted goods licence lets you use your authorised vehicles to carry your own goods as part of your own business. GOV.UK says it "only usually allows you to carry your own goods within the United Kingdom and the EU." It does not let you carry other people's goods for payment. For paid haulage you need a standard national or standard international licence. ### How many vehicles can I have on a restricted licence? For goods vehicles there is no small fixed limit. The traffic commissioner authorises a number based on your application and operating centre. In the DVSA file dated 7 October 2026, the median restricted goods licence covers 2 vehicles, but 257 cover 50 or more. A restricted PSV licence is different: GOV.UK caps it at two vehicles. ### How much is a restricted operator's licence? A restricted goods licence costs the same in fees as a standard one: £257 to apply and £401 when the licence is issued, then £401 every 5 years to continue it. You must also show financial standing of £3,100 for the first vehicle and £1,700 for each extra one. That money stays yours; it is not a fee. ### Do I need a transport manager for a restricted operator's licence? No. GOV.UK says: "There is no requirement to nominate a transport manager on a restricted licence". You still carry full responsibility for maintenance, drivers' hours, driver licence checks and loading. If you upgrade to a standard licence, you must nominate a transport manager who holds a Transport Manager CPC and lives in the UK. ### Can I carry goods for other people on a restricted licence? No. Carrying other people's goods for hire or reward needs a standard licence. Payment can be direct or indirect: GOV.UK's test asks whether the carrying results in "payment, direct or indirect, which benefits the owner or user of the vehicle." If you want to take on paid work, apply to upgrade to standard first. There is no application fee for that upgrade. ## Sources - [Goods vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Being a goods vehicle operator: types of licence (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/types-of-licence) - [Being a goods vehicle operator: fees (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/fees-for-goods-vehicle-licences) - [Public service vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Statutory Document 2: Finance (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-finance-march-2019/statutory-document-2-finance) - [Senior Traffic Commissioner statutory document summaries (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) (Fees) Regulations 1995, Schedule (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/3000/schedule) ## Related - [The 3 types of operator licence explained](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-types) - [Operator licence financial standing: how much money you need](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/financial-standing) - [Transport manager CPC: what it is and who needs one](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/transport-manager-cpc) - [How to check a haulier's operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-check-a-haulier) - [How to vet a subcontracted haulier: a checklist](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/vet-a-haulier) - [Continuation dates by month](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) - [Data status](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/restricted-vs-standard Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "How much does an operator licence cost in 2026?" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-cost markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-cost.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # How much does an operator licence cost in 2026? > A new goods vehicle operator licence costs £658 in government fees: a £257 application fee and a £401 issue fee, plus £68 if you need an interim licence. You then pay £401 every 5 years to continue it. A PSV licence costs £209 to apply for. You must also hold financial standing money, from £3,100 upwards. _Published 1 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ These fees have not changed since 2014. The figures below come from the [GOV.UK goods fees page](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/fees-for-goods-vehicle-licences), the [GOV.UK PSV fees table](https://www.gov.uk/psv-operator-licences/how-to-apply-for-a-psv-licence) and the fee regulations on legislation.gov.uk, all checked on 2 October 2026. This guide covers Great Britain only. Northern Ireland runs a separate system. ## Total cost at a glance The table shows every government fee for goods and PSV (bus and coach) operator licences, when you pay it, and the date the amount took effect. | Fee | Goods vehicle licence | PSV licence | When you pay | Amount in force since | |---|---|---|---|---| | Application | £257 | £209 (standard or restricted) | With the application | Goods and PSV: 1 Oct 2014 | | Issue (grant) of the licence | £401 | No fee | Goods: within 15 working days of the grant | Goods: 1 Oct 2014. PSV grant fees abolished 1 Apr 2010 | | Continuation every 5 years | £401 | No fee (standard and restricted) | Goods: before the end of the month before the 5-year date | Goods: 1 Oct 2014. PSV continuation fees abolished 1 Apr 2010 | | Interim licence or interim direction | £68 | Not on the GOV.UK PSV fee table | Within 15 working days of the decision to grant | 1 Apr 2012 | | Variation (major change) | £257 | £122 | With the variation application | Goods and PSV: 1 Oct 2014 | | Special restricted (taxi) licence: application | Not applicable | £61 | With the application | 20 Apr 2009 | | Special restricted (taxi) licence: continuation | Not applicable | £61 every 5 years | At each 5-yearly continuation | 20 Apr 2009 | | Upgrade restricted to standard, or standard national to standard international (goods) | No fee | PSV restricted to standard needs a new application (£209) | Not applicable | Not applicable | Sources: [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) (Fees) Regulations 1995, Schedule](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/3000/schedule) (£257 and £401 from 1 October 2014 by SI 2014/2119; £68 from 1 April 2012 by SI 2012/308); [PSV Fees (Amendment) Regulations 2014](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/2118/made) (£209 and £122 from 1 October 2014); [PSV Fees (Amendment) Regulations 2009](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2009/787/made) (£61); [PSV Fees (Amendment) Regulations 2010](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/457/made) (grant, continuation and disc fees abolished from 1 April 2010). ### Will the fees go up? No fee change has been announced. The traffic commissioners' [annual report for 2025 to 2026](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-annual-report-2025-to-2026/traffic-commissioners-for-great-britain-annual-report-2025-2026), published on 30 September 2026, says there has been "no significant fee increase to pay for the service provision for over 15 years" and that the commissioners "will continue to promote the need for fee reform". We will update this page if a new fee regulation is made. ## Application fee The application fee is £257 for a goods licence and £209 for a standard or restricted PSV licence. You pay it when you apply online through the Vehicle Operator Licensing (VOL) service. The same £257 applies to a goods licence of any type: restricted, standard national or standard international. The fee regulations make it payable "with the application" ([Fees Regulations 1995, Schedule](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/3000/schedule)). A special restricted PSV licence, which lets a taxi or private hire licence holder run a registered local bus service, costs £61 to apply for. If you advertise a goods application wrongly and must apply again, GOV.UK warns that "You'll need to pay for a new advert if you apply again" ([Apply for a vehicle operator licence: advertising](https://www.gov.uk/apply-vehicle-operator-licence/advertising-your-application)). A clean first application saves money. ## Issue (grant) fee The issue fee is £401 for a goods licence. You pay it within 15 working days of the date the traffic commissioner grants the licence. Standard and restricted PSV licences have no issue fee. If you do not pay the goods issue fee, the licence is not issued. The weekly Applications and Decisions publication lists these cases under "Grants not taken up (grant fee not paid)" ([Applications and Decisions, Wales, No. 8939](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/695e22706056a077857e73b5/ad_8939_07_January_2026.pdf)). See our guide to [Applications and Decisions](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/applications-and-decisions). ## Continuation fee (every 5 years) The goods continuation fee is £401, paid every 5 years. A licence has no expiry date. It stays in force while you pay this fee on time and confirm your details. Standard and restricted PSV licences have no continuation fee. A special restricted PSV licence costs £61 to continue. The law sets the deadline as "before the end of the month which precedes the date of expiry of a period of 5 years" from issue or the last 5-year anniversary ([Fees Regulations 1995, Schedule](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/3000/schedule)). In plain terms, if your continuation date is 31 July, pay by 30 June. Late payment is accepted only in exceptional circumstances. The Senior Traffic Commissioner's guidance says "Failure to pay on time results in automatic termination of the licence" ([STC statutory document summaries](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries)). Our [operator licence continuation guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-continuation) explains the dates and how to find yours. ## Interim licence fee An interim licence costs £68 for goods operators. It lets you run vehicles while the traffic commissioner decides your full application. You pay within 15 working days of the decision to grant it. An interim licence lasts up to 6 months, and the commissioner considers one only when your application is complete ([Apply for a vehicle operator licence](https://www.gov.uk/apply-vehicle-operator-licence)). The same £68 applies to an interim direction, which is the interim permission for a variation such as extra vehicles or a new operating centre. GOV.UK describes interim licences as a goods vehicle option, and the PSV fee table lists no interim fee. A goods upgrade from restricted to standard does not attract the interim fee ([Fees Regulations 1995, Schedule](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/3000/schedule)). ## Variation fee A major change to a goods licence costs £257. A chargeable change to a PSV licence costs £122. Many changes are free. For goods licences, the [goods vehicle operator licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) lists these chargeable variations: - increase your overall vehicle or trailer authorisation - increase the vehicle or trailer authorisation at an operating centre - add a new operating centre - change the conditions on an operating centre Free changes include removing an operating centre (if one remains), adding or removing specified vehicles within your authorised total, and upgrading from restricted to standard national or from standard national to standard international. For PSV licences, GOV.UK says you pay £122 to "increase the vehicle limit on your licence" or to upgrade from standard national to standard international and raise the limit at the same time ([PSV operator licences: making changes](https://www.gov.uk/psv-operator-licences/making-changes-to-your-psv-licence)). ## Financial standing is money you hold, not a fee Financial standing is the money you must show you have available for the whole life of the licence. You do not pay it to anyone. GOV.UK says it "is not a fee that must be paid for a licence, it is resources that must be available for the duration of the licence" ([goods vehicle operator licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). The amounts apply from 1 January 2021 and are fixed in legislation. They no longer change each year ([Statutory Document 2: Finance](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-finance-march-2019/statutory-document-2-finance)). | Licence | First vehicle | Each additional vehicle | |---|---|---| | Goods standard international | £8,000 (first heavy goods vehicle), or £1,600 for the first light goods vehicle if you run no HGVs | £4,500 each HGV; £800 each light goods vehicle | | Goods standard national | £8,000 | £4,500 | | Goods restricted | £3,100 | £1,700 | | PSV standard (national or international) | £8,000 | £4,500 | | PSV restricted | £3,100 | £1,700 | The light goods vehicle rates (£1,600 and £800) took effect at 11pm on 20 May 2022, when vans of 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes used for hire or reward in Europe came into operator licensing ([SI 2022/293](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2022/293/made)). You must show money for every vehicle you plan to authorise, "not just the ones you'll operate straight away" ([Apply for a vehicle operator licence: financial evidence](https://www.gov.uk/apply-vehicle-operator-licence/financial-evidence)). Evidence is usually bank statements covering the last 28 days, and the traffic commissioner uses the average balance. See our [financial standing guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/financial-standing) for the accepted evidence. ## Other costs Government fees are only part of the bill. GOV.UK sets the requirements below but publishes no prices for them, so get quotes before you apply. | Cost | Who needs it | What GOV.UK says | |---|---|---| | Transport manager | Standard licences (goods and PSV) | You must name a professionally competent transport manager. An external transport manager can work for up to 4 operators with 50 vehicles in total ([goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)) | | Transport Manager CPC qualification | Anyone becoming a transport manager | A 2-part exam through an approved awarding body ([Become a transport manager](https://www.gov.uk/become-transport-manager)) | | Newspaper advert | Goods licences for HGVs | Paid to a local newspaper. PSV and light goods only licences need no advert | | Operating centre | Goods licences for HGVs | Off-street parking for all HGVs and trailers, with safe access. If you do not own it, you may need evidence that you can use it | | Maintenance contract | Operators who do not inspect their own vehicles | A contract with a garage or agent for safety inspections and repairs ([Being a goods vehicle operator](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/apply-for-a-licence)) | | UK Licence for the Community | Standard international goods licences | "There's no fee" ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-licence-for-the-community-for-international-road-haulage)) | Our [operating centre rules guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operating-centre-rules) and [transport manager CPC guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/transport-manager-cpc) cover these in more detail. ## Worked examples These totals use the GOV.UK figures above. The arithmetic is ours. Fees are paid once; financial standing is money you keep available. | Example | Government fees at grant | Financial standing to show | Fee every 5 years | |---|---|---|---| | Goods restricted, 1 vehicle | £658 (£257 + £401) | £3,100 | £401 | | Goods restricted, 1 vehicle, with interim licence | £726 (£257 + £401 + £68) | £3,100 | £401 | | Goods standard national, 5 vehicles | £658 | £26,000 (£8,000 + 4 × £4,500) | £401 | | Goods standard international, 3 vans only | £658 | £3,200 (£1,600 + 2 × £800) | £401 | | PSV standard, 3 vehicles | £209 | £17,000 (£8,000 + 2 × £4,500) | No fee | | PSV restricted, 2 vehicles (the maximum) | £209 | £4,800 (£3,100 + £1,700) | No fee | Most goods licences are small. In the DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, the median restricted goods licence authorises 2 vehicles and the median standard national licence authorises 4. Restricted licences are 46.2% of all 69,029 GB licences (HaulierScope analysis). See [restricted vs standard licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/restricted-vs-standard) to choose the right type. ## How to pay You can pay online when you apply through the VOL service. You can pay interim, issue and continuation fees by phone on the DVSA helpline, 0300 123 9000. You can also post a cheque payable to "DVSA" to the Central Licensing Office, Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UE ([GOV.UK fees page](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/fees-for-goods-vehicle-licences)). GOV.UK's [PSV fees page](https://www.gov.uk/psv-operator-licences/how-to-apply-for-a-psv-licence) also accepts postal orders and gives the helpline hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. To check that a haulier you plan to use holds a valid licence, [run a free operator licence check](https://haulierscope.co.uk/) or read [how we source the data](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology). To prepare your own application, follow [how to get an operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-get-an-operator-licence). ## Frequently asked questions ### How much does an operator's licence cost? A goods vehicle operator licence costs £257 to apply for and £401 to issue, so £658 in total. An interim licence adds £68. You then pay £401 every 5 years to continue the licence. A standard or restricted PSV licence costs £209 to apply for, with no issue or continuation fee. These figures come from GOV.UK and have not changed since 2014. ### How much does a PSV operator's licence cost? A standard or restricted PSV operator licence costs £209 to apply for. There is no issue fee and no continuation fee. A special restricted licence for taxi and private hire licence holders costs £61 to apply for and £61 every 5 years. Changes that increase your vehicle limit cost £122. Financial standing for a standard PSV licence starts at £8,000. ### Will operator licence fees go up? No change has been announced. Goods licence fees of £257 and £401 have applied since 1 October 2014, and the £68 interim fee since 1 April 2012. The traffic commissioners' annual report for 2025 to 2026 says there has been "no significant fee increase" for over 15 years and that they will keep pressing for fee reform. We re-check the fees at least every 90 days. ### Is financial standing a fee? No. Financial standing is money you must have available, not a payment to DVSA or the traffic commissioner. You keep the money in your business. You must keep it for the life of the licence. Traffic commissioners can ask existing operators for evidence, normally covering three months, and may ask again at the 5-yearly review. ## Sources - [Being a goods vehicle operator: fees (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/fees-for-goods-vehicle-licences) - [PSV operator licences: how to apply and fees (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/psv-operator-licences/how-to-apply-for-a-psv-licence) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) (Fees) Regulations 1995, Schedule](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/3000/schedule) - [PSV (Operators' Licences) (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2014](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/2118/made) - [Statutory Document 2: Finance (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-finance-march-2019/statutory-document-2-finance) - [Goods vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Apply for a vehicle operator licence (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/apply-vehicle-operator-licence) ## Related - [Operator licence financial standing: how much money you need](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/financial-standing) - [Operator licence continuation: fee, date and what happens if you miss it](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-continuation) - [How to get an operator licence: steps, documents and timescales](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-get-an-operator-licence) - [Restricted vs standard operator licence: the differences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/restricted-vs-standard) - [Continuation dates by month](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-cost Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Operator licence curtailed, suspended or revoked: what it means" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Operator licence curtailed, suspended or revoked: what it means > A curtailed operator licence still works, but a traffic commissioner has cut it back: fewer vehicles, an operating centre removed or new conditions. A suspended licence stays in force, but no vehicle may be used under it for a set time. A revoked licence has ended. The holder must stop operating and may also be disqualified. _Published 1 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ These actions apply to goods and passenger (PSV) licences alike. Each shows up differently in the DVSA open data, and revocation shows up as an absence. This guide covers Great Britain only. Northern Ireland runs a separate system. ## The three sanctions in one table Curtailment reduces what a licence allows, suspension pauses it, and revocation ends it. Disqualification is a separate order against the person or company, not the licence. | Action | What changes | How long | Can the operator keep working? | |---|---|---|---| | Curtailment | Vehicles removed, the vehicle limit cut, an operating centre removed, or conditions added | The rest of the licence's life or a shorter period | Yes, within the reduced authority | | Suspension | The licence stays in force but "no vehicles are authorised to be used under it" | A set period | No, not under that licence while suspended | | Revocation | The licence ends | Permanent | No. A new licence needs a new application | | Disqualification | The person or company may not hold or obtain an operator licence | A set period or indefinitely | No licence while disqualified | The wording comes from [section 26 of the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/26) and [section 28](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/28). The Senior Traffic Commissioner's [statutory document summaries](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries) put "revocation, disqualification, or extended suspension" in the most severe band. ## Curtailment Curtailment means a traffic commissioner has reduced what the licence allows. The operator can still run vehicles, but fewer of them or under tighter terms. The Act defines curtailment as a direction to do any of these ([s.26(11)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/26)): - remove one or more specified vehicles from the licence - add certain provisions about vehicles to the licence - reduce the maximum number of vehicles or trailers authorised - on a heavy goods vehicle licence, remove one or more operating centres Curtailment is often time-limited. One published decision reads: "Licence curtailed to allow one vehicle to be specified from 00.01 hours on the 1 January 2026 until 00.01 hours on the 1 February 2026" ([a published Traffic Commissioner decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions)). When a curtailment removes a vehicle, the commissioner can also order that the vehicle may not be used on any other operator's licence for up to 6 months ([s.26(6) and (7)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/26)). ## Suspension A suspended licence stays in force, but no vehicle may be used under it until the suspension ends. The Act says the licence "remains in force during the time of its suspension subject to the limitation that no vehicles are authorised to be used under it" ([s.26(9)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/26)). The commissioner can also order that vehicles specified on a suspended licence may not be used under any other operator's licence, for up to 6 months. A traffic commissioner can cancel or vary a suspension at any time ([s.26(8)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/26)). ## Revocation Revocation ends the licence. The holder must stop operating, and any future application will be judged with the revocation on record. A traffic commissioner *may* revoke on grounds listed in [section 26](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/26). They include: - using an operating centre that is not on the licence - breaking a licence condition or an undertaking recorded on the licence - relevant convictions or fixed penalties in the last five years, or prohibitions for unfit or overloaded vehicles - false statements made to get or vary the licence - bankruptcy or liquidation - a material change in the circumstances that were relevant when the licence was issued For a standard licence, revocation is *mandatory* if the holder no longer meets the core requirements (good repute, financial standing, professional competence, an effective and stable establishment) or the transport manager no longer qualifies ([section 27](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/27)). The commissioner can first set a time limit to put things right: up to 6 months, or 9 months where a transport manager has died or is incapacitated. Since March 2025 the statutory guidance says that if the problem is not fixed within the period of grace, "the commissioner is obliged to revoke the licence" ([STC summaries](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries)). ## Disqualification Disqualification bars a person or company from holding or getting any operator licence. A traffic commissioner can order it only when revoking a licence ([s.28](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/28)). Key points from section 28: - It can last for a set period or indefinitely. - While it runs, any other licence the person holds is suspended, and no new licence can be issued to them. - It can extend to the directors of a disqualified company and to partners in a disqualified partnership. - It can be limited to one or more traffic areas. - Applying for or getting a licence while disqualified is a criminal offence, and the licence is void. Transport managers can be disqualified separately, which stops them acting as a transport manager on any licence. See [transport manager CPC](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/transport-manager-cpc). ## Surrendered and terminated licences A surrendered licence was given up by its holder. A terminated licence ended automatically. Neither involves a finding against the operator, but the licence has still ended. The holder can ask a traffic commissioner to end the licence at any time, and the commissioner must agree, unless they are already considering action under section 26 or 27 ([s.16(3) and (4)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/16)). That rule stops an operator surrendering to dodge a revocation. A licence terminates automatically when the 5-yearly continuation fee is not paid in time. The statutory guidance says: "Failure to pay on time results in automatic termination of the licence" ([STC summaries](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries)). A licence held by an individual also terminates if the holder dies ([s.16(5)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/16)). See [continuation](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-continuation). ## How each status shows in the open data The DVSA open data lists only licences that are in force. A licence shows as valid, curtailed or suspended. When a licence is revoked, surrendered or terminated, it drops out of the file. | Status | What it means | Appears in the DVSA open data? | |---|---|---| | Valid | In force, no current restriction | Yes, as `lsts_valid` | | Curtailed | In force with reduced authority or extra conditions | Yes, as `lsts_curtailed` | | Suspended | In force, but no vehicles may be used under it | Yes, as `lsts_suspended` | | Revoked | Ended by a traffic commissioner | No, it drops out of the file | | Surrendered or terminated | Given up by the holder, or ended automatically (for example, continuation fee not paid) | No, it drops out of the file | | Not in the DVSA file dated … | HaulierScope's label for a licence that was in an earlier file and is missing from the newest one | Not applicable: the licence is absent | A missing licence is a signal, not a verdict. HaulierScope never labels a missing licence "revoked". We show it as "not in the DVSA file dated" the newest file date, because the open data does not say why it left. To find the reason, check the weekly [Applications and Decisions](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/applications-and-decisions) bulletin for the licence's traffic area: - Section 5.2: decisions taken at public inquiries - Section 7: licences surrendered or terminated - Section 8: licences revoked without a public inquiry The [GOV.UK collection of Applications and Decisions](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/traffic-commissioner-applications-and-decisions) links to all eight areas. Our [methodology page](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology) explains the source files and how often they change. ## How often it happens Action against a licence is rare. In the DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, 519 of 69,029 licences were curtailed (0.8%) and 16 were suspended. The other 68,494 were valid. | Status | Goods | PSV | Total | |---|---|---|---| | Valid | 63,480 | 5,014 | 68,494 | | Curtailed | 462 | 57 | 519 | | Suspended | 14 | 2 | 16 | Of the 519 curtailed licences, 235 were standard national, 168 restricted and 116 standard international (DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026). [Run a free operator licence check](https://haulierscope.co.uk/) to see the status of any haulier. Our [weekly changes page](https://haulierscope.co.uk/changes) lists licences that changed status, joined or left the file since the previous DVSA file. ## What to do if a haulier you use is curtailed or revoked Ask what changed and check that the work still fits the licence. A curtailment may only remove spare authority. A suspension or revocation means the haulier cannot legally run lorries under that licence. 1. **Read the scope.** For a curtailment, compare the vehicles now authorised with the lorries the haulier sends you. 2. **Stop bookings during a suspension.** No vehicle may be used under a suspended licence. Ask when the suspension ends and check the status again on that date. 3. **Treat revocation as the end of that licence.** If the haulier says it now trades under another licence, check that licence's number, holder name and status from scratch. See [how to vet a haulier](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/vet-a-haulier). 4. **Check for an appeal.** Revocation, suspension and curtailment can be appealed to the Upper Tribunal within one month. A stay can delay the decision until the appeal is decided ([GOV.UK goods licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). [HaulierScope monitoring](https://haulierscope.co.uk/monitoring) lets you keep a watchlist and get weekly alerts when a licence on it changes status or drops out of the DVSA file. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can the Traffic Commissioner revoke your licence? Yes. Section 26 of the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995 lets a traffic commissioner revoke a licence for broken conditions, relevant convictions, false statements or insolvency, among other grounds. See [undertakings and conditions](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-undertakings) and [licences in liquidation or administration](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-liquidation-administration). Revocation of a standard licence is mandatory if the operator loses good repute, financial standing or professional competence. The operator can demand a public inquiry first. ### What happens if your licence gets revoked? The licence ends and you must stop operating vehicles that need a licence. The traffic commissioner may also disqualify you, your company's directors or your partners from holding a licence, for a set period or indefinitely. A later application will be judged with the revocation on record. You can appeal to the Upper Tribunal within one month of the decision and ask for a stay while the appeal runs. ### How do you check if your license has been revoked? The operator is told in writing. To check someone else's licence, look in the weekly Applications and Decisions bulletin for its traffic area: Section 5.2 lists public inquiry decisions and Section 8 lists revocations without an inquiry. In the DVSA open data a revoked licence drops out of the file. ### Is revoked the same as disqualified? No. Revocation ends one licence. Disqualification bars the person or company from holding or getting any operator licence, for a set period or indefinitely. A traffic commissioner can only disqualify when revoking a licence, so the two often come together. Disqualification can extend to the directors of a company or the partners in a firm, and it can be limited to certain traffic areas. ### How do I surrender an operator's licence? Ask the traffic commissioner for your traffic area to end the licence. Section 16 of the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995 says the commissioner must agree, unless they are already considering action against the licence under section 26 or 27. Surrendered licences are listed in Section 7 of Applications and Decisions. Standard international holders must also return the office copy and certified copies of their UK Licence for the Community to DVSA. ## Sources - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, section 26 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/26) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, section 27 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/27) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, section 28 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/28) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, section 16 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/16) - [Goods vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Senior Traffic Commissioner statutory document summaries (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries) - [A guide to Traffic Commissioner hearings (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-guide-to-public-inquiries/a-guide-to-public-inquiries) - [Traffic Commissioner goods vehicle Applications and Decisions (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/traffic-commissioner-applications-and-decisions) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, section 29 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/29) - [UK Licence for the Community for international road haulage (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-licence-for-the-community-for-international-road-haulage) - [Traffic Commissioners operator licence records (data.gov.uk)](https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records) ## Related - [Traffic Commissioner public inquiries: what happens and how to find them](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/traffic-commissioner-public-inquiry) - [Applications and Decisions: how to read the Traffic Commissioner's bulletin](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/applications-and-decisions) - [How to check a haulier's operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-check-a-haulier) - [How to vet a subcontracted haulier: a checklist](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/vet-a-haulier) - [Operator licence continuation: fee, date and what happens if you miss it](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-continuation) - [Haulier insolvency watch](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch) - [Data status](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "PSV operator licence check: bus, coach and minibus operators" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/psv-operator-licence-check markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/psv-operator-licence-check.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # PSV operator licence check: bus, coach and minibus operators > To check a bus, coach or minibus operator's PSV licence, search its name or licence number (it starts with P) on GOV.UK's "Find lorry or bus operators" service or on HaulierScope. Confirm the status is valid, the licence is standard if it runs a coach business, and the vehicles authorised cover the coaches you are booking. _Published 1 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ A PSV (public service vehicle) operator licence is the passenger version of the goods operator licence. Schools, clubs, event organisers and travel firms who book coaches can check one in a couple of minutes. This guide covers Great Britain. Northern Ireland has its own system. ## Check a PSV operator now [Run a free operator licence check](https://haulierscope.co.uk/) by operator name or P licence number on HaulierScope, or on GOV.UK's [Find lorry or bus operators](https://www.gov.uk/find-vehicle-operators) service, which covers both "heavy goods vehicles (HGVs)" and "public service vehicles (PSVs)". Steps: 1. **Get the licence number.** Ask the operator, or read it from the disc in the coach. A PSV disc shows "the licence type, the licence holder's name and number, the disc serial number and the date the disc expires", and must be readable from outside the vehicle ([GOV.UK PSV guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). 2. **Search it.** PSV numbers start with P, then a letter for the traffic area, for example PD for the West Midlands. Example record: [/licence/pd0001760](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/pd0001760). See [operator licence numbers](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-number). 3. **Match the name** to the company on your booking and invoice. 4. **Read the status.** Valid is what you want. Curtailed or suspended means a traffic commissioner has acted. 5. **Read the type and vehicle count** against the table below. There are 5,073 PSV operator licences in the DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026: 2,184 standard national, 1,686 standard international and 1,203 restricted. The median PSV licence authorises 4 vehicles. ## PSV licence types GOV.UK says "there are 4 types of PSV operator licences, plus special licensing rules in London" ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/psv-operator-licences)). The type tells you how big and what kind of business the operator may run. | Type | What it allows | Vehicle limit | Transport manager | GB licences (DVSA file dated 7 October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---| | Standard national | Passenger services in Great Britain | Set by the licence | Required | 2,184 | | Standard national and international | Services in Great Britain and abroad | Set by the licence | Required | 1,686 | | Restricted | Vehicles with 8 or fewer passenger seats; 9 to 16 seats only when not used in a passenger transport business, or by someone whose main job is not running PSVs | 2 vehicles maximum | Not required | 1,203 | | Special restricted | Taxi or private hire licence holders running a registered local bus service | Covers the taxis or PHVs the holder is licensed for | See the GOV.UK guide | Not in the DVSA file | Sources: [PSV operator licences](https://www.gov.uk/psv-operator-licences) and the [PSV operator licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide). "The maximum number of vehicles that may be authorised under a restricted licence is two." Restricted licence holders do not need a transport manager, but "the level of compliance required is no less." Special restricted licences are not in the DVSA open data file, so they do not appear on HaulierScope. London has extra rules: "You'll need a London Service Permit to run a private bus or coach service in London" ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/psv-operator-licences)). ## Who needs a PSV operator licence You need one to "operate a vehicle for hire or reward (payment or payment in kind) that can carry 9 or more passengers", or to "operate a smaller vehicle carrying passengers and charging separate fares for the journey" ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/psv-operator-licences)). "Hire or reward" is wide. It means "any payment in cash or kind which gives a person the right to be carried… regardless of whether or not a profit is made", and includes indirect payment such as club fees, hotel beds, school fees or concert tickets ([PSV guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). ## Operator licence vs PSV driving licence A PSV operator licence and a bus driving licence are different things. The operator licence authorises a business to run passenger vehicles. The driving licence category authorises a person to drive them. | Feature | PSV operator licence | Bus or minibus driving entitlement | |---|---|---| | Who holds it | The business (company, partnership or sole trader) | The individual driver | | Issued by | A traffic commissioner | DVLA, as categories on the driving licence | | What it covers | Running vehicles for hire or reward | Driving a minibus (D1) or bus (D) | | Where to check | Find lorry or bus operators, or HaulierScope | The driver's own licence record | On the driving side, category D1 covers vehicles with "no more than 16 passenger seats" and "a maximum length of 8 metres", and category D covers "any bus with more than 8 passenger seats" ([GOV.UK driving licence categories](https://www.gov.uk/driving-licence-categories)). The operator must make sure its drivers hold the right licence and carry out regular licence checks, "usually every 3 months" ([PSV guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). ## Checking a coach company before you book Use this checklist when you book a coach or minibus with a driver. | Check | What good looks like | Red flag | |---|---|---| | Licence found | A P licence in the same legal name as your booking | No licence, or a different company name | | Status | Valid | Curtailed or suspended | | Type | Standard national, or standard international for trips abroad | Restricted licence for a full-size coach business | | Vehicles authorised | At least the number of coaches you need on the day | Fewer than you are booking | | Disc | Readable from outside the vehicle; name and number match | No disc, or a disc for another operator | | Insurance | A current insurance certificate in the operator's name | Refuses to show it | A restricted licence cannot cover more than two vehicles, and 9 to 16 seat vehicles only outside a passenger transport business. A firm running a fleet of 50-seat coaches on a restricted licence is outside it. In the DVSA file dated 7 October 2026, the median standard national PSV licence authorised 5 vehicles and the median standard international licence 8. The register does not show safety records. DVSA's Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) is not published and is not in the open data. Ask the operator about its maintenance arrangements. To see whether a traffic commissioner has acted against a PSV operator, read the weekly [PSV Notices and Proceedings](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/traffic-commissioner-notices-and-proceedings) for its traffic area. For an overview of what statuses mean, read [curtailed, suspended and revoked licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked). Our [weekly changes report](https://haulierscope.co.uk/changes) lists new and changed licences each time DVSA publishes a file, and our [methodology](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology) explains the data source. ## Section 19 and 22 permits Some community and not-for-profit groups carry passengers without a PSV operator licence. Section 19 and 22 permits are for organisations providing transport "without a view to profit" that meet strict criteria. They "allow the holder to operate transport services for hire or reward without the need for a full public service vehicle (PSV) operator's licence" ([PSV guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). Section 19 permits serve "education, religion, social welfare, or recreation"; section 22 permits allow "community bus services for the public" ([STC statutory document summaries](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries)). Permits are not operator licences and are not in the DVSA licence file. Our [section 19 and 22 permits guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/section-19-permit) explains who can hold one and what it costs. GOV.UK publishes a [weekly-updated list of section 19 and 22 permits](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/section-19-section-19-large-and-section-22-permits-issued-under-the-transport-act-1985). ## PSV licences by traffic area Every PSV licence number carries its traffic area in the second letter. In the DVSA file dated 7 October 2026, the North Western area (PC) holds the most PSV licences and the Welsh area (PG) the fewest. | Traffic area | Prefix | PSV licences | |---|---|---| | North Eastern | PB | 729 | | North Western | PC | 802 | | West Midland | PD | 472 | | Eastern | PF | 714 | | Welsh | PG | 458 | | Western | PH | 593 | | South Eastern and Metropolitan | PK | 727 | | Scottish | PM | 578 | Our guide to [operator licence numbers](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-number) links to each area's page. To browse operators near you, start from the [West Midlands](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/west-midlands) or any other area hub. For how PSV licences compare with goods licences, see [operator licence types](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-types). ## Frequently asked questions ### Do I need a PSV operator's licence? You need a PSV operator licence if you run a vehicle for hire or reward that can carry 9 or more passengers, or a smaller vehicle carrying passengers at separate fares. Hire or reward covers any payment in cash or kind that gives someone the right to be carried, even with no profit. Some not-for-profit groups use section 19 or 22 permits instead. ### How to get a PSV operator's licence? Apply online through GOV.UK at least nine weeks before you need the licence; GOV.UK says you will usually get a decision within 7 weeks. You must show financial standing, a suitable operating centre and, for a standard licence, a qualified transport manager. Financial standing is £8,000 for the first vehicle and £4,500 for each extra one on a standard licence, or £3,100 and £1,700 on a restricted licence. ### How to check operator license? Search the operator's name or licence number on GOV.UK's free "Find lorry or bus operators" service, or on HaulierScope. PSV licence numbers start with P and goods licence numbers with O. Check that the holder's name matches your booking, the status is valid, the licence type fits the work and the vehicles authorised cover what you need. ### Can I drive a bus without a PSV licence? You need the right driving licence category to drive a bus: D1 for minibuses with up to 16 passenger seats and D for buses with more than 8 passenger seats. That is separate from the PSV operator licence, which the business needs to run vehicles for hire or reward. Check both: the operator's licence on the register and the driver's entitlement with the operator. ## Sources - [PSV (Public Service Vehicle) operator licences (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/psv-operator-licences) - [Public service vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [PSV operator licences, how to apply and fees (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/psv-operator-licences/how-to-apply-for-a-psv-licence) - [Find lorry or bus operators (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/find-vehicle-operators) - [Traffic Commissioner PSV Notices and Proceedings (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/traffic-commissioner-notices-and-proceedings) - [Driving licence categories (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/driving-licence-categories) - [Section 19 and 22 permits (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/section-19-and-22-permits-not-for-profit-passenger-transport) ## Related - [The 3 types of operator licence explained](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-types) - [How to check a haulier's operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-check-a-haulier) - [Operator licence numbers: format and how to look one up](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-number) - [Operator licence curtailed, suspended or revoked: what it means](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked) - [DVSA earned recognition list](https://haulierscope.co.uk/earned-recognition) - [Continuation dates by month](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/psv-operator-licence-check Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Operator licence numbers: format and how to look one up" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-number markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-number.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Operator licence numbers: format and how to look one up > A GB operator licence number is two letters followed by seven digits, for example OF0218248. The first letter shows the licence class: O for goods vehicles, P for buses and coaches (PSV). The second letter shows the traffic area that issued it. You can look up any number free on GOV.UK or HaulierScope. _Published 1 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ This guide covers Great Britain. Northern Ireland licenses operators separately. ## The format Every licence number has the same three parts. All 69,029 licences in the DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, follow this pattern. | Part | Example (OF0218248) | Meaning | |---|---|---| | 1st letter | O | Licence class: O = goods vehicle, P = public service vehicle | | 2nd letter | F | Traffic area that holds the licence | | 7 digits | 0218248 | The licence's own number within that area | GOV.UK does not publish a table of the letters. The table below is our reading of the official data: each of the eight regional DVSA files contains only one goods prefix and one PSV prefix. Applications and Decisions bulletins agree. The Wales bulletin lists only OG numbers, for example. Area names are the official traffic area names from the [GOV.UK goods licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide). | Prefix | Class | Traffic area | Licences (DVSA file, 7 Oct 2026) | Browse | |---|---|---|---:|---| | OB | Goods | North Eastern | 9,571 | [North Eastern operators](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/north-east-of-england) | | PB | PSV | North Eastern | 729 | Same area | | OC | Goods | North Western | 8,594 | [North Western operators](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/north-west-of-england) | | PC | PSV | North Western | 802 | Same area | | OD | Goods | West Midland | 7,621 | [West Midland operators](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/west-midlands) | | PD | PSV | West Midland | 472 | Same area | | OF | Goods | Eastern | 12,426 | [Eastern operators](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/east-of-england) | | PF | PSV | Eastern | 714 | Same area | | OG | Goods | Welsh | 4,269 | [Welsh operators](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/wales) | | PG | PSV | Welsh | 458 | Same area | | OH | Goods | Western | 9,234 | [Western operators](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/west-of-england) | | PH | PSV | Western | 593 | Same area | | OK | Goods | South Eastern and Metropolitan | 7,187 | [South Eastern and Metropolitan operators](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/london-and-the-south-east-of-england) | | PK | PSV | South Eastern and Metropolitan | 727 | Same area | | OM | Goods | Scottish | 5,054 | [Scottish operators](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/scotland) | | PM | PSV | Scottish | 578 | Same area | Eastern (OF) is the largest goods area with 12,426 licences. Welsh (OG) is the smallest with 4,269. _An interactive licence number decoder is on the web page._ Traffic area boundaries do not always follow everyday regions. GOV.UK's guide places Nottinghamshire in the North Eastern area, Derbyshire in the North Western area, Leicestershire in the Eastern area, and Berkshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire in the Western area. So an operator in Reading may hold an OH number, not OK. Our [traffic areas guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/traffic-areas) lists the counties in each area. ### One company, several numbers A company can hold more than one licence. GOV.UK says "you'll need to hold a goods vehicle operator's licence for each traffic area where you have an operating centre" ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/apply-for-a-licence)). A national haulier with depots in Scotland and the Midlands will have an OM number and an OD number. The same company can also hold both an O licence and a P licence. When you check a haulier, check the licence for the depot you deal with. The licence number is not the company number. A limited company also has a Companies House registration number, which the DVSA data records separately. ## Where to find a haulier's number You can usually find it in one of these places: - **The identity disc.** Every vehicle specified on a goods licence must show a [licence disc](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-disc) on the near side of the windscreen, near the lower edge. It shows "the licence type, the licence holder's name and number, the vehicle registration mark and the date the disc expires" ([GOV.UK goods licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). PSV discs must be readable from outside the vehicle ([GOV.UK PSV guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). - **Paperwork.** Some hauliers print it on invoices, quotes, delivery notes or the footer of their website. - **Ask.** A licensed operator can give you the number straight away. If it cannot or will not, treat that as a warning. - **Search by name.** If you only have the company name, search it and read the number from the result. ## Look up a number Type the number into the HaulierScope search to [run a free operator licence check](https://haulierscope.co.uk/). An exact number gives one result, so it is more reliable than a name search. The licence page shows the holder, licence type, status, vehicles and trailers authorised, operating centres, continuation date and a history of changes between DVSA files. Example: [/licence/of0218248](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/of0218248). GOV.UK's [Find lorry or bus operators](https://www.gov.uk/find-vehicle-operators) service also searches "by name, address or licence number". Our data comes from DVSA's open data and is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. If a licence number has dropped out of the newest file, we show it as "not in the DVSA file dated" that date. For what to look for once you have the record, read [how to check a haulier's operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-check-a-haulier). For bus and coach numbers, see the [PSV operator licence check](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/psv-operator-licence-check). ## Is there a UK DOT number? No. Great Britain has no equivalent of the USDOT number used to identify carriers in the United States. The closest match is the operator licence number. It is unique to one licence, it is printed on the vehicle disc and anyone can look it up. For a fuller identity check, pair it with the Companies House number. To understand what each licence allows, see [operator licence types](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-types). ## Frequently asked questions ### How can I find my operator licence? Log in to GOV.UK's "Manage your vehicle operator licence" service. There you can update your licence, add vehicles, change your transport manager or order a replacement licence. Your licence number is also on every vehicle disc. You can also search your company name on GOV.UK's "Find lorry or bus operators" service or on HaulierScope to see the public record. ### What do the letters in an operator licence number mean? The first letter is the licence class: O for goods vehicles, P for public service vehicles such as buses and coaches. The second letter is the traffic area: B North Eastern, C North Western, D West Midland, F Eastern, G Welsh, H Western, K South Eastern and Metropolitan, M Scottish. Seven digits follow. GOV.UK does not publish this key; it comes from the official data. ### What is the UK equivalent of a DOT number? The closest UK equivalent is the operator licence number. Great Britain has no USDOT-style carrier number. The operator licence number is unique to one licence, printed on every vehicle disc, and anyone can look it up free on GOV.UK or HaulierScope. For a fuller identity check, pair it with the company's Companies House number. ## Sources - [Goods vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Public service vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Find lorry or bus operators (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/find-vehicle-operators) - [Manage your vehicle operator licence (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/manage-vehicle-operator-licence) - [Being a goods vehicle operator (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/apply-for-a-licence) - [Traffic Commissioners operator licence records (data.gov.uk)](https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records) ## Related - [How to check a haulier's operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-check-a-haulier) - [PSV operator licence check: bus, coach and minibus operators](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/psv-operator-licence-check) - [The 3 types of operator licence explained](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-types) - [How to vet a subcontracted haulier: a checklist](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/vet-a-haulier) - [Data status](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-number Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Applications and Decisions: how to read the Traffic Commissioner's bulletin" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/applications-and-decisions markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/applications-and-decisions.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Applications and Decisions: how to read the Traffic Commissioner's bulletin > Applications and Decisions (A&D) is the weekly bulletin each traffic commissioner publishes for goods vehicle operator licences. It lists new and changed licence applications, decisions made with and without a public inquiry, surrendered, terminated and revoked licences, and the deadline for objections. Each of Great Britain's eight traffic areas publishes its own edition on GOV.UK. _Published 1 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ GOV.UK describes it this way: "Details of all applications for goods vehicle operating licences made to each traffic area office are listed in a weekly publication, 'Applications and Decisions'" ([GOV.UK collection](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/traffic-commissioner-applications-and-decisions)). Bus and coach licences have their own bulletin, Notices and Proceedings. This guide explains how to read an A&D edition, how to object to an application, and how it fits with the DVSA open data. It covers Great Britain only. ## What Applications and Decisions is A&D is the legal notice board for goods operator licensing. Publishing an application in A&D starts the 21-day window in which statutory objectors can oppose it, and publishing a decision makes it public. Each edition is a PDF with a front page that shows: - the publication number and date - the **objection deadline date**, 21 days after publication - the date of the next edition - contact details for the Office of the Traffic Commissioner for that area For example, the Wales edition No. 8977 was published on 30 September 2026 with an objection deadline of 21 October 2026 ([Applications and Decisions, Wales, No. 8977](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abd8aaaefad0f1df672280f/ad_8977_30_September_2026_.pdf)). Statutory objectors can ask to receive editions by email, and anyone can subscribe through the Office of the Traffic Commissioner ([GOV.UK collection](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/traffic-commissioner-applications-and-decisions)). ## The nine sections Every edition uses the same nine sections. Entries are listed alphabetically, except in Section 5, and each has a reference number to quote in correspondence. | Section | Title | What it tells you | |---|---|---| | 1 | Applications Received | New licence applications (1.1) and variations (1.2), such as more vehicles or a new operating centre. The objection clock runs from here | | 2 | Applications Decided (Without Public Inquiries) | Applications granted (2.1, 2.3) or refused (2.2, 2.4) on paper | | 3 | Schedule 4 Applications | Operating centres transferred from one licence to another | | 4 | Applications Withdrawn or Grants Not Taken Up | Withdrawn applications (4.1), and grants where the issue fee was not paid (4.2) | | 5 | Public Inquiries | Inquiries to be held (5.1), decisions taken at inquiries (5.2), and transport manager inquiries and decisions (5.3, 5.4) | | 6 | Operating Centre Reviews (Without Public Inquiries) | Results of reviews decided on documents | | 7 | Licences Surrendered or Terminated | Licences given up by the holder (7.1) or ended automatically (7.2) | | 8 | Licences Revoked (Without Public Inquiries) | Revocations decided on paper | | 9 | Corrections | Fixes to earlier editions | Section 5.1 is where to look for upcoming hearings. See [Traffic Commissioner public inquiries](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/traffic-commissioner-public-inquiry). Sections 5.2, 7 and 8 explain why a licence has ended. See [curtailed, suspended or revoked](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked). ## How to read an entry An entry starts with the licence number and a type code, then the operator's name, the people behind it, the addresses and the authorisation asked for or granted. Type codes are R (restricted), SN (standard national) and SI (standard international). A new application in Section 1.1 is laid out like this (placeholders, not a real operator): ``` OG2XXXXXX SN EXAMPLE HAULAGE LTD Director(s): [director names] [correspondence address] Operating Centre: [operating centre address] Authorisation: 4 vehicle(s), 5 trailer(s) Transport Manager(s): [transport manager names] ``` | Line | Meaning | |---|---| | OG2XXXXXX | The licence number. O = goods, the second letter = traffic area (G = Wales) | | SN | Licence type: R, SN or SI | | Director(s) | The directors or partners named on the application | | Operating Centre | Where the lorries will normally be kept. Light goods vehicle (van) licences have none | | Authorisation | The maximum number of vehicles and trailers asked for | | Transport Manager(s) | The nominated transport manager. Restricted licences need none | | Undertakings or conditions | Extra promises or limits attached to the licence, shown when relevant | Variation entries in Section 1.2 say what is changing, for example "New operating centre" or "Increase at existing operating centre", and the new authorisation at that centre. A&D shows what the applicant has asked for. The bulletin notes that "details published of applications reflect information provided by applicants". The bulletin names directors and transport managers. HaulierScope does not publish those names. Our licence pages show the licence-level facts from the DVSA open data. See our [methodology](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology). ## Where to find each area's bulletin Each traffic area has its own GOV.UK page with the current year's editions (see [traffic areas](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/traffic-areas) for which counties each covers). Find the area from the second letter of the licence number, or from the location of the operating centre. | Traffic area | Prefix | GOV.UK A&D page | Licences in the DVSA file | HaulierScope area page | |---|---|---|---|---| | North Eastern | OB / PB | [North east of England](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/applications-and-decisions-for-the-north-east-of-england) | 10,300 | [North East](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/north-east-of-england) | | North Western | OC / PC | [North west of England](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/applications-and-decisions-for-the-north-west-of-england) | 9,396 | [North West](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/north-west-of-england) | | West Midland | OD / PD | [West Midlands](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/applications-and-decisions-for-the-west-midlands) | 8,093 | [West Midlands](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/west-midlands) | | Eastern | OF / PF | [East of England](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/applications-and-decisions-for-the-east-of-england) | 13,140 | [East of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/east-of-england) | | Welsh | OG / PG | [Wales](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/applications-and-decisions-for-wales) | 4,727 | [Wales](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/wales) | | Western | OH / PH | [West of England](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/applications-and-decisions-for-the-west-of-england) | 9,827 | [West of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/west-of-england) | | South Eastern and Metropolitan | OK / PK | [London and the south east](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/applications-and-decisions-for-london-and-the-south-east-of-england) | 7,914 | [London and the South East](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/london-and-the-south-east-of-england) | | Scottish | OM / PM | [Scotland](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/applications-and-decisions-for-scotland) | 5,632 | [Scotland](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/scotland) | Licence counts include goods and PSV licences (DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026). The Eastern area is the largest with 13,140 licences, and the Welsh area the smallest with 4,727. [Browse the latest Applications and Decisions by traffic area](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions) on HaulierScope. To search across editions, use GOV.UK's [Check vehicle operator licence applications](https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-operator-licence-applications) service. It covers both goods and PSV bulletins by name, date and area. ## How to object to an application Only statutory objectors can object: the police, local and planning authorities, and some trade associations and trade unions. Their written objection must reach the traffic commissioner within 21 days of the application's publication in A&D. Under the [GOV.UK guide to representations, objections and complaints](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-guide-to-making-representations-objections-and-complaints-goods-vehicle-operator-licensing/office-of-the-traffic-commissioner-a-guide-to-making-representations-objections-and-complaints) and the A&D notes, an objection must: - be on the grounds that the applicant does not meet the licence requirements, or that an operating centre is unsuitable, or both - be signed by an authorised signatory of the objecting body - arrive no later than 21 days after publication in A&D - be copied to the applicant at the same time it goes to the traffic commissioner The Wales edition recommends sending objections to Environmental@otc.gov.uk with "Objection" in the subject line. Neighbours have a different route, called a **representation**. Owners and occupiers of land near a proposed heavy goods vehicle operating centre can object on environmental grounds only, such as noise or fumes, and only if it affects their "use or enjoyment" of their land ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner/objecting-to-a-licence)). The deadline runs from the applicant's local newspaper advert, not from A&D: representations must be made in writing, signed, and sent "within 21 days of the date the advertisement appeared in the newspaper". GOV.UK publishes templates for both. For the operating centre rules behind this, see [operating centre rules](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operating-centre-rules). ## Our weekly changes report A&D shows what operators applied for and what commissioners decided. The DVSA open data shows the licences in force. Our weekly changes report compares each new DVSA file with the previous one. The [weekly changes page](https://haulierscope.co.uk/changes) lists: - licences that appear for the first time (usually new grants) - licences whose status changed, for example from valid to curtailed - licences that are not in the newest DVSA file, shown as "not in the DVSA file dated" that file's date The two sources answer different questions. Use A&D to see an application before it is decided, or the stated reason a licence ended. Use our changes page to see, in one list across all eight areas, which licences changed. If you need to know when a particular haulier changes, [HaulierScope monitoring](https://haulierscope.co.uk/monitoring) sends weekly alerts for the licences on your watchlist. ## Frequently asked questions ### How can I check the details of a vehicle operator licence application? Use GOV.UK's "Check vehicle operator licence applications" service, which searches the Applications and Decisions (goods) and Notices and Proceedings (PSV) bulletins by name, date and area. You can also open the weekly bulletin for the operator's traffic area on GOV.UK. New applications are in Section 1.1 and changes to existing licences in Section 1.2. ### How can I check the details of an HGV operator licence application? HGV applications appear in the weekly Applications and Decisions bulletin for the traffic area where the operating centre is. Section 1.1 shows the applicant's name, licence type, directors, operating centre, vehicles and trailers asked for, and the transport manager. The front page gives the objection deadline. Decisions follow in Section 2, or in Section 5 if the application goes to a public inquiry. ### How do I object to an operator licence application? If you are a statutory objector (police, local or planning authority, or certain trade bodies), send a signed written objection to the traffic commissioner within 21 days of the application's publication in Applications and Decisions, and copy it to the applicant. If you live or own land near the proposed operating centre, make a representation on environmental grounds within 21 days of the applicant's newspaper advert. Our guide to [objecting to an operator licence application](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/object-to-an-operator-licence-application) explains both routes step by step. ## Sources - [Traffic Commissioner goods vehicle Applications and Decisions (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/traffic-commissioner-applications-and-decisions) - [Goods vehicle applications and decisions for Wales (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/applications-and-decisions-for-wales) - [Applications and Decisions, Wales, No. 8977, 30 September 2026 (PDF, GOV.UK)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abd8aaaefad0f1df672280f/ad_8977_30_September_2026_.pdf) - [Check vehicle operator licence applications (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-operator-licence-applications) - [A guide to making representations, objections and complaints (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-guide-to-making-representations-objections-and-complaints-goods-vehicle-operator-licensing/office-of-the-traffic-commissioner-a-guide-to-making-representations-objections-and-complaints) - [Traffic commissioner public inquiries: objecting to a licence (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner/objecting-to-a-licence) - [Goods vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Traffic Commissioner PSV Notices and Proceedings (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/traffic-commissioner-notices-and-proceedings) ## Related - [Traffic Commissioner public inquiries: what happens and how to find them](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/traffic-commissioner-public-inquiry) - [Operator licence curtailed, suspended or revoked: what it means](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked) - [Operating centres: rules, objections and how to find one](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operating-centre-rules) - [How to get an operator licence: steps, documents and timescales](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-get-an-operator-licence) - [Upcoming public inquiries](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries) - [Haulier insolvency watch](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/applications-and-decisions Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Traffic Commissioner public inquiries: what happens and how to find them" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/traffic-commissioner-public-inquiry markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/traffic-commissioner-public-inquiry.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Traffic Commissioner public inquiries: what happens and how to find them > A Traffic Commissioner public inquiry is a formal tribunal hearing where a traffic commissioner decides whether to grant a licence or take action against an operator, transport manager or driver. Hearing dates are published in the weekly Applications and Decisions bulletin (goods) or Notices and Proceedings (PSV) for each traffic area, under "Public Inquiries". _Published 1 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ Traffic commissioners regulate lorry, bus and coach operators in Great Britain. There are eight traffic areas, each with its own commissioner. Deputy traffic commissioners preside over a number of the inquiries. The [GOV.UK guide to hearings](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-guide-to-public-inquiries/a-guide-to-public-inquiries) describes the process in full. This guide sums it up, shows where to find dates and decisions, and explains what each outcome means for an operator's licence. It covers Great Britain only. Northern Ireland has its own regulator. ## What a public inquiry is A public inquiry (PI) is "a formal tribunal hearing, where a traffic commissioner is the decision maker" ([GOV.UK guide to hearings](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-guide-to-public-inquiries/a-guide-to-public-inquiries)). It is not a criminal court. The commissioner decides on the "balance of probabilities": is it more likely than not that something happened? There are three main types: | Type | What it decides | Who gives evidence | |---|---|---| | Application inquiry | Whether to grant a new licence or a change to a licence | The applicant, plus any valid objectors or representors | | Operating centre review | Whether a goods operating centre stays suitable (goods licences only) | The operator, plus any valid complainants | | Regulatory inquiry | Whether to take action against an existing licence or transport manager | The operator or transport manager, usually with evidence from DVSA or other enforcement bodies | The traffic commissioners call themselves "a tribunal of the Department for Transport" ([Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/traffic-commissioners)). They act independently of government and of DVSA, which gathers enforcement evidence. ## Why operators get called Operators get called when someone objects to an application, when an operator may have broken the terms of its licence, or when a commissioner has concerns that need a hearing. An operator facing action also has a legal right to demand a hearing. GOV.UK lists these typical reasons ([traffic commissioner public inquiries](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner/being-called-to-a-public-inquiry)): - someone has objected to your application for a licence or a change to a licence - you have not kept to the conditions of your licence, for example you have used more vehicles than permitted - there are environmental concerns about a goods vehicle operating centre on your licence - your conduct has come into question A commissioner must hold an inquiry before revoking, suspending or curtailing a licence, or disqualifying someone, if the operator or person asks for one ([section 29 of the 1995 Act](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/29)). The same applies to action against a transport manager's good repute or professional competence when a hearing is requested ([GOV.UK guide to hearings](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-guide-to-public-inquiries/a-guide-to-public-inquiries)). ## How to find public inquiry dates Upcoming goods inquiries are listed in each traffic area's weekly Applications and Decisions bulletin, Section 5.1 (operators) and Section 5.3 (transport managers). PSV inquiries appear in the weekly Notices and Proceedings. Both are free on GOV.UK. | Where | What you find | Link | |---|---|---| | Applications and Decisions (goods) | Section 5.1: inquiries to be held. Section 5.2: decisions. Sections 5.3 and 5.4: transport manager inquiries and decisions | [GOV.UK collection](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/traffic-commissioner-applications-and-decisions) | | Notices and Proceedings (PSV) | The bus and coach equivalent | [GOV.UK collection](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/traffic-commissioner-notices-and-proceedings) | | Check vehicle operator licence applications | Search the bulletins by name, date and area | [GOV.UK service](https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-operator-licence-applications) | | Traffic Commissioner regulatory decisions | Written decisions from inquiries, with appeal status | [GOV.UK finder](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions) | Each bulletin is published per traffic area, so you need the area where the operator's licence sits. The second letter of a licence number tells you the area: for example, OG is a goods licence in Wales and OK is London and the South East. See [operator licence numbers](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-number) and our area pages for [Wales](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/wales), [Scotland](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/scotland) and [London and the South East](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/london-and-the-south-east-of-england). A listing gives the inquiry reference, venue, date and start time, and the operator's name and licence number. Inquiries are open to the public, but you must ask the relevant Office of the Traffic Commissioner in advance if you want to observe, and space can be limited ([Applications and Decisions, Wales, No. 8977](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abd8aaaefad0f1df672280f/ad_8977_30_September_2026_.pdf)). ### Where public inquiries are held Each traffic area has an Office of the Traffic Commissioner, and most inquiries are heard at those offices. The listing in the bulletin gives the exact venue. A case is not always heard in its own area, and some hearings are held by video. | Traffic area | Office of the Traffic Commissioner | Upcoming inquiries | |---|---|---| | North Eastern | Leeds | [Public inquiries in the North East](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries/north-east-of-england) | | North Western | Golborne, near Warrington | [Public inquiries in the North West](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries/north-west-of-england) | | West Midland | Birmingham | [Public inquiries in the West Midlands](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries/west-midlands) | | Eastern | Cambridge | [Public inquiries in the East of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries/east-of-england) | | Welsh | Pontypridd | [Public inquiries in Wales](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries/wales) | | Western | Bristol | [Public inquiries in the West of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries/west-of-england) | | South Eastern and Metropolitan | Eastbourne | [Public inquiries in London and the South East](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries/london-and-the-south-east-of-england) | | Scottish | Edinburgh | [Public inquiries in Scotland](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries/scotland) | Office towns are from GOV.UK's [traffic commissioners access and opening page](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/traffic-commissioners/about/access-and-opening). Our [traffic areas guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/traffic-areas) shows which counties each area covers. The commissioners aim to list each inquiry within 12 weeks of the decision to call it. Their target is 95% of cases. In 2025-26 they reached 77% ([TC annual report 2025-2026](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-annual-report-2025-to-2026/traffic-commissioners-for-great-britain-annual-report-2025-2026)). ## Notice and preparation Operators get a letter calling them to the inquiry, with at least 21 days' notice for a goods licence, 14 days for a passenger licence and 28 days for a transport manager. The letter sets out the reasons, the law it is called under and the evidence. The [GOV.UK guide to hearings](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-guide-to-public-inquiries/a-guide-to-public-inquiries) sets these rules: - **Who attends.** A sole trader or the partners should attend. A company or LLP must send at least one director. A senior manager can attend instead only with the commissioner's permission and written board authority. - **Representation.** You can bring a solicitor or barrister. Anyone else, such as a transport consultant, needs the commissioner's agreement in advance. There is no duty solicitor and no legal aid. - **Documents.** The letter usually asks for documents in advance, often maintenance records and drivers' hours evidence. Documents that arrive late may not be considered. - **Adjournments.** Dates are rarely moved without "a good and compelling reason". For a holiday, you may need to show it was booked before the call-up letter. - **Costs.** A commissioner cannot award costs or attendance expenses to anyone. If nobody attends, the commissioner can decide the case in your absence. ## What happens on the day You report to the inquiry clerk, the commissioner explains the proceedings, each side presents evidence and answers questions, and the commissioner announces a decision or reserves it for a written decision. The guide advises arriving at least one hour early with photo ID and your case papers. The GOV.UK [public inquiry page](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner/at-the-public-inquiry) sets out the order. The traffic commissioner will: 1. decide whether oppositions should be heard 2. listen to the application outline and ask questions about it 3. listen to objectors or a DVSA traffic examiner outline their cases and ask questions 4. ask applicants and objectors to present their cases in detail, with questions from any party 5. ask how conditions on the licence may affect the business 6. ask each side to sum up Evidence is not given under oath, but witnesses must tell the truth. Lying can cost an operator its good repute. The hearing is recorded. Transcripts are usually made only when there is an appeal. Sensitive evidence, such as finances or health, can be heard in private on request. ## Possible outcomes A public inquiry can end with no action, a warning, new conditions or undertakings, curtailment, suspension, revocation or disqualification. For an application, the commissioner can grant it, grant it in part or refuse it. | Outcome | What it means | Shows in the DVSA open data as | |---|---|---| | No action or formal warning | The licence carries on unchanged | Valid | | Conditions or undertakings | Extra legal obligations ([undertakings and conditions explained](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-undertakings)), for example an independent compliance audit by a set date | Valid | | Curtailment | Fewer vehicles, an operating centre removed or reduced authority, for a period or permanently | Curtailed | | Suspension | The licence stays in force but no vehicle may be used under it | Suspended | | Revocation | The licence ends | Licence drops out of the file | | Disqualification | The operator, directors or partners may not hold a licence | Licence drops out of the file | | Transport manager disqualification | The person may not act as a transport manager | Not a licence status. HaulierScope does not publish transport manager names | | Application refused, or granted for fewer vehicles | Applies to new licences and changes | Only granted licences appear | Bus service operators can also face financial penalties ([traffic commissioner public inquiries](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner/decision-and-penalties)). The decision is announced on the day in most cases and confirmed in writing within a few days. Where the commissioner reserves it, the written decision usually follows within 28 days of receiving all the information. For definitions of each sanction, see [curtailed, suspended or revoked](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked). ## Appeals You can appeal a traffic commissioner's decision to the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber) on form UT12. The tribunal must receive your notice within one month of the date the decision was sent. Key points from the [GOV.UK goods licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) and the [guide to hearings](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-guide-to-public-inquiries/a-guide-to-public-inquiries): - **Stays.** Once an appeal is lodged, you can ask the commissioner to stay the decision so it does not take effect until the appeal is decided. If the commissioner refuses, the Upper Tribunal can reconsider. - **Who can appeal.** Applicants, licence holders and transport managers can appeal. Statutory objectors have their own appeal rights. People who made environmental representations cannot appeal to the tribunal. - **Review instead of appeal.** A commissioner can review a decision on an application only for a procedural irregularity, and the request must be made within two months. The regulatory decisions finder marks decisions "UNDER APPEAL", "STAY GRANTED PENDING APPEAL" or "APPEAL DETERMINED" ([Traffic Commissioner regulatory decisions](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions)). ## Public inquiry outcomes: what the published decisions show The traffic commissioners publish written decisions on GOV.UK, each labelled with an outcome. Our copy of GOV.UK's regulatory decisions finder holds 222 decisions dated from 28 September 2020 to 10 September 2026. One decision can carry more than one outcome, and the finder labels each with its main one. | Outcome published | Decisions | |---|---:| | Licence holder disqualified | 58 | | Application refused | 47 | | Revocation | 31 | | Formal warning | 23 | | Conditions imposed on licence | 20 | | Curtailment | 11 | | Licence suspended | 8 | | Impounding application refused | 6 | | Application granted with conditions | 4 | | Application withdrawn | 3 | | Application granted as applied for | 2 | | Application granted in part | 2 | | Loss of repute | 2 | | Transport manager disqualified | 2 | | Impounding application granted | 1 | | No action | 1 | | Penalty imposed under the Transport Act 2000 | 1 | Source: [Traffic Commissioner regulatory decisions](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions) (GOV.UK), counted by HaulierScope. Inquiry results also appear in the weekly bulletins, Section 5.2. [Browse Traffic Commissioner decisions by outcome and area](https://haulierscope.co.uk/tc-decisions). ## Recent licence changes Public inquiry outcomes reach the open data as status changes. In the DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, 519 licences were curtailed and 16 suspended, out of 69,029. Revoked licences no longer appear in the file. Our [weekly changes page](https://haulierscope.co.uk/changes) compares each new DVSA file with the previous one and lists licences that became curtailed or suspended, returned to valid, or are not in the newest file. It is a quick way to see the result of recent inquiries without reading eight regional bulletins. Our [methodology](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology) explains how the comparison works. If a haulier you rely on is called to an inquiry, the outcome can change whether it may run lorries for you. [HaulierScope monitoring](https://haulierscope.co.uk/monitoring) sends weekly alerts when a licence on your watchlist changes status or drops out of the DVSA file. ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I find out Traffic Commissioner public inquiry dates? Look in the weekly Applications and Decisions bulletin for the operator's traffic area on GOV.UK. Section 5.1 lists public inquiries to be held and Section 5.3 lists transport manager inquiries, with venue, date and start time. For bus and coach operators, use Notices and Proceedings. GOV.UK's "Check vehicle operator licence applications" service lets you search the bulletins by name, date and area. ### What is a Traffic Commissioner public inquiry? It is a formal tribunal hearing where a traffic commissioner decides on a licence application, an operating centre review or regulatory action against an operator, transport manager or driver. It is held in public, usually in person, and the commissioner decides on the balance of probabilities. Evidence is not given under oath, but witnesses must tell the truth. ### What happens at a Traffic Commissioner hearing? You report to the inquiry clerk on arrival. The commissioner explains the proceedings, then hears the operator or applicant and any objectors or DVSA examiners, with questions from each side. The commissioner may ask how a decision would affect your business. Each side sums up, and the commissioner gives a decision on the day or later in writing, usually within 28 days. ### How long does a public enquiry take? From the decision to call it, the traffic commissioners aim to list an inquiry within 12 weeks. They met that target in 77% of cases in 2025-26 against a 95% goal. Operators get at least 21 days' notice for a goods licence, 14 days for a PSV licence and 28 days for a transport manager. Most decisions are given on the day. Reserved decisions usually follow within 28 days. ### What powers do traffic commissioners have? Traffic commissioners can refuse or grant licences, attach conditions, grant fewer vehicles than applied for, reduce a licence's authority, suspend or revoke a licence, and disqualify operators and transport managers. They can impose financial penalties on registered bus service operators. They can call a public inquiry to hear evidence before deciding, and their decisions can be appealed to the Upper Tribunal. ### How to appeal a Traffic Commissioner decision? Send form UT12 to the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber). It must arrive within one month of the date the decision was sent. The decision letter explains how to appeal. You can ask the traffic commissioner to stay the decision until the appeal is decided. If the commissioner refuses a stay, the tribunal can reconsider that refusal. ### What needs to be reported to the Traffic Commissioner? Goods operators must report relevant changes within 28 days. These include a change of legal entity, directors or partners, the transport manager, relevant convictions, addresses and operating centres, insolvency and the death of a licence holder. A material change in circumstances since the licence was issued is one of the legal grounds for action against it. ## Sources - [A guide to Traffic Commissioner hearings (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-guide-to-public-inquiries/a-guide-to-public-inquiries) - [Traffic commissioner public inquiries (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner) - [Goods vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Traffic Commissioner goods vehicle Applications and Decisions (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/traffic-commissioner-applications-and-decisions) - [Traffic Commissioner PSV Notices and Proceedings (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/traffic-commissioner-notices-and-proceedings) - [Check vehicle operator licence applications (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-operator-licence-applications) - [Traffic Commissioner regulatory decisions (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions) - [Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain annual report 2025-2026 (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-annual-report-2025-to-2026/traffic-commissioners-for-great-britain-annual-report-2025-2026) - [Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/traffic-commissioners) - [Applications and Decisions, Wales, No. 8977, 30 September 2026 (PDF, GOV.UK)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abd8aaaefad0f1df672280f/ad_8977_30_September_2026_.pdf) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, section 29 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/29) ## Related - [Operator licence curtailed, suspended or revoked: what it means](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked) - [Applications and Decisions: how to read the Traffic Commissioner's bulletin](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/applications-and-decisions) - [Transport manager CPC: what it is and who needs one](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/transport-manager-cpc) - [How to vet a subcontracted haulier: a checklist](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/vet-a-haulier) - [Upcoming public inquiries](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries) - [Haulier insolvency watch](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/traffic-commissioner-public-inquiry Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Operator licence continuation: fee, date and what happens if you miss it" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-continuation markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-continuation.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Operator licence continuation: fee, date and what happens if you miss it > A GB operator licence has no expiry date. Every 5 years it must be continued: you confirm your details to the traffic commissioner and, for a goods licence, pay a £401 continuation fee. The fee is due before the end of the month before your continuation date. Miss it and the licence ends automatically. _Published 1 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ This guide covers goods and PSV licences in Great Britain. The rules come from GOV.UK and legislation.gov.uk, checked on 2 October 2026. ## Renewal vs continuation "Renewal" is the everyday word. The official term is continuation, because the licence never runs out on a set date. It stays in force until the holder surrenders it, a traffic commissioner takes action against it, or the holder fails to continue it. The [goods vehicle operator licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) puts it this way: "A licence remains in force unless the holder: operates outside the terms of the licence and a traffic commissioner takes regulatory action; or surrenders it; or fails to pay the required fees in time to continue the licence. Every five years a licence must be continued through payment of a fee and confirming details of the operation to the traffic commissioner." For PSV licences, GOV.UK says: "Once you've got your licence it will not have an expiry date, but you'll be asked to confirm your details every 5 years" ([PSV operator licences](https://www.gov.uk/psv-operator-licences/how-to-apply-for-a-psv-licence)). | Feature | Goods licence | PSV standard or restricted | PSV special restricted (taxi) | |---|---|---|---| | Expiry date | None | None | None | | Continued every | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | | Confirm details to the traffic commissioner | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Continuation fee | £401 | No fee | £61 | | Fee in force since | 1 Oct 2014 | Fee abolished 1 Apr 2010 | 20 Apr 2009 | Sources: [Fees Regulations 1995, Schedule](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/3000/schedule); [PSV Fees (Amendment) Regulations 2010](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/457/made); [PSV Fees (Amendment) Regulations 2009](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2009/787/made); [GOV.UK PSV fees](https://www.gov.uk/psv-operator-licences/how-to-apply-for-a-psv-licence). ## When your continuation date is Your continuation date falls 5 years after the licence was issued, then every 5 years after that. You can find it on the licence record in the DVSA operator licence file, which has a `ContinuationDate` for every licence. Goods identity discs also show the date the disc expires. Every HaulierScope licence page shows the continuation date from the DVSA file. [Search by operator name or licence number](https://haulierscope.co.uk/) to find yours, or look at an example such as [licence OF0218248](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/of0218248). The DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, shows these patterns (HaulierScope analysis): - Almost every licence's continuation date (98.9%) falls on the last day of a month. - Dates run from 31 March 2019 to 31 March 2034. - 151 licences show a continuation date before the file date. That can mean data lag or a continuation still being processed. Do not read it as a lapsed licence. So do not assume the date is always "issue date plus 5 years". Use the date on the record, and check your own licence in your VOL self-service account. ## The fee and how to pay The goods continuation fee is £401. The law says it is due "before the end of the month which precedes the date of expiry of a period of 5 years, beginning with the date of either the issuing of the licence or the most recent 5 year anniversary of that date, whichever is the later" ([Fees Regulations 1995, Schedule](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/3000/schedule)). In plain terms: if your continuation date is 31 July, pay by 30 June. Standard and restricted PSV licences have no fee. A special restricted PSV licence costs £61. You can pay: - online through the Vehicle Operator Licensing (VOL) service - by phone on the DVSA helpline, 0300 123 9000 - by post, with a cheque payable to "DVSA", sent to the Central Licensing Office, Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UE Source: [GOV.UK goods fees page](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/fees-for-goods-vehicle-licences). GOV.UK's [PSV fees page](https://www.gov.uk/psv-operator-licences/how-to-apply-for-a-psv-licence) gives the helpline hours (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm) and also accepts postal orders. The full fee list is in our [operator licence cost guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-cost). ### What else you confirm GOV.UK says goods operators will be "contacted every 5 years to make sure that your licence shows the correct information" ([Being a goods vehicle operator](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/types-of-licence)). At the 5-yearly review, operators are sent a licence renewal form (Annex D in Statutory Document 2) and may have to show [financial standing](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/financial-standing) again ([SD2 Finance](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-finance-march-2019/statutory-document-2-finance)). Keep your licence details current between reviews too: you must report relevant changes, such as a new transport manager or address, within 28 days. ## What happens if you miss it If the goods fee is not paid on time, the licence ends automatically. Late payment is accepted only in exceptional circumstances, and forgetting does not count. The Senior Traffic Commissioner's guidance says: "Late payment of fees will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances. Forgetting to pay, not receiving a reminder, or simple oversight do not qualify… Failure to pay on time results in automatic termination of the licence" ([STC statutory document summaries](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries)). Once terminated, the licence is listed in the weekly [Applications and Decisions](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/applications-and-decisions) under Section 7, "Licences Surrendered or Terminated". You cannot legally run vehicles that need a licence until you hold a new one. GOV.UK warns that operating without a licence can lead to prosecution and impounded vehicles ([goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). A new application means a new fee, new evidence and, for lorries, a new advert. Our [how to get an operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-get-an-operator-licence) guide covers each step. ### What this means if you hire hauliers A haulier whose licence ends drops out of the DVSA open file. On HaulierScope it is then marked as not in the DVSA file of that date. The open file does not say why a licence left it, so check the reason in Applications and Decisions before you act. A licence close to its continuation date is worth watching. [HaulierScope monitoring](https://haulierscope.co.uk/monitoring) sends weekly alerts when a licence you watch is curtailed, suspended, drops off the DVSA file or changes fleet size, and records changes to its continuation date. ## How many licences fall due each month 12,597 GB operator licences have a continuation date in the 12 months after 7 October 2026. That is about 1,050 a month on average (DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026; HaulierScope analysis). | Continuation month | Licences due | |---|---:| | October 2026 | 593 | | November 2026 | 889 | | December 2026 | 1,143 | | January 2027 | 978 | | February 2027 | 1,098 | | March 2027 | 1,115 | | April 2027 | 1,258 | | May 2027 | 1,195 | | June 2027 | 1,204 | | July 2027 | 1,036 | | August 2027 | 1,083 | | September 2027 | 1,005 | | **Total** | **12,597** | Counts are for each licence's `ContinuationDate` in that file, and they update when DVSA publishes a new file. Browse the [continuation dates by month](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) to see which licences fall due, or [run a free operator licence check](https://haulierscope.co.uk/) on one haulier. See [our methodology](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology) and the [weekly licence changes](https://haulierscope.co.uk/changes). ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I renew my HGV operator licence? You do not renew it. You continue it every 5 years. The Office of the Traffic Commissioner contacts you to confirm your licence details, and you pay the £401 goods continuation fee before the end of the month before your continuation date. Pay online through your Vehicle Operator Licensing account, by phone on the DVSA helpline (0300 123 9000), or by post. Late payment ends the licence automatically. ### How can I check my O-license details? Sign in to your Vehicle Operator Licensing (VOL) self-service account to see and manage your own licence. To see the public record, use the GOV.UK "Find lorry or bus operators" service, or search by name or licence number on HaulierScope. Our licence pages show the status, licence type, vehicles and trailers authorised, operating centres and continuation date from the DVSA file. ### How do I manage my vehicle operator licence? Manage it through your Vehicle Operator Licensing self-service account, or in writing to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner. You can add or remove vehicles within your authorised total at no charge. Increasing your authorisation or adding an operating centre is a variation costing £257 for goods licences. Report relevant changes, such as a new transport manager, within 28 days. ## Sources - [Goods vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Being a goods vehicle operator (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/types-of-licence) - [Being a goods vehicle operator: fees (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/fees-for-goods-vehicle-licences) - [PSV operator licences (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/psv-operator-licences/how-to-apply-for-a-psv-licence) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) (Fees) Regulations 1995, Schedule](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/3000/schedule) - [Senior Traffic Commissioner Statutory Document Summaries (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries) - [Statutory Document 2: Finance (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-finance-march-2019/statutory-document-2-finance) ## Related - [How much does an operator licence cost in 2026?](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-cost) - [Operator licence financial standing: how much money you need](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/financial-standing) - [Operator licence curtailed, suspended or revoked: what it means](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked) - [How to check a haulier's operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-check-a-haulier) - [Continuation dates by month](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) - [Data status](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-continuation Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Operator licence financial standing: how much money you need" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/financial-standing markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/financial-standing.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Operator licence financial standing: how much money you need > For a standard operator licence you must show £8,000 for the first vehicle and £4,500 for each extra vehicle. A restricted licence needs £3,100 and £1,700. A vans-only standard international licence needs £1,600 and £800. These sterling amounts have applied since 1 January 2021 and are unchanged for 2026. _Published 1 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ ## Short answer: the 2026 rates Financial standing is the money you must have available to run your vehicles safely. You show it when you apply, when you add vehicles, and when the traffic commissioner asks. It is not a fee. GOV.UK says it "is resources that must be available for the duration of the licence." | Licence | First vehicle | Each additional vehicle | |---|---|---| | Goods standard national | £8,000 | £4,500 | | Goods standard international (with HGVs) | £8,000 for the first HGV | £4,500 per HGV, £800 per van | | Goods standard international (vans only) | £1,600 | £800 | | Goods restricted | £3,100 | £1,700 | | PSV standard (national or international) | £8,000 | £4,500 | | PSV restricted | £3,100 | £1,700 | Sources: [GOV.UK operator licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide), [Statutory Document 2: Finance](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-finance-march-2019/statutory-document-2-finance), [PSV operator licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide). Checked 1 October 2026. The rates no longer change each year. Before 2021 they were set in euros (EUR 9,000 and EUR 5,000) and converted every October. The Senior Traffic Commissioner's finance document now says: "These figures are now fixed in legislation and will not be subject to alteration without a further change to the legislation." Older guides that say the rates update annually are out of date. ### Worked examples You must show money for every vehicle you are authorised to run, not only those on the road now. GOV.UK: "you must prove you have enough money for all the vehicles you're planning to operate, not just the ones you'll operate straight away." | Authorisation | Calculation | Amount to show | |---|---|---| | Standard licence, 3 HGVs | £8,000 + 2 × £4,500 | £17,000 | | Restricted licence, 3 HGVs | £3,100 + 2 × £1,700 | £6,500 | | Standard international, 3 vans only | £1,600 + 2 × £800 | £3,200 | Most goods licences are small. In the DVSA file dated 7 October 2026, the median goods licence is authorised for 3 vehicles, and 26,815 of 63,956 goods licences (41.9%) are authorised for 2 or fewer. To work out the figure for your own fleet, use the [financial standing calculator](https://haulierscope.co.uk/tools/financial-standing-calculator). ## What counts as available funds Available funds are money the licence holder can use, shown in documents in the holder's own name. The [GOV.UK financial evidence page](https://www.gov.uk/apply-vehicle-operator-licence/financial-evidence) accepts: - bank or building society statements "covering the last 28 days" - credit card accounts - an opening balance for a new account - a formal overdraft or credit facility agreement - invoice finance agreements - audited accounts certified by a properly qualified person Three rules catch applicants out: 1. **The name must match.** Documents must be in the applicant's or licence holder's name. 2. **Company money stays in the company.** For a limited company, "the funds must be held within the company". Since 31 March 2025, the finance document also makes clear that a subsidiary holding a licence must hold the funds in its own name, not rely on a parent's account. 3. **The average counts.** The traffic commissioner looks at the average balance over the period, not the closing figure. A large deposit the day before you apply will not lift a low average much. ## Restricted vs standard rates A restricted licence needs £3,100 for the first vehicle and £1,700 for each extra one. That is about 39% of the standard rate for the first vehicle. For 3 HGVs, restricted needs £6,500 and standard needs £17,000. Restricted holders carry only their own goods. If you upgrade from restricted to standard, you must show the higher amount for the whole authorisation. The [restricted vs standard guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/restricted-vs-standard) compares the two licence types in full. Restricted holders also lose one safety net. "Restricted licence holders cannot request a period of grace" ([STC statutory document summaries](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries)). ## How it is checked at application and continuation The traffic commissioner checks financial standing at three points: when you apply, when you ask for more vehicles, and during the life of the licence. **On application or variation.** The finance document directs that "original statements must be supplied for the past 28 days, the last balance of which must not be more than two months from the date of receipt of the application." See [how to get an operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-get-an-operator-licence) for the wider process. **New applicants.** Goods applicants may get a time-limited interim licence and must then provide "three months of bank statements… within four months". PSV applicants "may be given a finance condition, requiring three months of statements six months after the licence starts". **Existing licences.** Traffic commissioners "will ask existing operators to provide financial evidence covering a period, normally of three months, and then consider the average figure over the whole period." **At the 5-yearly continuation.** Operators get a renewal form and may have to show financial standing again. See [operator licence continuation](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-continuation). ## Failing financial standing If a standard licence holder can no longer show the required money, the traffic commissioner can grant a period of grace of up to six months to put it right. It is not automatic, and applicants cannot get one. The summaries are blunt about what follows: "If the problem is not resolved within the period of grace, the commissioner is obliged to revoke the licence." Loss of financial standing is one of the listed grounds for regulatory action in the [GOV.UK operator licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide). Other actions open to the commissioner include reducing the authority of a licence, suspending it or revoking it. When a licence ends, it drops out of the DVSA open data file. If you check other operators, HaulierScope shows changes like these on the [weekly changes page](https://haulierscope.co.uk/changes), and the [methodology page](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology) explains how the data is sourced. Financial standing sits next to the fees, which are a separate cost. The application fee is £257 and the issue fee £401 for a goods licence; see [operator licence costs](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-cost). ## Frequently asked questions ### How much money do I need in the bank for an operator's licence? For a standard goods or PSV licence, you need £8,000 for the first vehicle and £4,500 for each extra vehicle. A restricted licence needs £3,100 and £1,700. A vans-only standard international licence needs £1,600 and £800. You must cover every vehicle you are authorised for, and the traffic commissioner uses your average balance, not the closing figure. ### What is financial standing? Financial standing is the money an operator must have available to run and maintain its vehicles properly. It is one of the requirements for holding an operator licence. GOV.UK says it "is not a fee that must be paid for a licence, it is resources that must be available for the duration of the licence." You keep the money; you just have to show it. ### What are the financial standing requirements for an Operator licence in the UK (Great Britain) in 2026? In 2026 the rates in Great Britain are £8,000 for the first vehicle and £4,500 for each extra vehicle on a standard licence; £3,100 and £1,700 on a restricted licence; and £1,600 and £800 for a vans-only standard international licence. They have not changed since 1 January 2021 and are fixed in legislation. ### What evidence counts for financial standing? GOV.UK accepts bank or building society statements covering the last 28 days, credit card accounts, an opening balance, a formal overdraft or credit facility agreement, invoice finance agreements, or audited accounts certified by a qualified person. Documents must be in the applicant's name. A limited company must hold the funds within the company itself. ### Does an overdraft count towards financial standing? A formal one can. GOV.UK lists a "formal overdraft/credit facility agreement" among the acceptable kinds of evidence, alongside bank statements and invoice finance agreements. The agreement must be in the applicant's or licence holder's name. The traffic commissioner then looks at the average funds available across the period, so unused headroom on the facility is what helps. ### Do financial standing rates change every year? No. Until 2021 the rates were set in euros and converted every October. Since 1 January 2021 they have been fixed in sterling in legislation. The traffic commissioners' finance document says they "will not be subject to alteration without a further change to the legislation." No change had been announced by 1 October 2026. ## Sources - [Statutory Document 2: Finance (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-finance-march-2019/statutory-document-2-finance) - [Goods vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Public service vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Apply for a vehicle operator licence: financial evidence (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/apply-vehicle-operator-licence/financial-evidence) - [Senior Traffic Commissioner statutory document summaries (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries) ## Related - [How much does an operator licence cost in 2026?](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-cost) - [Restricted vs standard operator licence: the differences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/restricted-vs-standard) - [How to get an operator licence: steps, documents and timescales](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-get-an-operator-licence) - [Operator licence continuation: fee, date and what happens if you miss it](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-continuation) - [The 3 types of operator licence explained](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-types) - [Haulier insolvency watch](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch) - [Continuation dates by month](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/financial-standing Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Do I need an operator licence? Weights, vans and exemptions" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/do-i-need-an-operator-licence markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/do-i-need-an-operator-licence.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Do I need an operator licence? Weights, vans and exemptions > You need a goods vehicle operator licence if you use a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes gross plated weight (or over 1,525 kg unladen if it has no plate) to carry goods for hire or reward or for your business. Vans of 3.5 tonnes or less used only in the UK do not need one. Some vehicle uses are exempt. _Published 1 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ ## Quick decision table Find your vehicle and your use. The table covers national journeys in Great Britain unless it says otherwise. | Your vehicle | Your use | Operator licence needed? | |---|---|---| | Van or pick-up, 3.5 tonnes or less | UK only, own goods or paid work | No | | Van 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes | Paid work in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland | Yes, standard international | | Van 3.5 tonnes or less towing a trailer | Combined plated weight over 3,500 kg, or combined unladen weight over 1,525 kg | Usually yes | | Vehicle 3.5 tonnes or less towing a trailer under 1,020 kg unladen | Own goods only, UK only | No | | Lorry over 3.5 tonnes (for example 7.5 tonnes) | Own goods for your business | Yes, restricted or standard | | Lorry over 3.5 tonnes | Other people's goods for payment | Yes, standard national (UK) or standard international | | Any vehicle on the exemption list | Used only within that exemption | No | | Minibus, bus or coach (9 or more passengers) | Carrying passengers for hire or reward | A PSV operator licence, not a goods licence ([not-for-profit groups may use a section 19 or 22 permit](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/section-19-permit)) | Sources: [GOV.UK operator licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide), [Being a goods vehicle operator](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator), [Transport goods in Europe in vans](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/transport-goods-in-and-out-of-the-uk-using-vans-or-car-and-trailers), [PSV operator licences](https://www.gov.uk/psv-operator-licences). _An interactive "Do I need an operator licence?" checker is on the web page._ These guides cover Great Britain. Northern Ireland runs a separate licensing system through the Department for Infrastructure. ## The 3.5 tonne rule The licence threshold is 3.5 tonnes gross plated weight. GOV.UK's wording: "You will usually need a goods vehicle operator's licence if you use a goods vehicle of over 3.5 tonnes gross plated weight or (where there is no plated weight) an unladen weight of more than 1,525kg, to transport goods for hire or reward or in connection with a trade or business" ([GOV.UK operator licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). Three points trip people up: - **The plated weight counts, not the load.** A 7.5 tonne lorry needs a licence even when it runs half empty. - **"Goods" is wide.** The guide defines goods as "burden of any description". A tractor unit moving empty trailers to a test station is carrying goods. - **Business use counts, not only haulage.** The law covers carrying goods "for or in connection with any trade or business carried on by him" ([Act, section 2](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/2)). The Act also treats the work of a local or public authority as a business. The licence belongs to the "user" of the vehicle. That is you if you drive and own it, if it is in your possession under hire, hire purchase or loan, or if the driver is your employee or agent. ## Vans and trailers A van of 3.5 tonnes or less used only in the UK does not need an operator licence, for your own goods or for paid work. The rules change in two cases: when you tow, and when you work abroad for payment. ### Towing a trailer The weights of the vehicle and trailer can combine. Per [Being a goods vehicle operator](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator), you need a licence if: - the motor vehicle and trailer are plated and their combined gross plated weights are more than 3,500 kg, or - the combined unladen weight of the vehicle and trailer is more than 1,525 kg. There is an own-goods allowance: "You do not need an operator's licence if your trailer's unladen weight is less than 1,020 kg and you only carry your own goods." If you already hold a licence, every trailer you tow must be within your authorisation, "whether you own them or not." ### Vans working in Europe Since 21 May 2022, GB operators need a standard international licence to carry goods for hire or reward in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland using vans with a maximum authorised mass over 2,500 kg and up to 3,500 kg, or vans and cars towing trailers in that range ([Transport goods in Europe in vans](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/transport-goods-in-and-out-of-the-uk-using-vans-or-car-and-trailers)). You do not need one if you only use the vans in the UK or you are not carrying goods for hire or reward. A vans-only standard international licence still needs a transport manager. Financial standing is £1,600 for the first van and £800 for each extra van. You do not need an operating centre or a newspaper advert. ## Own goods vs hire or reward Carrying your own goods in a lorry over 3.5 tonnes still needs a licence. The difference between own goods and hire or reward decides which type of licence, not whether you need one. | Use | Licence type | |---|---| | Your own goods, as part of your own business | Restricted | | Other people's goods for payment, UK only | Standard national | | Other people's goods for payment, including abroad | Standard international | GOV.UK's guide lists signs that the work is hire or reward: transport is "a predominant part of the service provided", your insurance covers carrying goods for reward, or the carrying results in "payment, direct or indirect". The [restricted vs standard guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/restricted-vs-standard) explains this test, and [operator licence types](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-types) compares all three. In the DVSA file dated 7 October 2026, 30,701 of 63,956 goods licences in Great Britain (48.0%) are restricted, so their holders carry only their own goods. [Run a free operator licence check](https://haulierscope.co.uk/) to see which type a business holds. ## Exemptions list Some vehicles and uses need no operator licence. The full list is in [Schedule 3 of the 1995 Regulations](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/2869/schedule/3) and Annex 3 of the GOV.UK guide. Exemptions "cover national journeys only". The guide also warns: "Any use of a vehicle which relies on an exemption, must fall exclusively within that exemption. Any operation outside of an exemption requires an operator's licence no matter how short the period." The main exemptions include: | Exempt vehicle or use | Key condition | |---|---| | Moving between your own private premises | Under 9.654 km (6 miles) a week on public roads, premises in the immediate neighbourhood | | Vehicles used under trade plates | While used under a trade licence | | Passenger vehicles carrying passengers and their effects | While being so used | | Armed forces, police, fire and rescue, ambulance | While used for those purposes | | RNLI and HM Coastguard | Carrying lifeboats, life-saving gear or crew | | Funeral vehicles | While used for funerals | | Snow clearing and gritting | While used for that work | | Certain tractors | Within 24.135 km (15 miles) of a farm, for listed purposes | | Recovery vehicles | Moving disabled vehicles only | | Vehicles with permanently fitted machinery | Carrying only the goods the rule allows, such as road sweepings | | Alternative-fuel vehicles | Fuelled entirely by alternative fuel, up to 4.25 tonnes, used only in GB | | Dual-purpose vehicles | Including a trailer drawn by one | Other exemptions cover steam vehicles, road rollers, tower wagons, driver training and test vehicles, showman's vehicles, aerodromes, utilities' emergency vehicles and some electric vehicles first registered before 1 March 2015. Two limits matter in practice: - **Recovery work.** "The returning of a vehicle to a customer after repair does not constitute the transportation of a disabled vehicle. You will require a standard operator's licence for this." Our guide to [recovery vehicles and horseboxes](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/recovery-vehicles-and-horseboxes) covers both in detail. - **Never exempt.** Mobile exhibition vehicles, catering vehicles, mobile shops, mobile medical screening vehicles, and vehicles with fixed equipment that carry other goods or tow a trailer of goods ([GOV.UK exemptions](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/exemptions)). Some GOV.UK pages give the zero-emission limit as 4,520 kg. The legislation and the guide's Annex 3 say 4.25 tonnes, and we use the legislation figure here. ## Penalties for operating without one Using a goods vehicle without a required licence is a criminal offence. Section 2(5) of the [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/2) says a person who does so "is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale." The vehicle is at risk too. The GOV.UK guide says: "It is illegal to operate your vehicle before a licence (or interim licence) is issued… your vehicle could be impounded." If you need a licence, apply at least 9 weeks before you need it; simple cases are often decided in about 7 weeks. See [how to get an operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-get-an-operator-licence) and [operator licence costs](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-cost). To see who already holds a licence near you, search on [HaulierScope](https://haulierscope.co.uk/) or browse a traffic area such as [North West of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/north-west-of-england). ## Frequently asked questions ### Who is exempt from an operator's licence? Vehicles on the exemption list in Schedule 3 of the 1995 Regulations need no licence for national journeys. Examples include police, fire and ambulance vehicles, armed forces, funeral vehicles, snow clearing and gritting, trade-plate vehicles, recovery of disabled vehicles and short trips under 6 miles a week between your own premises. The use must fall entirely within the exemption. ### Can you drive an HGV without an operator licence? A driver does not hold an operator licence; the business that uses the vehicle does. A lorry over 3.5 tonnes used for hire or reward or for a business must run under that business's operator licence and display its disc, unless an exemption applies. Using it without a licence is an offence, and the vehicle could be impounded. ### Do I need an operator's licence for a 3.5 tonne van? Not for UK work. A van of 3.5 tonnes or less used only in the UK needs no operator licence, for own goods or paid work. You need a standard international licence if you carry goods for hire or reward in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland in a van over 2.5 tonnes. Towing a trailer can also bring you over the limit. ### Is a 3.5 t van an HGV? No. In operator licensing, a heavy goods vehicle is one over 3.5 tonnes. GOV.UK calls a licence that covers only vehicles of 3.5 tonnes or less a "light goods vehicle licence". A van plated at exactly 3.5 tonnes is a light goods vehicle and needs no operator licence for UK-only work. ### Do you need an operator's licence for a 7.5 ton lorry? Yes, if you use it to carry goods for hire or reward or in connection with your business. A 7.5 tonne lorry is over the 3.5 tonne threshold. Carrying your own goods needs a restricted licence. Carrying other people's goods for payment needs a standard licence. Only an exemption, such as funeral or emergency service use, removes the need. ### Do I need an operator's licence to tow a trailer? You may. You need a licence if the vehicle and trailer are plated and their combined gross plated weights exceed 3,500 kg, or their combined unladen weight exceeds 1,525 kg. GOV.UK says you do not need one if the trailer's unladen weight is less than 1,020 kg and you carry only your own goods. ### Do I need an operator's licence to move my own goods? Yes, if the vehicle is over 3.5 tonnes and you carry the goods in connection with your trade or business. Own goods means a restricted licence is usually enough. You do not need a licence for your own goods in a vehicle of 3.5 tonnes or less with a trailer under 1,020 kg unladen, within the UK. ### Are road sweepers exempt from operators' licences? Yes, in most cases. Schedule 3 exempts a vehicle with a permanently fitted machine when the only goods it carries are those the rule allows, including "mud or other matter swept up from the surface of a road by the use of the machine". If it carries other goods or tows a trailer of goods, it needs a licence. ## Sources - [Goods vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Being a goods vehicle operator (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator) - [Being a goods vehicle operator: exemptions (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/exemptions) - [Transport goods in Europe in vans or car and trailers (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/transport-goods-in-and-out-of-the-uk-using-vans-or-car-and-trailers) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, section 2 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/2) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Regulations 1995, Schedule 3 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/2869/schedule/3) - [PSV operator licences (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/psv-operator-licences) ## Related - [The 3 types of operator licence explained](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-types) - [Restricted vs standard operator licence: the differences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/restricted-vs-standard) - [How to get an operator licence: steps, documents and timescales](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-get-an-operator-licence) - [How much does an operator licence cost in 2026?](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-cost) - [Operator licence financial standing: how much money you need](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/financial-standing) - [Continuation dates by month](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) - [Data status](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/do-i-need-an-operator-licence Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Operating centres: rules, objections and how to find one" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operating-centre-rules markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operating-centre-rules.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Operating centres: rules, objections and how to find one > An operating centre is the base where a goods vehicle is normally kept when not in use. Every heavy goods vehicle (HGV) operator licence must name its operating centres. Each one needs safe access, off-street parking for all vehicles and trailers kept there, and an environmentally acceptable location. Using an unlisted place as an operating centre is an offence. _Published 1 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ This guide covers goods vehicle licences in Great Britain, with a short note on PSV licences. The rules come from GOV.UK and legislation.gov.uk, checked on 2 October 2026. ## What an operating centre is The law defines an operating centre as "the base or centre at which the vehicle is normally kept" ([Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, s.7(3)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/7)). GOV.UK puts it more simply: "the place where you normally park your vehicles when they are not in use" ([goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). Only HGV licences need one. "Holders of light goods vehicle licences are not required to specify an operating centre" ([goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). For vans used for hire or reward in Europe, GOV.UK says: "You do not need to assign them to an operating centre" ([GOV.UK vans guidance](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/transport-goods-in-and-out-of-the-uk-using-vans-or-car-and-trailers)). The operating centre also decides which traffic commissioner you deal with. GOV.UK says: "You'll need to hold a goods vehicle operator's licence for each traffic area where you have an operating centre" ([Being a goods vehicle operator](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/apply-for-a-licence)). Great Britain has eight traffic areas. The second letter of a licence number shows the area, for example OK for a goods licence in London and the South East. ## Rules for operating centres An operating centre must be big enough, have safe access, sit in an environmentally acceptable place and give off-street parking for every HGV and trailer kept there. You must be entitled to use it. | Rule | What it means | Source | |---|---|---| | Must be specified on the licence | You may not use a place as an operating centre for authorised HGVs unless it is named on your licence. Breaking this is an offence | [Act 1995, s.7(1)-(2)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/7) | | Off-street parking | Enough space off the road for all the HGVs and trailers you keep there | [Goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) | | Big enough, with safe access | The traffic commissioner must be satisfied the site is suitable | [Goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) | | Environmentally acceptable | Must not disturb people nearby through noise, fumes, pollution, vibration or visual intrusion | [Apply: your vehicles](https://www.gov.uk/apply-vehicle-operator-licence/your-vehicles) | | Right to use the site | Permission from the site owner. If you do not own it, you may be asked for evidence | [Goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) | | Vehicle and trailer numbers | The licence records how many vehicles and trailers you keep at each centre | [Apply: your vehicles](https://www.gov.uk/apply-vehicle-operator-licence/your-vehicles) | | Conditions | The traffic commissioner can limit vehicle numbers, parking, hours of use and access routes | [Goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) | | Planning permission | A separate matter. The licence gives no planning approval, and planning approval is not needed to get a licence | [Goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) | | One traffic area per licence | A centre in another traffic area needs a separate licence there | [Being a goods vehicle operator](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/apply-for-a-licence) | On planning, GOV.UK is direct: "Authorisation under an operator's licence does not convey any approval under planning law, and likewise approval under planning law is not a pre-condition for the granting of an operator's licence." Check with your local planning authority as well. ### Parking away from the operating centre The test is where a vehicle is normally kept. Section 7 of the 1995 Act makes it an offence to use a place as an operating centre for authorised HGVs unless that place is on the licence. If a lorry is normally kept somewhere other than a listed centre, that place is being used as an operating centre. Add it to the licence by variation before you use it. ## Adding or changing an operating centre Adding an operating centre is a chargeable variation. You apply online, pay £257, advertise in a local newspaper and wait for the decision. Removing a centre is free if at least one remains. The [goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) lists these chargeable variations, each costing £257: - add a new operating centre - increase the vehicle or trailer authorisation at an operating centre - change the conditions attached to an operating centre Apply through your Vehicle Operator Licensing self-service account at least nine weeks before you need the change. You cannot use the new centre until the variation is granted, unless you get an interim direction, which costs £68 ([Fees Regulations 1995, Schedule](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/3000/schedule)). If the new centre is in a different traffic area, you need a new licence in that area. The variation is published in Applications and Decisions, and you must advertise it in a newspaper that circulates near the centre. Our [operator licence advert generator](https://haulierscope.co.uk/tools/operator-licence-advert-generator) fills in the wording for you. The advert must appear between 21 days before and 21 days after the application is received. You must also report a change of operating centre address within 28 days. ### Taking over another operator's centre A Schedule 4 transfer lets you take over a centre from another operator without advertising. The other operator must be giving it up, and you take it on the same terms: the same vehicle numbers and the same conditions. You repeat any [undertakings](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-undertakings). Approval is at the traffic commissioner's discretion, and a site with a history of objections may be refused. Apply by post on form GV72 ([Being a goods vehicle operator](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator)). ## Environmental objections and representations Two groups can oppose an operating centre. Statutory objectors, such as the police and local authorities, can object within 21 days of the application appearing in Applications and Decisions. Owners or occupiers of nearby land can make representations about environmental effects. Our guide to [objecting to an operator licence application](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/object-to-an-operator-licence-application) sets out both routes, the deadlines and what to write. Statutory objectors can object because the centre is unsuitable or because of concerns about the licence requirements. Local representors can raise environmental concerns, such as noise, only if the centre would affect their "use or enjoyment" of their land ([GOV.UK: objecting to a licence](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner/objecting-to-a-licence)). The newspaper advert is what gives local people the chance to do this. When deciding environmental suitability, the traffic commissioner "must, by law, take into account" ([goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)): - the effect on the nature and use of other land nearby - any planning permission or planning application for the centre or nearby land - the number, type and size of vehicles using the centre - the parking arrangements - the effect on nearby residents of the nature and times of activity - the nature and times of use of equipment at the centre - how many vehicles enter and leave, and how often The commissioner may hold a public inquiry to decide. ### Complaints and reviews after grant Anyone can complain about an operating centre at any time after it is on a licence. The traffic commissioner can review centres at five-year intervals and may add or change conditions, or remove the centre. You get the chance to make representations before conditions are imposed. ### PSV operating centres PSV licences are different. The Senior Traffic Commissioner's guidance says: "There is no provision to consider the environmental suitability of an operating centre on a PSV operator's licence" ([STC statutory document summaries](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries)). PSV applications are not advertised in newspapers. ## Find operating centres near you Every HaulierScope licence page lists the operating centres in the DVSA file. You can browse licences by traffic area to see which operators base vehicles near you: - [North East of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/north-east-of-england) - [North West of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/north-west-of-england) - [West Midlands](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/west-midlands) - [East of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/east-of-england) - [Wales](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/wales) - [West of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/west-of-england) - [London and the South East of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/london-and-the-south-east-of-england) - [Scotland](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/scotland) Shared yards are common. In the DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, 3,797 operating-centre addresses (same address line and postcode) appear on more than one licence, and one address appears on 60 licences. 278 goods licences list no operating-centre address, and 240 of those are standard international licences (HaulierScope analysis). Van-only licences need no operating centre, which fits that pattern. [Our methodology](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology) explains the data source. To follow new applications for centres near you, read the weekly Applications and Decisions for your traffic area. Our [Applications and Decisions guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/applications-and-decisions) explains how. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is an operating centre? An operating centre is the base or centre where a goods vehicle is normally kept when not in use. Every heavy goods vehicle operator licence must name its operating centres, with the number of vehicles and trailers kept at each. The site needs safe access, off-street parking for all of them, and an environmentally acceptable location. Van-only licences do not need one. ### Is it allowed to park away from an operating centre? The law asks where a vehicle is normally kept. Under section 7 of the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, using a place as an operating centre for authorised HGVs is an offence unless that place is on your licence. If a lorry is normally kept somewhere other than a listed centre, add that place to the licence by variation first. ### How do I add an operating centre to my O-licence? Apply for a variation through your Vehicle Operator Licensing self-service account at least nine weeks before you need the centre. The fee is £257. Advertise the application in a local newspaper near the centre, within 21 days either side of the application date. You cannot use the centre until the variation is granted, unless you get an interim direction for £68. ### Do vans need an operating centre? No. GOV.UK says holders of light goods vehicle licences do not have to specify an operating centre, and vans used for international hire or reward do not need to be assigned to one. Van-only applications also need no newspaper advert. If a van licence holder later wants to run vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, an operating centre and an advert are required. ## Sources - [Goods vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, section 7](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/7) - [Apply for a vehicle operator licence (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/apply-vehicle-operator-licence/your-vehicles) - [Being a goods vehicle operator (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator) - [Traffic commissioner public inquiries: objecting (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner/objecting-to-a-licence) - [Senior Traffic Commissioner Statutory Document Summaries (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries) ## Related - [Applications and Decisions: how to read the Traffic Commissioner's bulletin](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/applications-and-decisions) - [How to get an operator licence: steps, documents and timescales](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-get-an-operator-licence) - [How much does an operator licence cost in 2026?](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-cost) - [Traffic Commissioner public inquiries: what happens and how to find them](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/traffic-commissioner-public-inquiry) - [Continuation dates by month](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) - [Data status](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operating-centre-rules Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Transport manager CPC: what it is and who needs one" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/transport-manager-cpc markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/transport-manager-cpc.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Transport manager CPC: what it is and who needs one > Every standard operator licence, national or international, must name a transport manager who holds a Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). Restricted licences do not need one. The transport manager runs the operator's transport day to day: drivers, drivers' hours, maintenance and safe loading. Internal or external, they must be approved by a traffic commissioner. _Published 1 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ The CPC is the qualification. The transport manager is the role on the licence. This guide covers Great Britain. Northern Ireland has its own regulator. ## Who needs a transport manager Holders of standard national and standard international licences need a transport manager. That applies to lorry (goods) and bus and coach (PSV) operators. Restricted licence holders do not. The [GOV.UK goods licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) says: "A professionally competent person (generally known as the 'transport manager') must be nominated on a standard licence (national or international). There is no requirement to nominate a transport manager on a restricted licence". The PSV guide adds that restricted holders still face the same standards: "the level of compliance required is no less" ([PSV licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). Van operators are included. A standard international licence for vans of 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes used for hire or reward in Europe also needs a transport manager. For the difference between licence types, see [restricted vs standard](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/restricted-vs-standard). In the DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, 37,125 licences were standard licences (33,255 goods and 3,870 PSV). Each of them must nominate a transport manager. ## The CPC qualification The Transport Manager CPC is a professional qualification. You pass a two-part exam, multiple choice and case study, set by an approved awarding body. You do not need a driving licence, and you can take the exam at any age. | Point | What GOV.UK says | |---|---| | Two versions | Road haulage (goods) and road passenger transport (PSV). Pass both to manage both | | Exam | Two parts: multiple-choice questions and case study questions. You must pass both | | Awarding bodies | CILT, City & Guilds, Innovate Awarding, NLTC, NOCN Group, SEG Awards | | Driving licence | Not needed | | Age | Any age | | Older national CPCs | The national-only exam stopped in December 2011. National CPCs stay valid for standard national licences only | | Other routes | An acquired rights certificate issued since 2011 (for HGV or LGV-only operations), and CPCs from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland if you lived there when you qualified | Sources: [Become a transport manager](https://www.gov.uk/become-transport-manager) and the [goods licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide). Training courses are optional, and GOV.UK leaves exam fees to each provider. The holder must keep their knowledge up to date. The Senior Traffic Commissioner expects evidence of continuous professional development (CPD) if the CPC is more than 10 years old or the person has not been on a licence for 5 years ([STC summaries](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries)). The usual starting point is "the completion of a 2 day transport manager CPC refresher course". ## Transport manager responsibilities A transport manager must give "effective and continuous" management of the operator's transport. In practice that means drivers, drivers' hours, vehicle maintenance, records and fixing problems when audits find them. | Area | Duty | Set interval | |---|---|---| | Driver licences | Check drivers hold the right licence and a valid Driver CPC card | Licence checks usually every 3 months | | Tachographs | Download vehicle unit data and driver smart card data | Vehicle units at least every 90 days, driver cards at least every 28 days | | Drivers' hours records | Keep and check them | Keep at least 12 months | | Working time records | Keep them | Keep at least 24 months | | Maintenance planner | Set safety inspection, MOT and calibration dates | At least 6 months ahead | | Maintenance records | Keep inspection and repair records | Keep at least 15 months | | Defects | Make sure drivers report defects and repairs are made | Ongoing | | Changes | Report changes to the role, such as resignation or fewer hours | Within 28 days | Sources: [goods licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) and [STC summaries](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries). GOV.UK's own list is shorter: drivers hold valid licences, vehicles are taxed, insured, tested and maintained, loads are safe, drivers do not speed or break hours rules, and the operator does not break safety rules ([Become a transport manager](https://www.gov.uk/become-transport-manager)). The operator stays legally responsible for compliance. When things go wrong, both can end up at a public inquiry. A transport manager who loses good repute must be disqualified from the role, for a set period or indefinitely, and may have to retake the exam ([SD3](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-transport-managers-november-2018/statutory-document-3-transport-managers)). See [curtailed, suspended or revoked](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked). ## Internal vs external transport managers An external transport manager is a consultant the operator hires in under a contract, instead of an employee or director. An internal transport manager has a genuine link to the operator, such as being the licence holder, a partner, a director or an employee. An external transport manager works on a contract for services and may work for up to 4 operators with no more than 50 vehicles in total. | Feature | Internal | External | |---|---|---| | Link to the operator | Licence holder, partner, director, or full or part-time employee | Contract for services, between the operator and the individual (not a company) | | Operator limit | No fixed number | Up to 4 operators | | Vehicle limit | Set by hours and fleet size | 50 vehicles in total across all operators | | Contract | Employment terms | Must set out duties, weekly hours, pay rate and notice period | | Independence | Part of the business | Must act independently of the operator's transport customers | Sources: [goods licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide), [guide to hearings](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-guide-to-public-inquiries/a-guide-to-public-inquiries) and [STC summaries](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries). A person can be internal for one operator and external for another. In that case the traffic commissioner's starting point is to apply the external limits to all their licences ([SD3](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-transport-managers-november-2018/statutory-document-3-transport-managers)). For goods licences, every transport manager must live in the UK. For PSV licences residency is not required, but location is still considered. If a transport manager leaves, dies or cannot work, a standard licence holder can ask for a period of grace to find a replacement: up to 6 months, or 9 months after a death or physical incapacity. It is usually granted for three months first ([STC summaries](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries)). ## Restricted licences: who manages transport? A restricted licence holder does not have to nominate a transport manager, but the duties in the table above still apply. The PSV guide puts it plainly: "Whilst restricted licence holders do not need to have a transport manager, the level of compliance required is no less" ([PSV licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). In practice the owner or a director usually does the work: driver licence checks, drivers' hours, maintenance planning and record keeping. A restricted operator that wants to carry other people's goods for payment must move to a standard licence, and then it must nominate a qualified transport manager. In the DVSA file dated 7 October 2026, 31,904 licences were restricted (46.2% of all licences). Compare the two in [restricted vs standard](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/restricted-vs-standard), and see the [operator licence compliance checklist](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-compliance-checklist) for the duties every operator carries. ## Hours and fleet size The traffic commissioners set recommended weekly hours by fleet size, from 2 to 4 hours a week for 2 vehicles or fewer, up to full time plus extra staff for more than 50. They are starting points, not fixed rules. | Vehicles managed | Recommended hours per week | |---|---| | 2 or fewer | 2 to 4 hours | | 3 to 5 | 4 to 8 hours | | 6 to 10 | 8 to 12 hours | | 11 to 14 | 12 to 20 hours | | 15 to 29 | 20 to 30 hours | | 30 to 50 | 30 hours to full time | | More than 50 | Full time and another staff member needed | Source: [Become a transport manager](https://www.gov.uk/become-transport-manager), matching Annex A of [SD3](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-transport-managers-november-2018/statutory-document-3-transport-managers). Trailers may need extra hours. If you plan to work fewer hours than recommended, you must explain why when the operator applies to add you. A commissioner may also refer a transport manager who is already on at least 3 other licences, or already solely responsible for 50 vehicles. For scale: the median goods licence in the DVSA file dated 7 October 2026 authorises 3 vehicles, and 41.9% of goods licences authorise 2 or fewer. Many transport managers work part time on small fleets. ## How to check who is named on a licence Two official sources name the transport manager on a standard licence: the DVSA open data and the Applications and Decisions entry for the licence. The simplest route is to ask the operator, then check the name against one of them. - **DVSA open data.** The [operator licence records](https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records) include a transport manager column for each licence. - **[Applications and Decisions](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/applications-and-decisions).** New and varied applications list the nominated transport manager. HaulierScope does not publish transport manager names. A HaulierScope [licence page](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/of0218248) shows the licence type, so you can see at once whether the licence needs a transport manager. If you vet subcontractors, [run a free operator licence check](https://haulierscope.co.uk/) first, then confirm the transport manager's name with the operator and the Applications and Decisions notice. ## Frequently asked questions ### Does a transport manager need a CPC? Yes, in almost all cases. A transport manager on a standard licence must be professionally competent, which usually means holding a Transport Manager CPC for road haulage or passenger transport. An acquired rights certificate, or a CPC gained in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland while living there, can also count. A traffic commissioner must approve the person before they start. ### Can you be a transport manager without a CPC? Not on a standard licence, unless you hold an accepted alternative. GOV.UK accepts an acquired rights certificate issued since 2011, for HGV or LGV-only operations, or an exemption certificate for an acceptable qualification. Restricted licences need no transport manager at all, so someone without a CPC can manage transport for a restricted operator, but that operator must still meet the same compliance standards. ### What is the role of a transport manager? A transport manager gives effective and continuous management of an operator's transport. They make sure drivers are licensed and follow drivers' hours rules, vehicles are maintained, inspected and tested on time, loads are safe, tachograph data is downloaded, and records are kept. They report changes to the traffic commissioner within 28 days and fix problems found in audits or inspections. ### What is an external transport manager? An external transport manager is a consultant an operator hires in under a contract, rather than an employee, director or owner. GOV.UK says the contract must name the individual and the tasks. An external transport manager must be of good repute, live in the UK, act independently of the operator's transport customers, and work for no more than 4 operators with 50 vehicles in total. ### How many lorries can one transport manager manage? An external transport manager can work for up to 4 operators with a combined maximum of 50 vehicles. An internal transport manager has no fixed cap, but the recommended hours rise with fleet size, and a fleet of more than 50 vehicles needs a full-time transport manager plus another staff member. A commissioner may also limit someone who is internal for one operator and external for another. ### How many hours should a transport manager work? The traffic commissioners recommend 2 to 4 hours a week for 2 vehicles or fewer, 4 to 8 hours for 3 to 5, 8 to 12 hours for 6 to 10, 12 to 20 hours for 11 to 14, 20 to 30 hours for 15 to 29, and 30 hours to full time for 30 to 50. More than 50 vehicles means full time plus extra staff. Trailers may need more. ### How much does an external transport manager charge? GOV.UK sets no rate. Fees are agreed between the operator and the transport manager. The Senior Traffic Commissioner's guidance says the contract for services must be with the individual, not a company, and should set out the role, weekly hours, pay rate and notice period. The hours should match the recommended hours for the size of the fleet. ### How can I check if someone is a transport manager? Ask the operator for the name, then check it in the weekly Applications and Decisions bulletin, which names the transport manager when a licence is applied for or changed, or in DVSA's open data file, which has a transport manager column for each licence. To check the qualification, ask to see the Transport Manager CPC certificate. HaulierScope shows the licence type, which tells you whether a transport manager is required, but does not publish names. ## Sources - [Become a transport manager (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/become-transport-manager) - [Goods vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Traffic commissioners - Statutory Document 3, transport managers (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-transport-managers-november-2018/statutory-document-3-transport-managers) - [Senior Traffic Commissioner statutory document summaries (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries) - [Public service vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [A guide to Traffic Commissioner hearings (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-guide-to-public-inquiries/a-guide-to-public-inquiries) - [Traffic Commissioners operator licence records (data.gov.uk)](https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records) ## Related - [Restricted vs standard operator licence: the differences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/restricted-vs-standard) - [The 3 types of operator licence explained](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-types) - [How to get an operator licence: steps, documents and timescales](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-get-an-operator-licence) - [Operator licence curtailed, suspended or revoked: what it means](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked) - [Continuation dates by month](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) - [Data status](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/transport-manager-cpc Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "How to get an operator licence: steps, documents and timescales" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-get-an-operator-licence markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-get-an-operator-licence.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # How to get an operator licence: steps, documents and timescales > You apply for a GB operator licence online through the Vehicle Operator Licensing (VOL) service. First gather your organisation and transport manager details, bank evidence of financial standing, vehicle and maintenance details, and, for lorries, a local newspaper advert. Apply at least nine weeks before you need the licence. Simple cases often get a decision in about 7 weeks. _Published 1 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ This guide covers goods vehicle (lorry and van) and PSV (bus and coach) licences in Great Britain. Northern Ireland has its own system. Every rule below is taken from GOV.UK and was checked on 2 October 2026. The main sources are [Apply for a vehicle operator licence](https://www.gov.uk/apply-vehicle-operator-licence) and the [goods vehicle operator licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide). ## Do you need a licence, and which type? You usually need a goods vehicle operator licence if you use a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes gross plated weight to carry goods for hire or reward or in connection with a business. You need a PSV licence to carry 9 or more passengers for hire or reward, or to charge separate fares in a smaller vehicle. Vans of 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes need a standard international licence only when they carry goods for hire or reward in Europe ([GOV.UK vans guidance](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/transport-goods-in-and-out-of-the-uk-using-vans-or-car-and-trailers)). Some vehicles are exempt. Our guide [do I need an operator licence?](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/do-i-need-an-operator-licence) covers the weight rules and exemptions, and [recovery vehicles and horseboxes](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/recovery-vehicles-and-horseboxes) covers two uses people often ask about. Then pick the licence type: - **Restricted** (goods): carry your own goods only. No transport manager is needed. - **Standard national**: carry your own goods in the UK or abroad, or other people's goods for hire or reward in the UK only. - **Standard international**: carry your own and other people's goods in the UK and on international journeys. PSV licences come in standard national, standard national and international, restricted (up to 2 vehicles) and special restricted (for taxi and private hire licence holders) ([PSV operator licences](https://www.gov.uk/psv-operator-licences)). See [operator licence types](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-types) for the full comparison. In the DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, 30,701 of the 63,956 goods licences in Great Britain were restricted, 23,518 standard national and 9,737 standard international (HaulierScope analysis). ## Requirements checklist Every licence holder must be fit to hold a licence, have enough money, and have proper maintenance arrangements. Standard licences add good repute, financial standing at the higher rate, an established business base and a qualified transport manager. | Requirement | Restricted | Standard | Source | |---|---|---|---| | Fit to hold a licence (relevant convictions considered) | Yes | Yes | [Goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) | | Financial resources | £3,100 first vehicle, £1,700 each extra | £8,000 first vehicle, £4,500 each extra (vans only: £1,600 and £800) | [Statutory Document 2: Finance](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-finance-march-2019/statutory-document-2-finance) | | Satisfactory maintenance facilities or arrangements | Yes | Yes | [Goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) | | Ability to obey drivers' hours, overloading and driver licensing rules | Yes | Yes | [Goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) | | Suitable operating centre | Yes, for HGV licences | Yes, for HGV licences | [Goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) | | Good repute | No | Yes | [Goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) | | Effective and stable establishment (no PO box or third-party address) | No | Yes | [Goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) | | Transport manager with a Transport Manager CPC | No | Yes | [Goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) | | Newspaper advert | Yes, for HGV licences | Yes, for HGV licences | [Apply: advertising](https://www.gov.uk/apply-vehicle-operator-licence/advertising-your-application) | Good repute "includes relevant convictions and fixed penalty notices that the operator or any of their employees have had in the last five years" ([goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). A transport manager must be resident in the UK. Read our [transport manager CPC guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/transport-manager-cpc) before you name one. ## Step-by-step application GOV.UK lists four things to do before you start: get information about your organisation and team, get evidence of money, get information about your vehicles, and advertise your application ([Apply for a vehicle operator licence](https://www.gov.uk/apply-vehicle-operator-licence)). Then you apply online. ### Step 1: Gather organisation and team details You will give your business type (limited company, sole trader, partnership, LLP or other), name, address and contact details, and the people responsible for it. "If you're a limited company, the organisation name and details you provide must match the details on Companies House or your application may be rejected" ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/apply-vehicle-operator-licence/your-organisation-and-team)). You must also declare the team's history: - financial history, such as bankruptcy, receivership, administration or director disqualification - licence history, such as current or past licences, refusals, revocations, suspensions and public inquiries - relevant convictions or cautions of directors, partners, transport managers, employees and agents For a standard licence, name a transport manager. You will give their date of birth, contact details, proof of qualification (for example a copy of their Certificate of Professional Competence), the time they will spend on the role, and any convictions. ### Step 2: Get your financial evidence The Office of the Traffic Commissioner works out a sum based on your licence type and the number of vehicles. "You must prove you have enough money for all the vehicles you're planning to operate, not just the ones you'll operate straight away" ([GOV.UK financial evidence](https://www.gov.uk/apply-vehicle-operator-licence/financial-evidence)). Accepted evidence includes bank or building society statements covering the last 28 days, credit card accounts, an opening balance, a written overdraft or credit facility agreement, invoice finance agreements, or audited accounts certified by a qualified person. The documents must be in the applicant's name. For a limited company or LLP, the money must be held within the company. Our [financial standing guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/financial-standing) covers the rules in detail, and the [financial standing calculator](https://haulierscope.co.uk/tools/financial-standing-calculator) works out the amount for your fleet. ### Step 3: Prepare vehicle, maintenance and operating centre details You will give vehicle registration numbers and weights. You can add them later if you do not have the vehicles yet. Ask for enough authorisation to cover growth and breakdowns, because the licence sets a maximum. You must declare how often vehicles will be inspected and who does it. If another company does your safety inspections, you need a contract with it. For a lorry licence, you must name an operating centre: the place you normally keep the vehicles. It needs safe access, off-street parking for every vehicle and trailer kept there, and the site owner's permission. Van-only licences need no operating centre. See [operating centre rules](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operating-centre-rules). ### Step 4: Advertise the application (goods HGV licences only) Place an advert in a local newspaper that circulates near the operating centre. The advert must appear at least once between 21 days before and 21 days after the date the application is received. PSV and van-only applications need no advert. The next section has the details. ### Step 5: Apply online and pay Apply through the VOL service. You need a debit or credit card, and you can save the form and finish it later. Pay the £257 goods application fee or the £209 PSV application fee, and upload an image of the whole newspaper page with your advert. The page must show the newspaper's full name and the publication date. The GOV.UK page for the old GV79 paper application form now redirects to the online service ([former GV79 page](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-goods-vehicle-operators-licence-gv79), checked 1 October 2026). ### Step 6: Publication and objections The traffic commissioner publishes goods applications in the weekly [Applications and Decisions](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/applications-and-decisions). Police, local authorities and some trade bodies can object within 21 days of publication, on operating centre suitability or the licence requirements. Nearby owners or occupiers can make representations about environmental effects on their land. PSV applications appear in Notices and Proceedings, and only the police and listed local authorities can object. ### Step 7: Grant and the issue fee If the commissioner grants the licence, pay the £401 goods issue fee within 15 working days of the grant. PSV licences have no issue fee. You then receive the licence and a vehicle identity disc for each specified vehicle. A goods vehicle must not be used until its disc is displayed. Full fee details are in [operator licence cost](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-cost). ## Advertising the application Goods applicants for heavy goods vehicles must advertise. "If you do not advertise your application correctly, your application will be rejected" ([GOV.UK advertising](https://www.gov.uk/apply-vehicle-operator-licence/advertising-your-application)). The newspaper must: - be local, not regional or national - cover the area where the operating centre is - carry stories as well as adverts (free sheets are not accepted) - carry other public notices, such as planning applications Use the GOV.UK advert template, or fill in our [operator licence advert generator](https://haulierscope.co.uk/tools/operator-licence-advert-generator). The timing window is strict: an application received on 1 June must be advertised between 11 May and 22 June. An advert outside the window makes the application "out of time", and you must re-advertise or reapply. If your operating centres are covered by different local newspapers, publish an advert in each. Check that the vehicle and trailer numbers, the operating centre address and the postcodes in the advert match your online application ([goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). ## Timescales Apply at least nine weeks before you need the licence. GOV.UK says simple applications usually get a decision within 7 weeks, and longer if documents are missing. | Stage | Time | Source | |---|---|---| | Recommended lead time | At least 9 weeks before you need the licence | [Goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) | | Usual decision (online, complete application) | Within 7 weeks | [Apply for a vehicle operator licence](https://www.gov.uk/apply-vehicle-operator-licence) | | Traffic commissioner target, goods applications without a hearing | Average of 35 working days (2025-26 result: 35) | [TC annual report 2025-26](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-annual-report-2025-to-2026/traffic-commissioners-for-great-britain-annual-report-2025-2026) | | PSV applications, 2025-26 result | Average of 42, against a target of 35 working days | [TC annual report 2025-26](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-annual-report-2025-to-2026/traffic-commissioners-for-great-britain-annual-report-2025-2026) | | Advert window | 21 days before to 21 days after the application | [Goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) | | Objection period | 21 days from publication | [Goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) | | Issue fee deadline | 15 working days from grant | [Fees Regulations 1995, Schedule](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/3000/schedule) | "It is illegal to operate your vehicle before a licence (or interim licence) is issued. If you do, you could be liable to prosecution and your vehicle could be impounded" ([goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). ### A typical timeline Our worked example for a goods licence needed on 1 September, using GOV.UK's lead time and advert window (dates are illustrative): 1. **By early June:** gather financial evidence (28 days of statements), transport manager details and maintenance arrangements. 2. **30 June:** submit the application online, nine weeks before 1 September. Pay the £257 application fee. 3. **Between 9 June and 21 July:** the newspaper advert appears, inside the window of 21 days before to 21 days after the application date. 4. **Weekly bulletin:** the application is published in Applications and Decisions; objections can be made for 21 days from publication. See [how to object to an operator licence application](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/object-to-an-operator-licence-application). 5. **Decision:** if the licence is granted, pay the £401 issue fee within 15 working days of the grant. ## Interim licences An interim licence lets a goods operator run vehicles while the full application is decided. It costs £68 and lasts up to 6 months. The traffic commissioner considers one only when your application is complete. Request it in the "Review and declaration" section of the online application. GOV.UK gives examples of when you might need one: customers are waiting, or your organisation is changing or moving and you want to keep working ([Apply for a vehicle operator licence](https://www.gov.uk/apply-vehicle-operator-licence)). An interim licence ends on the date set in it, when the full licence is granted, or when the application is withdrawn or refused. You receive an identity disc for each vehicle. New goods applicants may be given a time-limited interim licence and asked for "three months of bank statements… within four months" ([STC statutory document summaries](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries)). For an existing licence, the same idea is called an interim direction, for example to add vehicles or a new operating centre before the variation is decided. ## Common reasons for refusal Applications fail most often on missing evidence, a faulty advert, or a requirement the applicant cannot meet. GOV.UK says: "Your application will be refused if you do not provide the correct evidence" and "Your application will be refused if you do not advertise your application correctly" ([Apply for a vehicle operator licence](https://www.gov.uk/apply-vehicle-operator-licence)). Other grounds come from the licence requirements: - not enough money for the vehicles applied for - company details that do not match Companies House - no qualified transport manager on a standard licence - doubts about fitness or good repute, including relevant convictions - an operating centre that is too small, unsafe to access or environmentally unsuitable The traffic commissioner can also grant a licence for fewer vehicles than you asked for, or attach conditions, for example on the hours an operating centre may be used ([goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). Our guide to [operator licence undertakings and conditions](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-undertakings) explains the promises you give when you apply. Where there are concerns, the commissioner may hold a hearing, called a public inquiry, before deciding. You can appeal a refusal, or conditions you think are unjustified, to the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber). ## New licences each week New licences appear in the DVSA operator licence file once they are granted. Our [weekly licence changes](https://haulierscope.co.uk/changes) page lists licences that are new in each DVSA file, alongside status changes and licences no longer in the file. HaulierScope data is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. See [our methodology](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology) for the source. Once your licence is granted, you can find it by name or number with our [operator licence search](https://haulierscope.co.uk/). Customers who vet hauliers will see the same record. ## Frequently asked questions ### How hard is it to get an operator's license? It is straightforward if you meet the requirements and submit complete evidence. You need enough money (from £3,100 for one restricted goods vehicle), maintenance arrangements, and for lorries a suitable operating centre and a correct newspaper advert. A standard licence also needs a qualified transport manager and good repute. GOV.UK says incomplete evidence or a wrong advert leads to refusal. ### How long does it take to get an operator's license? Apply at least nine weeks before you need the licence. GOV.UK says you will usually get a decision within 7 weeks if your application is complete. The traffic commissioners' target is an average of 35 working days for applications decided without a hearing. In 2025-26 they averaged 35 for goods applications and 42 for PSV applications. An interim licence can let a goods operator start sooner. ### What documents do I need to apply for a goods vehicle operator licence? You need financial evidence, such as bank statements covering the last 28 days, in the applicant's name. You also need details of your organisation, its people and their financial, licence and conviction history. A standard licence needs your transport manager's CPC certificate. Lorry applications need an image of the whole newspaper page with your advert. You also give vehicle, maintenance and operating centre details. ### What are the requirements to obtain an Operator licence? All applicants must be fit to hold a licence, have enough money, have satisfactory maintenance arrangements and be able to obey drivers' hours and loading rules. Lorry licences also need a suitable operating centre. Standard licences add good repute, an established business base, financial standing of £8,000 for the first vehicle and £4,500 for each extra one, and a qualified transport manager. ### How do I apply for a new operator licence? Apply online through GOV.UK's Vehicle Operator Licensing service. Prepare your organisation and team details, financial evidence, vehicle and maintenance details and, for lorries, a local newspaper advert. Then submit the application, upload the advert and pay the fee: £257 for goods or £209 for PSV. A goods licence costs £401 more when it is granted. ## Sources - [Apply for a vehicle operator licence (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/apply-vehicle-operator-licence) - [Goods vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Being a goods vehicle operator (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator) - [Public service vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [PSV operator licences (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/psv-operator-licences) - [Statutory Document 2: Finance (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-finance-march-2019/statutory-document-2-finance) - [Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain Annual Report 2025-2026 (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-annual-report-2025-to-2026/traffic-commissioners-for-great-britain-annual-report-2025-2026) ## Related - [How much does an operator licence cost in 2026?](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-cost) - [Operator licence financial standing: how much money you need](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/financial-standing) - [Operating centres: rules, objections and how to find one](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operating-centre-rules) - [Do I need an operator licence? Weights, vans and exemptions](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/do-i-need-an-operator-licence) - [The 3 types of operator licence explained](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-types) - [Continuation dates by month](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) - [Data status](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-get-an-operator-licence Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "OCRS score explained: what it means and who can see it" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/ocrs-score markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/ocrs-score.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # OCRS score explained: what it means and who can see it > OCRS stands for Operator Compliance Risk Score. DVSA uses it to decide which lorries, buses and coaches to stop for roadside inspection. Each operator licence gets a roadworthiness score, a traffic score and a combined score, banded green (low risk), amber (medium) or red (high). Only the operator can see them: they are not public or in DVSA's open data. _Published 1 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ The score comes from three years of DVSA records: MOTs, roadside checks, desk-based assessments and site visits. ## What an OCRS score is An OCRS score measures how likely an operator is to break the rules on vehicle condition (roadworthiness) and on drivers' hours, weights and similar rules (traffic). DVSA says: "It's more likely that your vehicles will be inspected if your OCRS is high" ([GOV.UK OCRS](https://www.gov.uk/operator-compliance-risk-score)). Key facts from GOV.UK: - The score is worked out for each operator licence. "An individual vehicle will not have its own OCRS." - It uses DVSA data from a 3-year rolling period. - The lower the score, the better. - DVSA re-scores every day, early in the morning. - A new licence, or an operator with no DVSA contact in 3 years, has no score. - Operators who only run vehicles exempt from operator licensing have no score. ## How the score is worked out DVSA adds points for each defect or offence it records and divides the total by the number of events. That gives a "base score" for each category. Serious defects and offences carry more points, and a clear inspection counts as an event with no points, which pulls the score down. | Category | What it is based on | |---|---| | Roadworthiness | First tests and MOTs, roadside inspections, fleet assessments (site visits) and desk-based assessments | | Traffic | Roadside inspections and prosecutions (for example drivers' hours, tachograph and weight offences), fleet assessments and desk-based assessments | | Combined | Both sets of points divided by all events | Source: [Use the OCRS system](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/use-the-operator-compliance-risk-score-ocrs-system). Some examples of the points DVSA lists: an immediate prohibition for a tyre, brake or steering defect scores 200, a delayed prohibition for any other defect 25, and an MOT failure for tyres, brakes or steering 50. Older events count for less. An event keeps its full weight for the first 12 months, then "falls by a quarter", and is halved in the final 12 months. After 3 years it drops out. If you are prosecuted, points count from the date of prosecution. If not, they count from the date of the offence. ## Red, amber, green, blue and grey Green means low risk, amber medium and red high. Grey means DVSA has no data. Blue is reserved for members of the DVSA earned recognition scheme. | Band | Roadworthiness | Traffic | Combined | |---|---|---|---| | Green (low risk) | 10 defect points or below | 5 offence points or below | 10 points or below | | Amber (medium risk) | 10.01 to 25 | 5.01 to 30 | 10.01 to 25 | | Red (high risk) | More than 25 | More than 30 | More than 25 | | Grey (unknown) | No score | No score | No score | | Blue | Earned recognition operator | Earned recognition operator | Earned recognition operator | Source: [Use the OCRS system](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/use-the-operator-compliance-risk-score-ocrs-system), fetched 1 October 2026. DVSA sets the points, weightings and band limits "and can change them at any time". DVSA's worked example: 200 roadworthiness points plus 150 traffic points, from 6 events, gives 350 ÷ 6 = 58.33. That puts the operator in the red band. Blue comes from [DVSA earned recognition](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvsa-earned-recognition-join-the-scheme), a voluntary scheme. Members use a DVSA-validated IT system for maintenance and drivers' hours, report against key performance indicators every 4 weeks, and pass an audit when joining and every 2 years. In return they get a blue band in every category and fewer roadside stops and site visits. ## How operators check their own score Operators view their OCRS report online through their Vehicle Operator Licensing (VOL) account. If you have not used the service before, you register first ([View your vehicle operator safety and risk reports](https://www.gov.uk/view-vehicle-operator-safety-risk-reports)). The report shows your operator details, how each score was worked out, the events that raised or lowered it, and events removed in the past 90 days. DVSA advises checking it regularly, tracking changes and acting on every negative event. If you think a score is wrong: 1. Check that only your vehicles are listed on your operator licence and remove any that are not. 2. Run your service history reports to see recent events. 3. Appeal the MOT result or complain about the roadside prohibition or fine. Include your licence number and a copy of the report showing the mistake. DVSA can only discuss the score with a person named on the licence, such as a director or transport manager. If an appeal succeeds, DVSA removes the event and re-runs the score. ## Why buyers cannot look up a haulier's OCRS OCRS scores are not published. They are not in the DVSA open data, and HaulierScope does not show them. DVSA keeps scores private. At a roadside check, a driver is told the score only if they prove they are the sole owner of the vehicle, the operator, or named on the operator licence ([GOV.UK OCRS](https://www.gov.uk/operator-compliance-risk-score)). The open [operator licence records](https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records) contain licence details, authorisations and status, but no compliance scores. Our [methodology page](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology) explains what the open data contains. If you vet a haulier, you can still check these public signals: - **Licence status.** Valid, curtailed or suspended. A curtailed or suspended licence means a traffic commissioner has acted. See [curtailed, suspended or revoked](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked). - **Earned recognition.** DVSA publishes the list of [accredited operators](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dvsa-earned-recognition-for-vehicle-operators-list-of-accredited-operators). Membership means a blue OCRS band. - **Licence type and authorisation.** Does the haulier hold a standard licence, and enough vehicles for your work? You can also ask the haulier to share its OCRS report. Start with a [licence search](https://haulierscope.co.uk/) as described in [how to check a haulier](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-check-a-haulier), then follow the steps in [how to vet a haulier](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/vet-a-haulier). ## Frequently asked questions ### What is an OCRS score? An OCRS score is DVSA's risk rating for a vehicle operator licence. It uses three years of MOT results, roadside inspections, site visits and desk-based assessments to predict how likely the operator is to break roadworthiness or traffic rules. Each licence gets roadworthiness, traffic and combined scores, banded green, amber or red. A higher score means more roadside stops. ### What does OCRS stand for? OCRS stands for Operator Compliance Risk Score. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) runs it for goods vehicle (HGV) and passenger vehicle (PSV) operator licences in Great Britain. It is worked out per licence, not per vehicle, and DVSA re-scores every licence each morning as new events come in and old ones drop out. ### What does the DVSA OCRS score mean? It tells DVSA how risky an operator is. Green means low risk, amber medium and red high. Grey means DVSA has no data from the last 3 years, and blue means the operator is in the DVSA earned recognition scheme. The lower the score, the better. Operators in the red band are more likely to have their vehicles stopped and inspected. ### How can I check my OCRS score? Sign in to your Vehicle Operator Licensing (VOL) account and open your OCRS report through GOV.UK's "View your vehicle operator safety and risk reports" service. Register first if you have not used it before. The report shows each score, the events behind it and events removed in the last 90 days. You cannot look up another operator's score. ### How accurate are OCRS? OCRS is a formula applied to DVSA's own records, so it is as accurate as those records. GOV.UK's first fix for a wrong score is to check that only your own vehicles are listed on the licence. A licence with few events can swing sharply after one bad inspection. If you find a mistake, check your vehicle list, run your service history reports, and appeal or complain to DVSA. A successful appeal removes the event from your score. ## Sources - [Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/operator-compliance-risk-score) - [Use the Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) system (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/use-the-operator-compliance-risk-score-ocrs-system) - [View your vehicle operator safety and risk reports (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/view-vehicle-operator-safety-risk-reports) - [DVSA earned recognition - join the scheme (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvsa-earned-recognition-join-the-scheme) - [DVSA earned recognition: accredited vehicle operators (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dvsa-earned-recognition-for-vehicle-operators-list-of-accredited-operators) - [Traffic Commissioners operator licence records (data.gov.uk)](https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records) ## Related - [How to vet a subcontracted haulier: a checklist](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/vet-a-haulier) - [How to check a haulier's operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-check-a-haulier) - [Operator licence curtailed, suspended or revoked: what it means](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked) - [Transport manager CPC: what it is and who needs one](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/transport-manager-cpc) - [DVSA earned recognition list](https://haulierscope.co.uk/earned-recognition) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/ocrs-score Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Operator licence undertakings and conditions" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-undertakings markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-undertakings.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Operator licence undertakings and conditions > Undertakings are promises you give the traffic commissioner to get an operator licence, such as keeping vehicles roadworthy and keeping records. Conditions are rules the traffic commissioner attaches to the licence. Both are recorded on the licence. Breaking either is a ground for curtailment, suspension or revocation under section 26 of the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995. _Published 2 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ This guide covers goods vehicle licences in Great Britain, with a section on PSV licences. Every rule below was checked against GOV.UK and legislation.gov.uk on 2 October 2026. ## Undertakings and conditions: the difference An undertaking is a promise you make. A condition is a rule imposed on you. The traffic commissioner grants the licence "based on the undertakings given by the applicant, and they are entitled to expect the operator to comply with those undertakings during the life of the licence" ([goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). | Feature | Undertaking | Condition | |---|---|---| | Who sets it | You offer it, or agree to it | The traffic commissioner attaches it | | Legal basis | The commissioner may take undertakings into account and "assume that those undertakings will be fulfilled" ([Act 1995, s.13C(7)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/13C)) | Sections 21, 22 and 23 of the Act | | Appeal | Cannot be appealed to the Upper Tribunal | Can be appealed to the Upper Tribunal | | Breach | Ground for regulatory action ([s.26(1)(f)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/26)) | Ground for regulatory action ([s.26(1)(b)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/26)) and, for most conditions, a criminal offence | | Where it appears | On the licence document | On the licence document | The appeal point comes from the Senior Traffic Commissioner. Undertakings "can also be offered by an operator or applicant, but they cannot be appealed against to the Upper Tribunal. They should still be reasonable, and enforceable" ([STC statutory document summaries](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries)). ## The standard undertakings a goods operator gives You give the standard undertakings when you apply through the Vehicle Operator Licensing (VOL) service. For example, GOV.UK says that when you apply "you need to declare how often your vehicles will be inspected and who is responsible for the inspections" ([Apply for a vehicle operator licence](https://www.gov.uk/apply-vehicle-operator-licence/your-vehicles)). The licence document then lists "any undertakings that are relevant to the granting of the licence" ([goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). You may see "the 11 undertakings" quoted online. We could not find a numbered list of 11 on any GOV.UK or legislation.gov.uk page, so we do not give a count here. The exact wording for your licence is on your licence document. The table below sets out what the official sources say operators promise, with the source for each line. | Area | What you promise | Official source | |---|---|---| | Roadworthiness | Vehicles and trailers will be kept in a fit and serviceable condition | [Guide to maintaining roadworthiness](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-maintaining-roadworthiness/guide-to-maintaining-roadworthiness-commercial-goods-and-passenger-carrying-vehicles); [s.13C(4)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/13C) | | Safety inspections | Inspections at the intervals you declared on VOL, with records kept | [Guide to maintaining roadworthiness](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-maintaining-roadworthiness/guide-to-maintaining-roadworthiness-commercial-goods-and-passenger-carrying-vehicles) | | Defect reporting | Drivers report defects promptly, and reports are recorded | [Guide to maintaining roadworthiness](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-maintaining-roadworthiness/guide-to-maintaining-roadworthiness-commercial-goods-and-passenger-carrying-vehicles) | | Records | Maintenance and defect records kept for at least 15 months | [Guide to maintaining roadworthiness](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-maintaining-roadworthiness/guide-to-maintaining-roadworthiness-commercial-goods-and-passenger-carrying-vehicles) | | Drivers' hours | Satisfactory arrangements for complying with drivers' hours and tachograph rules | [s.13C(2)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/13C); [goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) | | Weights | Vehicles will not be overloaded | [s.13C(3)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/13C) | | Driving rules | Systems to comply with speed limits, driver licensing, Driver CPC, vehicle tax and insurance | [Goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) | | Operating centre | HGVs kept at the operating centres named on the licence | [s.13C(5)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/13C); [operating centre rules](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operating-centre-rules) | | Changes | Relevant changes reported within 28 days | [Goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) | The Guide to maintaining roadworthiness explains the maintenance promises. The traffic commissioners "will seek assurances that the applicant will conduct regular safety checks and inspections of the vehicles at specified intervals and keep records of those checks and inspections and their results. These details are 'undertakings' (formerly known as 'statements of intent')". Records of safety inspections "must be kept for at least 15 months for all vehicles", including vehicles sold or removed from the licence. For a working list of these duties with time limits, use our [operator licence compliance checklist](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-compliance-checklist). ### Extra undertakings on individual licences A traffic commissioner can also record undertakings that apply to one licence or one operating centre. The weekly Applications and Decisions bulletins print them, headed "New Undertaking". One recent [Wales bulletin](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/applications-and-decisions-for-wales) (No. 8977, 30 September 2026) shows three types: - a weight limit: all authorised vehicles "shall not exceed 3,500 Kilograms (kg), including when combined with a trailer" - a route: authorised vehicles will leave the operating centre to the north and return the same way - an audit after a public inquiry: the operator "undertakes to identify an independent body to carry out an audit of transport safety and compliance systems" The last type is common after a public inquiry. The Senior Traffic Commissioner's guidance says "undertakings may be accepted as an alternative to severe measures", but "repeated failures or disregard for commitments will be treated seriously" ([STC summaries](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries)). ## Conditions a traffic commissioner can attach The Act gives three main powers to attach conditions to a goods licence. You get a chance to make representations before a road safety or environmental condition is imposed. | Section | What the condition does | Breach | |---|---|---| | [s.21](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/21) | Road safety where HGVs join or leave a public road on the way to or from an operating centre | Offence, fine up to level 4 on the standard scale | | [s.22](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/22) | Requires you to tell the traffic commissioner about specified changes in the business | Offence, fine up to level 5 on the standard scale | | [s.23](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/23) | Limits environmental effects at an operating centre: vehicle numbers, type and size, parking, hours of operation | Offence, fine up to level 4 on the standard scale | Every standard licence carries two section 22 conditions. You must tell a traffic commissioner of any event that could affect your good repute, financial standing, establishment or professional competence "within 28 days of the event". The second condition covers events affecting your transport manager, within 28 days of the event coming to your knowledge. On environmental conditions, the [goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) lists the number, type and size of vehicles at the centre, parking arrangements, the times the centre may be used, and how vehicles enter and leave. ## What happens if you break an undertaking or condition? The traffic commissioner can revoke, suspend or curtail your licence. Section 26 lists the grounds, including "that the licence-holder has contravened any condition attached to the licence" and "that any undertaking recorded in the licence has not been fulfilled" ([Act 1995, s.26](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/26)). Broken promises also go to fitness and repute. The Senior Traffic Commissioner's [statutory document summaries](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries) define fitness as including "an ability to keep promises (undertakings)". Statutory Document 1 adds: "A persistent failure to comply with undertakings, especially following a warning, may provide compelling reasons ... to conclude that there has been a loss of repute/fitness" ([SD1](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-good-repute-and-fitness-march-2019/statutory-document-1-good-repute-and-fitness-guidance)). The same summaries say loss of good repute "is likely to result in revocation of a standard licence". The usual route is a call-up to a public inquiry. Read [what a Traffic Commissioner public inquiry involves](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/traffic-commissioner-public-inquiry) and [what curtailed, suspended and revoked mean](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked). ## Changing or removing an undertaking or condition You apply to vary the licence. Section 17 lets a traffic commissioner direct "that any undertaking recorded in the licence be varied or removed" and "that any condition attached to the licence be varied or removed" ([Act 1995, s.17](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/17)). GOV.UK lists "change conditions attached to an operating centre" as a chargeable variation. The fee for a major change to a licence is £257 ([GOV.UK fees](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/fees-for-goods-vehicle-licences)). Apply through VOL at least nine weeks before you need the change. If you take over another operator's operating centre under Schedule 4, any conditions transfer with it and "any undertakings must be repeated by the new operator" ([goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). ## PSV licences Bus and coach licences work the same way under the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981. The PSV guide says the commissioner grants a licence "based on the formal undertakings (promises) given by the applicant" ([PSV guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). - Every PSV licence carries a condition setting the maximum number of vehicles. On a restricted licence that maximum cannot normally exceed two ([PPVA 1981, s.16](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/14/section/16)). - An operator can apply to "vary or remove any undertaking recorded in the licence" (s.16(6)). - Grounds for action include "that any undertaking recorded in the licence has not been fulfilled" and a contravention of any condition ([PPVA 1981, s.17](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/14/section/17)). ## How to check an operator's conditions and undertakings The DVSA open data does not include conditions or undertakings. It records the licence type, status, vehicles and trailers authorised and operating centres. Use these routes instead: 1. **Your own licence.** The licence document lists your conditions and undertakings. 2. **Applications and Decisions.** The weekly bulletin for each traffic area prints undertakings recorded on new grants and variations, and after public inquiries. Our [Applications and Decisions guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/applications-and-decisions) explains how to search them. 3. **Ask the operator.** A haulier you use can show you its licence document. The register shows the licence type, which tells you which statutory requirements apply. In the DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, there are 30,701 restricted goods licences, 23,518 standard national and 9,737 standard international. The two section 22 conditions apply to every standard licence. The same file lists 462 goods licences as curtailed and 14 as suspended. You can [run a free operator licence check](https://haulierscope.co.uk/) on any licence number. To hear about a change of status, add the licence to a watchlist on [HaulierScope monitoring](https://haulierscope.co.uk/monitoring) and get a weekly alert when a new DVSA file changes it. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is an undertaking on an operator's licence? An undertaking is a formal promise you give the traffic commissioner to get or keep an operator licence. Standard undertakings cover roadworthiness, safety inspections at stated intervals, defect reporting, records kept for at least 15 months, drivers' hours and not overloading. A traffic commissioner can record extra undertakings on one licence, for example a route from the operating centre or an independent compliance audit. ### Can I appeal an undertaking? No. The Senior Traffic Commissioner's guidance says undertakings offered by an operator or applicant "cannot be appealed against to the Upper Tribunal". Conditions are different: a decision to attach a condition can be appealed to the Upper Tribunal. If an undertaking no longer fits your business, apply to vary or remove it under section 17 of the 1995 Act. ### Is breaking a licence condition a criminal offence? For most goods licence conditions, yes. Breaking a road safety condition under section 21 or an environmental condition under section 23 carries a fine up to level 4 on the standard scale. Breaking a section 22 notification condition carries a fine up to level 5. The traffic commissioner can also curtail, suspend or revoke the licence. ### Where can I find the undertakings on my licence? Your licence document lists the conditions attached and the undertakings relevant to the grant. You can also see your licence details in your Vehicle Operator Licensing self-service account. Undertakings added later, for example after a public inquiry, are published in the Applications and Decisions bulletin for your traffic area. ### Do undertakings stay with an operating centre if I move in? Yes, if you take over the centre under Schedule 4 of the 1995 Act. Conditions on the operating centre transfer with it, and the new operator must repeat any undertakings. GOV.UK says conditions and undertakings "cannot be amended at the time of application". To change them later, apply for a variation. ## Sources - [Goods vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Public service vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Senior Traffic Commissioner Statutory Document Summaries (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries) - [Statutory document 1, Good repute and fitness (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-good-repute-and-fitness-march-2019/statutory-document-1-good-repute-and-fitness-guidance) - [Guide to maintaining roadworthiness (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-maintaining-roadworthiness/guide-to-maintaining-roadworthiness-commercial-goods-and-passenger-carrying-vehicles) - [Goods vehicle applications and decisions for Wales (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/applications-and-decisions-for-wales) - [Apply for a vehicle operator licence (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/apply-vehicle-operator-licence/your-vehicles) - [Being a goods vehicle operator, fees (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/fees-for-goods-vehicle-licences) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, s.13C (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/13C) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, s.17 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/17) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, s.21 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/21) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, s.22 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/22) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, s.23 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/23) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, s.26 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/26) - [Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981, s.16 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/14/section/16) - [Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981, s.17 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/14/section/17) ## Related - [Operator licence curtailed, suspended or revoked: what it means](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked) - [Traffic Commissioner public inquiries: what happens and how to find them](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/traffic-commissioner-public-inquiry) - [Operator licence compliance checklist](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-compliance-checklist) - [Applications and Decisions: how to read the Traffic Commissioner's bulletin](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/applications-and-decisions) - [Continuation dates by month](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) - [Data status](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-undertakings Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Vehicles on an operator licence" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/vehicles-on-an-operator-licence markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/vehicles-on-an-operator-licence.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Vehicles on an operator licence > An operator licence authorises a maximum number of vehicles and trailers. Vehicles you actually use are "specified" by recording their registration on the Vehicle Operator Licensing (VOL) service. The gap between the two is your margin. With a margin, specify a new vehicle within one month. With no margin, do it immediately. Adding or removing vehicles is free. _Published 2 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ This guide covers goods vehicle licences in Great Britain, with short notes on PSV licences. Every rule was checked against GOV.UK and legislation.gov.uk on 2 October 2026. ## Authorised vs specified vehicles Authorised is the ceiling. Specified is the list of actual vehicles. GOV.UK says a licence "authorises the holder to use a maximum number of vehicles and, if applicable, trailers" ([goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). Each specified vehicle gets an identity disc. | Feature | Authorised | Specified | |---|---|---| | What it is | The maximum number of motor vehicles (and trailers) you may use | The individual vehicles recorded on the licence by registration | | Who sets it | The traffic commissioner, on application | You, through VOL | | Change it | Increase = chargeable variation, £257 | Add or remove = free | | Trailers | A maximum number is set | Individual trailers do not have to be specified | | Shown on | The licence document | Vehicle discs and VOL | The law sets the same split. A licence "shall specify a maximum number for motor vehicles" ([Act 1995, s.6](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/6)). Unspecified vehicles in use at any one time may not exceed that maximum "less however many motor vehicles are specified in the licence". Breaking the limits is an offence with a fine up to level 4 on the standard scale. GOV.UK advises applying for enough authority to cover "any extra to cover an increase in business or emergencies such as breakdowns". The transport manager's duties include making sure "there is sufficient contingency within the level of authority". ## What is the operator licence margin? The margin is your spare authority. GOV.UK defines it as "the number of vehicles authorised minus the number of vehicles in possession" ([goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). GOV.UK's example: a licence authorises 10 motor vehicles and 10 trailers. Six vehicles and six trailers are specified. "The margin is therefore four motor vehicles and four trailers." **Worked example (our arithmetic).** A haulier is authorised for 5 lorries and has 5 specified. The margin is 0. A sixth lorry arrives on hire on a Monday. It cannot be added at all, because the licence is full. The haulier must first apply to increase authorisation (a chargeable variation) or remove a vehicle. If the haulier had been authorised for 6, the margin would be 1, and the sixth lorry could be used straight away as long as it is specified within one month. ### How common is a margin? In the DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, 64.3% of goods licences (41,149 licences) have fewer vehicles specified than authorised. Across all goods licences the file records 602,809 vehicles authorised and 377,428 specified. | Goods licence type | Median vehicles authorised (DVSA file, 7 October 2026) | |---|---| | Restricted | 2 | | Standard national | 4 | | Standard international | 5 | | All goods licences | 3 | ## How to add a vehicle to an operator licence Record the vehicle's registration number in your VOL account. GOV.UK says: "If you do not have a margin this must be done immediately. If you do have a margin this must be done within one month of the vehicle coming into your possession" ([goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). The one-month rule is in the Act. An unspecified vehicle stops being authorised after "the period of one month beginning with" the day it was first in your lawful possession, unless you have notified the traffic commissioner ([Act 1995, s.5(6)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/5)). Three more rules apply: - **No fee.** "Adding or removing vehicles does not incur a charge. Discs for added vehicles will also be sent to you." - **Disc first.** Once a vehicle has been specified, "it must not be used until the identity disc is displayed". See our [operator licence disc guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-disc). - **One licence only.** A vehicle specified on one licence cannot also be specified on another while it stays there ([s.5(8)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/5)). Before a newly acquired vehicle goes on the road, the [Guide to maintaining roadworthiness](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-maintaining-roadworthiness/guide-to-maintaining-roadworthiness-commercial-goods-and-passenger-carrying-vehicles) says operators "must conduct a first use inspection", unless there is evidence of a recent inspection such as a pre-rental record from a hire company. ## How to remove a vehicle from an O licence Remove it in your VOL account. It costs nothing. The Senior Traffic Commissioner's list of notification periods says "Removal of vehicle or trailer – notify within 21 days" ([SD1, section 2.4](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-good-repute-and-fitness-march-2019/statutory-document-1-good-repute-and-fitness-guidance)). Late removal has consequences. SD1 warns that "a failure to notify vehicle changes promptly can potentially impact on an operator's fitness where for example hired vehicles are left specified on the licence after being returned". The goods guide says the same about transport managers: not removing hired vehicles promptly "can impact your repute as a transport manager". Keep the records. Safety inspection records must be kept for at least 15 months, and that "includes vehicles that have been removed from the operator licence or have been sold". Our [operator licence compliance checklist](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-compliance-checklist) lists the other record-keeping periods. ## Increasing your authorisation To go above your authorised maximum you need a chargeable variation. Apply online through VOL "at least nine weeks before you need the extra vehicles" ([goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). The fee is £257 ([Fees Regulations 1995, Schedule](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/3000/schedule); [GOV.UK fees](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/fees-for-goods-vehicle-licences)). You cannot use the extra vehicles until the variation is granted, unless you get an interim direction. The interim fee is £68. The application is published in Applications and Decisions and, for HGVs, advertised in a local newspaper. An increase at a particular operating centre is also a chargeable variation; see [operating centre rules](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operating-centre-rules). More vehicles on a standard licence also means more money in the bank. Our [financial standing calculator](https://haulierscope.co.uk/tools/financial-standing-calculator) works out the new figure, and the [financial standing guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/financial-standing) explains the rules. ## Hired vehicles and the "user" rule A hired lorry goes on the hirer's licence. GOV.UK says the licence holder is the "user" of a vehicle if "it is in your lawful possession under an agreement for hire, hire purchase or loan" or "the driver is your employee or agent" ([goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). For a hired vehicle: 1. Specify it within one month if you have a margin, or immediately if you do not. 2. Carry out or obtain a first use inspection before use. 3. Keep copies of inspections done while it is in your possession. The roadworthiness guide says "if you hire, lease or borrow a vehicle you are responsible for its roadworthiness". 4. Download the tachograph vehicle unit "immediately before transferring control of the use of the vehicle to another person (for example, when the vehicle is sold or un-hired)" ([GOV.UK drivers' hours guidance](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/drivers-hours-goods-vehicles/5-responsibilities-of-vehicle-operators)). 5. Remove it from the licence within 21 days of returning it. ## Trailers You need authority for every trailer you tow. "If you tow trailers you must have authority to operate these under your licence whether you own them or not" ([goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). You do not list trailers one by one. SD1 says "there is no requirement to specify individual trailers". The limit is a count: the number of trailers in use "at any one time may not exceed the maximum number specified in the licence" ([Act 1995, s.6(5)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/6)). In the DVSA file dated 7 October 2026, goods licences authorise 423,867 trailers in total. ## Vans on a standard international licence Vans used for international hire or reward count towards your authority. "If you are operating LGVs internationally for hire or reward, these also need to be included within your licence authorisation limits." Vans used only in Great Britain "do not have to be included within your authorisation unless they are part of a vehicle combination over 3.5 tonnes" ([goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). PSV licences work differently. The PSV guide says "you can swap discs from one vehicle to another within the same operator's licence as long as every vehicle carries a disc whenever it is used under the licence" ([PSV guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). ## How to check which vehicles are on a licence The DVSA open data gives counts, not registrations. It records how many vehicles and trailers a licence authorises and how many are specified, but not which ones. HaulierScope uses that data, so we show the counts and do not look up a licence by vehicle registration. To find out whether a particular vehicle is specified: - **Your own licence.** Your vehicle details are held in your VOL account, which GOV.UK says you must keep up to date. - **Another operator.** Ask for the vehicle list, or look at the disc. Each disc shows "the licence type, the licence holder's name and number, the vehicle registration mark and the date the disc expires". - **Counts and status.** [Run a free operator licence check](https://haulierscope.co.uk/) to see vehicles authorised and specified, trailers authorised, status and operating centres. If you depend on a subcontractor's fleet, [HaulierScope monitoring](https://haulierscope.co.uk/monitoring) puts the licence on a watchlist and sends a weekly alert when a new DVSA file changes it, including its authorised and specified numbers. ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I add a vehicle to my operator licence? Log in to your Vehicle Operator Licensing account and record the vehicle's registration number. If you have a margin, do this within one month of the vehicle coming into your possession. If you have no margin, do it immediately, and you cannot exceed your authorised maximum. There is no fee. A disc is sent, and the vehicle must not be used until the disc is displayed. ### How long do I have to remove a vehicle from my O licence? The Senior Traffic Commissioner's statutory guidance lists "Removal of vehicle or trailer – notify within 21 days". Removing a vehicle is free and done through your Vehicle Operator Licensing account. Leaving a returned hire vehicle on the licence can count against your fitness as an operator. Keep its inspection records for at least 15 months after removal. ### Can a hired lorry go on my operator licence? Yes. You are the "user" of a vehicle in your lawful possession under a hire, hire purchase or loan agreement, so it goes on your licence. Specify it within one month if you have a margin, or immediately if not. You are responsible for its roadworthiness while you have it. Remove it once it goes back. ### Do trailers need to be specified on an operator licence? No. The Senior Traffic Commissioner says there is no requirement to specify individual trailers. Your licence sets a maximum number of trailers, and the number in use at any one time must not exceed it. You need authority for trailers you tow whether you own them or not, and they must be inspected at your stated maintenance interval. ### What is the difference between authorised and specified vehicles? Authorised vehicles are the maximum number your licence allows. Specified vehicles are the individual vehicles recorded on the licence by registration, each with a disc. The difference is your margin. Raising the authorised number is a chargeable variation costing £257. Adding or removing specified vehicles within your authority is free. ## Sources - [Goods vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Public service vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Statutory document 1, Good repute and fitness (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-good-repute-and-fitness-march-2019/statutory-document-1-good-repute-and-fitness-guidance) - [Guide to maintaining roadworthiness (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-maintaining-roadworthiness/guide-to-maintaining-roadworthiness-commercial-goods-and-passenger-carrying-vehicles) - [Drivers' hours and tachographs, responsibilities of vehicle operators (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/drivers-hours-goods-vehicles/5-responsibilities-of-vehicle-operators) - [Being a goods vehicle operator, fees (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/fees-for-goods-vehicle-licences) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, s.5 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/5) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, s.6 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/6) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) (Fees) Regulations 1995, Schedule (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/3000/schedule) ## Related - [The operator licence disc](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-disc) - [Operator licence financial standing: how much money you need](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/financial-standing) - [Operating centres: rules, objections and how to find one](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operating-centre-rules) - [Operator licence undertakings and conditions](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-undertakings) - [Continuation dates by month](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) - [Data status](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/vehicles-on-an-operator-licence Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Operator licence compliance checklist" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-compliance-checklist markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-compliance-checklist.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Operator licence compliance checklist > To stay compliant on an operator licence, inspect vehicles at the interval you declared, have drivers do a walkaround check every day, download tachograph cards every 28 days and vehicle units every 90 days, check driving licences regularly, report changes within 28 days and keep maintenance records for 15 months. The checklist below gives every duty with its source. _Published 2 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ This checklist covers goods vehicle licences in Great Britain. Each line comes from GOV.UK, the Senior Traffic Commissioner's statutory documents or legislation.gov.uk, checked on 2 October 2026. It does not replace your own undertakings, which are printed on your licence; see [operator licence undertakings and conditions](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-undertakings). ## The checklist | Area | What to do | How often / time limit | Source | |---|---|---|---| | Maintenance | Driver or responsible person does a walkaround check before use | At least one in every 24-hour period the vehicle is in service | [Guide to maintaining roadworthiness](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-maintaining-roadworthiness/guide-to-maintaining-roadworthiness-commercial-goods-and-passenger-carrying-vehicles) | | Maintenance | Drivers report defects promptly; defects that make a vehicle unroadworthy are fixed before use | Every defect | Guide to maintaining roadworthiness | | Maintenance | Safety inspections at the frequency recorded on VOL, for vehicles and trailers | Normally between 4 to 13 weeks; at least every 6 weeks for vehicles and trailers aged 12 years and older | Guide to maintaining roadworthiness | | Maintenance | Brake performance assessment with each safety inspection | Expected at every safety inspection | Guide to maintaining roadworthiness | | Maintenance | Keep a maintenance planner with inspection, MOT and calibration dates | At least 6 months in advance | Guide to maintaining roadworthiness; [goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) | | Maintenance | First use inspection on newly acquired, hired or borrowed vehicles | Before first use on the road | Guide to maintaining roadworthiness | | Maintenance | Update VOL when inspection or maintenance arrangements change | As soon as possible | Guide to maintaining roadworthiness; SD1 | | Drivers' hours | Download vehicle unit data | At least every 90 calendar days | [GOV.UK drivers' hours guidance](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/drivers-hours-goods-vehicles/5-responsibilities-of-vehicle-operators) | | Drivers' hours | Download driver card data | At least every 28 calendar days | GOV.UK drivers' hours guidance | | Drivers' hours | Check charts, manual records and digital data for compliance | Regularly | GOV.UK drivers' hours guidance | | Drivers' hours | Recalibrate digital and smart tachographs | Every 2 years, and after repairs | GOV.UK drivers' hours guidance | | Drivers | Check drivers' licences | Usually every 3 months | [Goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) | | Drivers | Check vocational drivers hold a valid Driver CPC card | Ongoing | Goods guide | | Transport manager | Continuous and effective management of the transport operation (standard licences) | Ongoing | Goods guide | | Transport manager | Report a change of transport manager | Within 28 days | Goods guide; [SD1](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-good-repute-and-fitness-march-2019/statutory-document-1-good-repute-and-fitness-guidance) | | Finance | Keep financial standing available | For the duration of the licence | Goods guide | | Operating centres | Keep HGVs only at operating centres named on the licence; comply with any conditions | Ongoing | Goods guide | | Vehicles | Specify a new vehicle on VOL | Within one month with a margin; immediately without | Goods guide | | Vehicles | Remove a vehicle or trailer no longer used | Within 21 days | SD1 | | Vehicles | Display a current disc in every specified vehicle | Before use | Goods guide | | Notifications | Report relevant changes: legal entity, convictions, addresses, operating centre address | Within 28 days | Goods guide | | Notifications | Report liquidation, administration, receivership or CVA | Before the order or appointment is made | SD1 | | Licence | Continue the licence and review VOL users | Every 5 years | Goods guide; SD1 | [Download the checklist (PDF)](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-compliance-checklist.pdf) ## Maintenance and inspections Your inspection interval is the one you declared on the Vehicle Operator Licensing (VOL) service. Operators "must ensure that safety inspections are carried out at the stated frequency as it is recorded on the vehicle operator licensing service (VOL)" ([Guide to maintaining roadworthiness](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-maintaining-roadworthiness/guide-to-maintaining-roadworthiness-commercial-goods-and-passenger-carrying-vehicles)). The guide sets these points: - Inspection frequency "would normally range between 4 to 13 weeks", depending on age, mileage, load and terrain. - Vehicles and trailers aged 12 years and older have "a minimum safety inspection frequency of 6 weeks". - Plan inspections by ISO week. A 6-weekly vehicle first inspected in ISO week 10 is due in weeks 16, 22, 28 and so on. - Inspection records must be "fully completed, and the vehicle declared roadworthy before it returns to service". - A vehicle off the road (VOR) must be recorded in the maintenance file "stating the date and reason". - If you contract out inspections, keep a formal written contract on file. You remain responsible for the vehicle's condition. ## Drivers' hours and tachographs Download, analyse and keep. The [GOV.UK drivers' hours guidance](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/drivers-hours-goods-vehicles/5-responsibilities-of-vehicle-operators) sets the download limits at 90 days for the vehicle unit and 28 days for driver cards. It adds extra triggers: download the vehicle unit before a vehicle is sold or un-hired, and download a driver card before the driver leaves. You must also train drivers on the rules, schedule work so the rules can be met, and not pay drivers by distance or load "if that would encourage breaches of the rules". Analogue tachographs must be inspected every 2 years and recalibrated every 6 years. ## Driver licence checks Check each driver's licence about every three months. The goods guide lists, among the transport manager's duties, making sure "regular checks are carried out on the drivers' licences (usually every 3 months)" ([goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). GOV.UK's [Check someone's driving licence information](https://www.gov.uk/check-driving-information) service needs the last 8 characters of the driving licence number and a check code from the driver. "You must use the code within 21 days", and each code works once. ## Transport manager and financial standing A standard licence needs a transport manager with continuous and effective responsibility. GOV.UK expects them to keep their skills up to date. The Senior Traffic Commissioner says that where a transport manager has not been specified on a licence for 5 years and/or the CPC is more than 10 years old, "evidence of continuous professional development (CPD) should be provided" ([STC summaries](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries)). See our [transport manager CPC guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/transport-manager-cpc). Financial standing is not a one-off test. GOV.UK says it is "resources that must be available for the duration of the licence". Every standard licence carries a condition to report any event that could affect financial standing, repute, establishment or professional competence "within 28 days of the event" ([Act 1995, s.22(2)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/22)). The [financial standing guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/financial-standing) sets out the amounts. ## Notifications and time limits Most changes must be reported within 28 days. The Senior Traffic Commissioner's list in [SD1, section 2.4](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-good-repute-and-fitness-march-2019/statutory-document-1-good-repute-and-fitness-guidance) gives these periods: | Change | Notify | |---|---| | Conviction of operator or employee | Within 28 days | | Bankruptcy of operator, partner or director | Within 28 days | | Liquidation, administration, receivership or CVA | Before the order or appointment is made | | Change in name or legal form | Within 28 days | | Change of director | As soon as possible | | Change of transport manager | Within 28 days | | Change of maintenance contractor or arrangements | As soon as possible | | Change in address of establishment | Within 28 days | | Removal of vehicle or trailer | Within 21 days | | Addition of vehicle or trailer | Within 1 month if within the margin; otherwise an application is needed | | Change of licence type or operating centre | Application needed; no authority until grant | For adding and removing vehicles in detail, see [vehicles on an operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/vehicles-on-an-operator-licence). ## Record keeping periods | Record | Keep for | Source | |---|---|---| | Driver defect reports | At least 15 months | Guide to maintaining roadworthiness | | Safety inspection and repair records, including vehicles sold or removed | At least 15 months | Guide to maintaining roadworthiness | | Brake test risk assessments | 15 months | Guide to maintaining roadworthiness | | Drivers' hours records | At least 12 months | [Goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide); [GOV.UK drivers' hours](https://www.gov.uk/drivers-hours/rules-for-employers) | | Certificate of undownloadability | At least 12 months | GOV.UK drivers' hours guidance | | Working time records | 2 years after the period in question | [Working time rules](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/drivers-hours-goods-vehicles/annex-2-working-time-rules) | GOV.UK's pages phrase two of these differently but agree. The goods guide says "at least 12 months" for drivers' hours records and "at least 24 months" for working time records. The drivers' hours page says "at least one year", and the working time annex says "two years". ## Running an O licence compliance audit An independent audit tests whether the checklist is working. GOV.UK's [Operator Compliance Audits](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/operator-compliance-audits/operator-compliance-audits) guidance says audits "should be conducted by people or organisations who are independent of the operator", and "payment cannot be linked to the successful outcome of an audit". A traffic commissioner "may accept undertakings from operators as a way to demonstrate a commitment to future compliance", and an audit undertaking is a common example. The guidance sets minimum samples: | Vehicles in possession | Vehicle records | Driver records | |---|---|---| | 1-3 | All | All | | 4-20 | 3 | 4 | | 21-49 | 4 | 5 | | 50+ | 10% | 10% | Maintenance records should cover "no less than four scheduled Preventive Maintenance Inspections (PMIs)", and driver records "not less than the previous three months". The framework also checks that VOL details are current and that "conditions and/or undertakings are complied with". It asks whether the operator uses its Operator Compliance Risk Score reports; see our [OCRS guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/ocrs-score). OCRS scores are not in the DVSA open data. ## Watch your own licence [Run a free operator licence check](https://haulierscope.co.uk/) to see what the DVSA file shows for your licence: status, vehicles and trailers authorised and specified, operating centres and continuation date. To catch changes without checking by hand, [HaulierScope monitoring](https://haulierscope.co.uk/monitoring) watches your licence and sends an alert when a new DVSA file changes it. ## Frequently asked questions ### What are the 6-weekly HGV inspections? They are safety inspections carried out every six weeks. GOV.UK's Guide to maintaining roadworthiness says inspection frequency normally ranges from 4 to 13 weeks, and sets a minimum frequency of 6 weeks for vehicles and trailers aged 12 years and older. Your interval is the one recorded on the Vehicle Operator Licensing service, and inspections must happen within it, planned by ISO week. ### Who is responsible for the roadworthiness of a vehicle? The operator. GOV.UK says the "user" of a vehicle is responsible for its roadworthiness, meaning the driver and the person paying the driver. Operators stay responsible for vehicles and trailers inspected or maintained for them by contractors or hire companies. Drivers must do a walkaround check before use and report defects promptly. ### What is the recommended maintenance schedule for a lorry? There is no single schedule. GOV.UK says the safety inspection interval should reflect the vehicle's age, the manufacturer's recommendations, the load, the type of work, the terrain and mileage, and would normally fall between 4 and 13 weeks. Vehicles 12 years and older need inspecting at least every 6 weeks. Plan inspections at least 6 months ahead. ### How long must I keep tachograph records? Keep drivers' hours records for at least 12 months and be able to show them to enforcement officers. Working time records must be kept for 2 years after the period they cover. Download driver cards at least every 28 days and vehicle units at least every 90 days, so no data is overwritten before you save it. ### What is an operator compliance audit? It is an independent review of your maintenance, drivers' hours and licensing systems. GOV.UK's Operator Compliance Audits guidance sets the framework, minimum sample sizes and an auditor's declaration. The auditor must be independent and cannot be paid on the result. A traffic commissioner may accept an audit undertaking as a commitment to future compliance, for example after a public inquiry. ## Sources - [Goods vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Guide to maintaining roadworthiness (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-maintaining-roadworthiness/guide-to-maintaining-roadworthiness-commercial-goods-and-passenger-carrying-vehicles) - [Drivers' hours and tachographs, responsibilities of vehicle operators (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/drivers-hours-goods-vehicles/5-responsibilities-of-vehicle-operators) - [Drivers' hours and tachographs, working time rules (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/drivers-hours-goods-vehicles/annex-2-working-time-rules) - [Drivers' hours, rules for employers (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/drivers-hours/rules-for-employers) - [Check someone's driving licence information (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/check-driving-information) - [Statutory document 1, Good repute and fitness (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-good-repute-and-fitness-march-2019/statutory-document-1-good-repute-and-fitness-guidance) - [Senior Traffic Commissioner Statutory Document Summaries (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries) - [Operator Compliance Audits (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/operator-compliance-audits/operator-compliance-audits) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, s.22 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/22) ## Related - [Operator licence undertakings and conditions](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-undertakings) - [Transport manager CPC: what it is and who needs one](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/transport-manager-cpc) - [OCRS score explained: what it means and who can see it](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/ocrs-score) - [Vehicles on an operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/vehicles-on-an-operator-licence) - [Continuation dates by month](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) - [Data status](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-compliance-checklist Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Traffic areas for operator licences" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/traffic-areas markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/traffic-areas.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Traffic areas for operator licences > Great Britain is split into eight traffic areas for operator licensing. Each area has a traffic commissioner responsible for it. Your traffic area depends on where your operating centre is, not where your head office is. You need a separate licence for each area where you have an operating centre, and the area shows in your licence number. _Published 2 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ This guide covers Great Britain. Northern Ireland licenses operators separately. ## How many traffic areas are there? There are eight. GOV.UK says "There are 8 traffic areas in Great Britain with a traffic commissioner responsible for each area" ([Being a goods vehicle operator](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/apply-for-a-licence)). The detailed guide adds that a traffic commissioner is "deployed by the Senior Traffic Commissioner to be responsible for a specific traffic area" ([GOV.UK goods licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). Goods (HGV) and PSV (bus and coach) licences use the same eight areas. The official names come from Annex 2 of that guide. HaulierScope groups licences into eight area hubs that follow the eight regional files DVSA publishes, so our hub names are the everyday region names. The table maps one to the other. ## Which traffic area am I in? Find the county or district of your operating centre in the table below. The list comes from Annex 2 of the GOV.UK guide, which says it "acts as a guide only". When you apply, "the correct traffic area will be automatically allocated", and the Office of the Traffic Commissioner can advise if you are unsure. | Official traffic area | HaulierScope hub | Covers (GOV.UK Annex 2) | Number letter | Office (GOV.UK) | |---|---|---|---|---| | North Eastern | North East of England | South Yorkshire, Tyne and Wear and West Yorkshire boroughs; Durham, East Riding of Yorkshire, Northumberland, North Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire; North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire | B | Leeds | | North Western | North West of England | Greater Manchester and Merseyside boroughs; Cheshire, Cumbria, Derbyshire, Lancashire | C | Golborne, Warrington | | West Midland | West Midlands | West Midlands boroughs; Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire | D | Birmingham | | Eastern | East of England | Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire (except the two northern districts), Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Rutland, Suffolk | F | Cambridge | | Welsh (Ardal Traffig Cymru) | Wales | Wales | G | Pontypridd | | Western | West of England | Berkshire, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Wiltshire; Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire | H | Bristol | | South Eastern and Metropolitan | London and the South East of England | Greater London, Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex | K | Eastbourne | | Scottish | Scotland | Scotland | M | Edinburgh | Office towns are from the GOV.UK [traffic commissioners access and opening page](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/traffic-commissioners/about/access-and-opening). The same page says "All licence applications are processed in Leeds", so you apply online and the central team handles the paperwork whatever your area. Each area hub page, such as [East of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/east-of-england), has an interactive map of Great Britain with the eight areas marked. ### Boundaries that surprise people The areas do not always match everyday regions: - **Nottinghamshire** is in North Eastern, not the Midlands. - **Derbyshire** is in North Western. - **Leicestershire** is in Eastern. - **Berkshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire** are in Western, not the South East. A depot in Reading or Southampton is a Western licence. - **North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire** are in North Eastern, while the rest of Lincolnshire is in Eastern. ## Do I need a licence for each traffic area? Yes, if you have an operating centre in more than one area. GOV.UK says "You'll need to hold a goods vehicle operator's licence for each traffic area where you have an operating centre". The law also works the other way: a person "shall not at any time hold more than one such licence in respect of the same area" ([Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, s.8](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/8)). So one company has at most one goods licence per area, and that licence can list several operating centres inside the area. If you move your operating centre to a different area, you cannot just change the address. The GOV.UK guide says you "will need to apply for a new licence in that traffic area". Read our [operating centre rules](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operating-centre-rules) for what makes a site suitable. ### Worked example (our own illustration) A haulier has yards in Doncaster, Derby and Leicester. Using the Annex 2 list: | Yard | County | Traffic area | Licence number starts | |---|---|---|---| | Doncaster | South Yorkshire | North Eastern | OB | | Derby | Derbyshire | North Western | OC | | Leicester | Leicestershire | Eastern | OF | Three yards in three areas means three goods licences, each with its own number, vehicle authority and continuation date. When you vet a national haulier, check the licence for the depot that will run your work. Our guide on [how to check a haulier](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-check-a-haulier) explains what to read on each one. ## The traffic area letter in a licence number The second letter of a licence number shows the area. An OF number is a goods licence from Eastern; a PK number is a PSV licence from South Eastern and Metropolitan. GOV.UK does not publish this letter key. It is our reading of the official DVSA data, in which each regional file holds one goods prefix and one PSV prefix ([data.gov.uk dataset](https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records)). The full prefix table, with goods and PSV counts per prefix, is in our [operator licence number guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-number). ## Licences in each traffic area These are the counts in the DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026. Each row links to its area hub. | Traffic area | Licence prefix (goods / PSV) | Goods licences | PSV licences | Total | Browse | |---|---|---:|---:|---:|---| | North Eastern | OB / PB | 9,571 | 729 | 10,300 | [North Eastern operators](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/north-east-of-england) | | North Western | OC / PC | 8,594 | 802 | 9,396 | [North Western operators](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/north-west-of-england) | | West Midland | OD / PD | 7,621 | 472 | 8,093 | [West Midland operators](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/west-midlands) | | Eastern | OF / PF | 12,426 | 714 | 13,140 | [Eastern operators](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/east-of-england) | | Welsh | OG / PG | 4,269 | 458 | 4,727 | [Welsh operators](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/wales) | | Western | OH / PH | 9,234 | 593 | 9,827 | [Western operators](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/west-of-england) | | South Eastern and Metropolitan | OK / PK | 7,187 | 727 | 7,914 | [South Eastern and Metropolitan operators](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/london-and-the-south-east-of-england) | | Scottish | OM / PM | 5,054 | 578 | 5,632 | [Scottish operators](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/scotland) | The largest area is Eastern with 13,140 licences. The smallest is Welsh with 4,727. Across Great Britain there are 69,029 licences: 63,956 goods and 5,073 PSV. Our figures update when DVSA publishes a new file. ## Where traffic commissioner hearings are held Public inquiries are "usually held in person, similar to a court or other tribunal", and some are held remotely ([GOV.UK guide to hearings](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-guide-to-public-inquiries/a-guide-to-public-inquiries)). The letter calling an operator to an inquiry says whether the hearing is in person or virtual. Each weekly Applications and Decisions bulletin lists upcoming inquiries with the venue. The bulletins published in late September 2026 listed hearing rooms at the traffic commissioner offices in Leeds, Cambridge, Birmingham, Bristol, Eastbourne, Edinburgh, Pontypridd and Golborne (Warrington). A few cases were listed at other places, such as council offices in Caernarfon, or by video. A case is not always heard in its own area: the [East of England bulletin](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/applications-and-decisions-for-the-east-of-england) No. 5607 of 30 September 2026 listed an Eastern (OF) licence for a hearing in Eastbourne. To follow inquiries for every area in one place, see our [public inquiries page](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries) and our guide to the [traffic commissioner public inquiry](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/traffic-commissioner-public-inquiry). For the weekly bulletins themselves, read [Applications and Decisions explained](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/applications-and-decisions). ## Watch the hauliers in your area You can [run a free operator licence check](https://haulierscope.co.uk/) on any haulier and see its traffic area, operating centres and status. If you rely on several hauliers across different areas, [HaulierScope monitoring](https://haulierscope.co.uk/monitoring) puts them on one watchlist and sends weekly change alerts when DVSA publishes a new file. ## Frequently asked questions ### Which traffic area am I in? Your traffic area is set by where your operating centre is, not your registered office. Use Annex 2 of the GOV.UK goods vehicle operator licensing guide, which lists the counties and districts in each of the eight areas. It "acts as a guide only": when you apply online, the correct area is allocated automatically. Watch the odd boundaries, such as Nottinghamshire in North Eastern and Berkshire in Western. ### How many traffic areas are there in Great Britain? There are eight: North Eastern, North Western, West Midland, Eastern, Welsh, Western, South Eastern and Metropolitan, and Scottish. GOV.UK says each has a traffic commissioner responsible for it. Goods and PSV licences use the same eight areas. Northern Ireland is not part of the scheme and licenses its operators separately. ### Can one company hold two licences in the same traffic area? No. Section 8 of the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995 says a person may hold separate goods licences for different areas but not more than one for the same area. A company with several depots in one area lists them all as operating centres on one licence. It needs a second licence only when it opens an operating centre in another area. ### Where is the traffic area office? GOV.UK lists an Office of the Traffic Commissioner for each area: Leeds (North Eastern), Golborne near Warrington (North Western), Birmingham (West Midland), Cambridge (Eastern), Pontypridd (Wales), Bristol (Western), Eastbourne (South Eastern and Metropolitan) and Edinburgh (Scotland). All licence applications are processed centrally in Leeds, and most correspondence now goes through the online Vehicle Operator Licensing service. ## Sources - [Goods vehicle operator licensing guide, Annex 2 (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Being a goods vehicle operator (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/apply-for-a-licence) - [Traffic commissioners access and opening (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/traffic-commissioners/about/access-and-opening) - [A guide to traffic commissioner hearings (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-guide-to-public-inquiries/a-guide-to-public-inquiries) - [Applications and Decisions for the East of England (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/applications-and-decisions-for-the-east-of-england) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, s.8 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/8) - [Traffic Commissioners operator licence records (data.gov.uk)](https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records) ## Related - [Operator licence numbers: format and how to look one up](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-number) - [Operating centres: rules, objections and how to find one](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operating-centre-rules) - [Traffic Commissioner public inquiries: what happens and how to find them](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/traffic-commissioner-public-inquiry) - [Applications and Decisions: how to read the Traffic Commissioner's bulletin](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/applications-and-decisions) - [Continuation dates by month](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) - [Data status](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/traffic-areas Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "The operator licence disc" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-disc markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-disc.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # The operator licence disc > An operator licence disc is the identity disc the traffic commissioner issues for each vehicle specified on an operator licence. On a lorry it goes on the near side of the windscreen, near the lower edge. A specified goods vehicle must not be used until its disc is displayed. Lost or stolen discs must be reported in writing straight away. _Published 2 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ This guide covers Great Britain. Northern Ireland licenses operators separately. ## What the disc shows The GOV.UK guide says each goods disc shows "the licence type, the licence holder's name and number, the vehicle registration mark and the date the disc expires" ([GOV.UK goods licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). The law adds that the disc must "clearly indicate (by colour or other means)" whether the vehicle runs under a restricted, standard national or standard international licence, and whether it runs under an interim licence ([Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Regulations 1995, reg. 23](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/2869/regulation/23)). A PSV disc is different. It shows "the licence type, the licence holder's name and number, the disc serial number and the date the disc expires" ([GOV.UK PSV licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). It does not name a registration. | Feature | Goods vehicle (HGV) disc | PSV (bus and coach) disc | |---|---|---| | Issued for | Each specified vehicle | Each authorised vehicle, if you ask for discs | | Shows | Licence type, holder's name, licence number, registration mark, expiry date | Licence type, holder's name, licence number, disc serial number, expiry date | | Where it goes | Near side, near the lower edge of the windscreen, front facing forwards | Where it can easily be read from outside without blocking the driver's view | | Swap between vehicles? | No, each disc names one registration | As a rule, yes, within the same licence | | Faded or damaged | Reprint online | Reprint online and return the old disc | ## Do you have to display an operator's license? You must display the identity disc, not the licence document. GOV.UK says that once a goods vehicle is specified "it must not be used until the identity disc is displayed". The disc goes "on the near side and near the lower edge of the windscreen with the front side facing forwards". A vehicle without a front windscreen shows it "in a conspicuous position on the front or near side". The regulation goes further. The disc must stay on the vehicle, legible and "in a waterproof container", for as long as the vehicle is specified, "whether or not for the time being the vehicle is being used" (reg. 23). Only a traffic commissioner, or someone acting for one, may alter a disc. ## When the disc expires Under reg. 23, a goods disc expires "at the end of the last day of the month in which the continuation fee for a licence falls due". So the expiry date on the disc tracks the licence's five-year continuation. Our guide to [operator licence continuation](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-continuation) explains the continuation cycle. Each HaulierScope licence page shows the continuation date from the DVSA data. ## Lost, stolen or damaged discs For a lost or stolen disc, GOV.UK says "the traffic commissioner must be informed immediately in writing so that a replacement can be issued". The replacement is a marked copy that "shall have effect as the original". If the lost disc turns up, return the original ([reg. 27](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/2869/regulation/27)). For a faded or damaged disc, log in to your Vehicle Operator Licensing self-service account and choose "reprint vehicle disc". ### Is there a fee for a replacement disc? GOV.UK's guide mentions no fee. The goods fee schedule lists four fees (application, issue, continuation and interim licence) and none is for a disc ([Fees Regulations 1995, Schedule](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/3000/schedule)). For PSV licences, disc fees ended from 1 April 2010 and the replacement disc fee was "abolished altogether" ([2010 Regulations, explanatory note](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/457/made)). ## Moving or removing a vehicle A goods disc names one registration, so it cannot move to another lorry. The traffic commissioner sends a disc for each vehicle you add, and adding or removing vehicles is free. See [vehicles on an operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/vehicles-on-an-operator-licence) for the time limits. When you stop using a specified goods vehicle, you must notify a traffic commissioner and return its disc "within 21 days" ([reg. 28](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/2869/regulation/28)). If a licence is revoked, suspended, curtailed or surrendered, the traffic commissioner can require the licence and discs back by a set date. PSV discs work differently. GOV.UK says "you can swap discs from one vehicle to another within the same operator's licence as long as every vehicle carries a disc whenever it is used under the licence". ## What the disc tells you about a haulier For anyone hiring hauliers, the disc is the quickest check at the gate. Read the licence number from it and [run a free operator licence check](https://haulierscope.co.uk/) to confirm the licence is valid. Our guide on [how to check a haulier](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-check-a-haulier) covers the rest, and the [operator licence number guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-number) explains the letters. The public register counts vehicles, not registrations. Each specified vehicle has a disc. In the DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, goods licences had 377,428 vehicles specified against 602,809 authorised. So match a lorry to a licence by comparing the name and number on the disc with the register. For hauliers you use often, [HaulierScope monitoring](https://haulierscope.co.uk/monitoring) keeps them on a watchlist with weekly change alerts. The traffic commissioners' 2025-26 annual report questions "the requirement for operator discs", "noting the successful removal of tax discs from vehicles in 2014" ([TC Annual Report 2025-2026](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-annual-report-2025-to-2026/traffic-commissioners-for-great-britain-annual-report-2025-2026)). The display rule has not changed. ## Frequently asked questions ### Do you have to display an operator's license? You must display the identity disc, not the licence document. A specified goods vehicle "must not be used until the identity disc is displayed" on the near side of the windscreen, near the lower edge. The regulations also require it to stay in a waterproof holder while the vehicle is specified. PSV discs must be readable from outside the vehicle. The licence document itself stays at your business. ### Can you drive an HGV without an operator licence disc? Not on a vehicle that is specified on a goods licence. GOV.UK says a specified vehicle must not be used until its identity disc is displayed. If the disc is lost or stolen, tell the traffic commissioner in writing straight away so a replacement can be issued. Some vehicles are exempt from operator licensing altogether, and those need no disc. ### What should I do if my operator licence disc is lost or stolen? Write to the traffic commissioner at once. For a PSV disc, give the serial number from the back. The traffic commissioner issues a marked copy that has the same effect as the original. If the original turns up later, send it back. A faded or damaged disc can be reprinted from your Vehicle Operator Licensing self-service account. ### Can I move an operator licence disc to another vehicle? Not on a goods licence. Each goods disc carries one vehicle registration, so a new vehicle needs its own disc, which the traffic commissioner sends when you specify it. On a PSV licence you can, as a rule, swap discs between vehicles on the same licence, as long as every vehicle in use carries a disc. ### What do I do with the disc when I sell a lorry? Return it. Under regulation 28, when you stop using a vehicle specified on your goods licence, you must notify a traffic commissioner within 21 days and return the disc for that vehicle. Remove the vehicle from your licence at the same time, so the register shows the right number of specified vehicles. ## Sources - [Goods vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Public service vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Regulations 1995, reg. 23 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/2869/regulation/23) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Regulations 1995, reg. 27 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/2869/regulation/27) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Regulations 1995, reg. 28 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/2869/regulation/28) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) (Fees) Regulations 1995, Schedule (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/3000/schedule) - [PSV (Operators' Licences) (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/457/made) - [Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain Annual Report 2025-2026 (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-annual-report-2025-to-2026/traffic-commissioners-for-great-britain-annual-report-2025-2026) ## Related - [Operator licence numbers: format and how to look one up](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-number) - [Vehicles on an operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/vehicles-on-an-operator-licence) - [How to check a haulier's operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-check-a-haulier) - [Operator licence continuation: fee, date and what happens if you miss it](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-continuation) - [Continuation dates by month](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) - [Data status](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-disc Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Objecting to an operator licence application" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/object-to-an-operator-licence-application markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/object-to-an-operator-licence-application.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Objecting to an operator licence application > There are two ways to oppose a goods vehicle operator licence application. Statutory objectors, such as the police, councils and some trade bodies, can object within 21 days of the application appearing in Applications and Decisions. Owners or occupiers of land near the operating centre can make a representation, on environmental grounds only, within 21 days of the newspaper advert. _Published 2 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ This guide covers Great Britain. Northern Ireland licenses operators separately. ## Objections and representations compared The law treats the two routes differently ([Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, s.12](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/12)). The table sets out the rules for goods vehicle (HGV) licences. | Feature | Statutory objection | Representation | |---|---|---| | Who | Chief officer of police, local authority (not a parish council), planning authority, prescribed trade unions and associations | Owners or occupiers of land in the vicinity of the proposed operating centre | | Grounds | Any licensing requirement (repute, fitness, finance, professional competence, maintenance) and the operating centre's suitability, including environmental grounds | Environmental only, and only if the effects could prejudicially affect "use or enjoyment" of your land | | Deadline | No later than 21 days after the notice in Applications and Decisions | Within 21 days of the date the advert appeared in the newspaper | | Form | In writing, signed by an authorised signatory | In writing to the address in the advert, signed | | Copy to applicant | Same day or next working day | Same day or next working day | | Appeal if the licence is granted | Yes, to the Upper Tribunal | No; judicial review in the High Court only | Sources: the Act, [regs. 10 to 12](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/2869/regulation/12) of the 1995 Regulations, and the Office of the Traffic Commissioner's [guide to representations, objections and complaints](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-guide-to-making-representations-objections-and-complaints-goods-vehicle-operator-licensing/office-of-the-traffic-commissioner-a-guide-to-making-representations-objections-and-complaints). ## Who can object? Only bodies named in law can make a formal objection. The guide lists a chief officer of police, a local authority "(but not a Parish Council)", a planning authority, and named trade bodies: the British Association of Removers, Logistics UK, GMB, the RMT, the Road Haulage Association, Unite, USDAW, the United Road Transport Union and other prescribed trade unions. They can object if the applicant may not meet a licence requirement, such as good repute, financial standing or professional competence. They can also object that the operating centre is unsuitable, on environmental grounds or because of its size, its access to the road or its parking. ## Can neighbours object? Yes, through a representation. GOV.UK says owners and residents of nearby land can object when an operator wants to add or change an operating centre, but "representations must be about environmental issues, such as concern over noise", and only if they will affect the "use or enjoyment" of the land ([GOV.UK: objecting to a licence](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner/objecting-to-a-licence)). The traffic commissioner looks at noise, visual intrusion, vibration and fumes from the applicant's own vehicles at or near the site. Traffic on public roads and road safety on the network do not count; those are for the highway authority. Parish councils, residents' associations and action groups cannot make representations unless they own or occupy affected land. They can ask a statutory objector, such as the local council, to object instead. ## PSV applications Bus and coach licences have narrower rules: "No one apart from the local authorities and the police has any right of objection" ([GOV.UK PSV licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). Objections must reach the traffic commissioner "no later than 21 days after the application is published in Notices and Proceedings", with a copy sent to the applicant. PSV operating centres are not advertised, and the Senior Traffic Commissioner's guidance says they "cannot be objected to on environmental grounds" ([STC statutory document summaries](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries)). ## How to find the deadline Start with the weekly Applications and Decisions bulletin for the traffic area where the operating centre is. Its front page gives the objection deadline, 21 days after publication. For example, the [East of England bulletin](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/applications-and-decisions-for-the-east-of-england) No. 5607 was published on 30 September 2026 with an objection deadline of 21 October 2026. New applications are in Section 1. Our guide to [Applications and Decisions](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/applications-and-decisions) explains each section, and you can browse the [latest Applications and Decisions by area](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions). Neighbours count from a different date. A representation runs from the day the advert appeared in the local newspaper. GOV.UK says the advert must appear "within the period of 21 days before to 21 days after an application is submitted", so the two clocks can differ by weeks. Find the advert and count 21 days from it. ### Worked example (our own arithmetic, illustrative dates) | Event | Date | Deadline it sets | |---|---|---| | Applicant's advert appears in the local paper | 2 September 2026 | Representations: 22 September 2026 (21 days beginning with the advert date) | | Application published in Applications and Decisions | 30 September 2026 | Objections: 21 October 2026 (21 days after publication) | A neighbour who waits for the bulletin would miss the window here. ## What to put in an objection or representation The guide sets out what makes one "duly made". Unless there are exceptional circumstances, the traffic commissioner will not accept one that misses any of these. **Representations** - In writing to the address shown in the advert, with the grounds clearly stated. - Within 21 days of the date the advert appeared. - Signed by you, by someone your group has authorised, or by your solicitor. - Copied to the applicant on the same day or the next working day. The guide suggests adding a sketch map showing the distance from your property to the site. It says a petition "might therefore have limited value", because it is hard to tell whether every signatory lives nearby. **Objections** - In writing to the traffic commissioner, quoting the legislation where possible. - Signed by an authorised signatory. - Received no later than 21 days after the notice in Applications and Decisions. - Copied to the applicant on the same day or the next working day. - Stating specific grounds with enough detail that "the applicant knows the case he/she has to answer". Model templates for both are attached to the [GOV.UK guide](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-guide-to-making-representations-objections-and-complaints-goods-vehicle-operator-licensing) as Annex 3 (representations) and Annex 4 (objections). ### Where to send it Send a representation to the address in the newspaper advert. For objections, the current bulletins name the Office of the Traffic Commissioner for the area as the correspondence address. They also recommend sending objections to Environmental@otc.gov.uk "clearly stating 'Objection' in the subject line". ## What happens next The Office of the Traffic Commissioner acknowledges valid representations and objections. It usually asks the applicant to respond and encourages both sides to settle differences directly. The traffic commissioner may ask a DVSA traffic examiner to visit and report on the site. The traffic commissioner then decides on the papers or calls a public inquiry. Anyone who made a valid objection or representation is told the date, time and venue and invited to attend. See our guide to the [traffic commissioner public inquiry](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/traffic-commissioner-public-inquiry) for how a hearing runs. The outcome can be a grant as applied for, a grant with conditions or undertakings on the operating centre, a grant for fewer vehicles or trailers, or a refusal. Environmental conditions can limit the number and size of vehicles kept at the site, parking arrangements, hours of use and how vehicles enter and leave. Our [operating centre rules](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operating-centre-rules) guide explains what makes a site suitable. If a licence is granted, a statutory objector can appeal to the Upper Tribunal. Representors cannot. The GOV.UK guide says that if someone else appeals, representors have 14 days from being told to ask to be made a party. A site already in use can still be challenged. Anyone can make a complaint about an existing operating centre at any time, and the traffic commissioner can review operating centres at five-yearly intervals. ## Track applications near you [Run a free operator licence check](https://haulierscope.co.uk/) on any applicant to see whether it already holds a licence and where its operating centres are. To keep track of particular operators, [HaulierScope monitoring](https://haulierscope.co.uk/monitoring) adds them to a watchlist and sends weekly change alerts when DVSA publishes a new file. ## Frequently asked questions ### Who can object to an operator licence application? For goods vehicle licences, only statutory objectors can make a formal objection: a chief officer of police, a local authority, a planning authority, and prescribed trade unions and associations such as the Road Haulage Association and Logistics UK. Parish councils cannot. Owners or occupiers of nearby land can instead make a representation, on environmental grounds only. For PSV licences, only the police and listed local authorities can object. ### Can a neighbour object to an HGV operating centre? Yes. If you own or occupy land near the proposed operating centre, you can make a representation on environmental grounds such as noise, vibration, fumes or visual intrusion. It must affect your use or enjoyment of your land. Send it in writing, signed, to the address in the newspaper advert within 21 days of the advert, and copy it to the applicant on the same day or the next working day. ### How long do I have to object to an operator licence application? Statutory objectors have until 21 days after the application is published in Applications and Decisions; the bulletin's front page prints the exact objection deadline date. Neighbours making a representation have 21 days from the date the applicant's advert appeared in the local newspaper. The two dates can differ, so check the advert as well as the bulletin. ### Can I appeal if the traffic commissioner grants the licence? Only if you are a statutory objector who objected. You can then appeal to the Upper Tribunal. A representor has no right of appeal to the tribunal. GOV.UK says the only course open to local representors is to seek judicial review. If the operator or an objector appeals, representors are told and have 14 days to ask to join the appeal. ## Sources - [Traffic commissioner public inquiries, Objecting to a licence (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner/objecting-to-a-licence) - [Guide to making representations, objections and complaints (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-guide-to-making-representations-objections-and-complaints-goods-vehicle-operator-licensing/office-of-the-traffic-commissioner-a-guide-to-making-representations-objections-and-complaints) - [Goods vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Public service vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Senior Traffic Commissioner Statutory Document Summaries (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries) - [Applications and Decisions for the East of England (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/applications-and-decisions-for-the-east-of-england) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, s.12 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/12) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Regulations 1995, regs. 10-12 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/2869/regulation/12) ## Related - [Applications and Decisions: how to read the Traffic Commissioner's bulletin](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/applications-and-decisions) - [Operating centres: rules, objections and how to find one](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operating-centre-rules) - [Traffic Commissioner public inquiries: what happens and how to find them](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/traffic-commissioner-public-inquiry) - [How to get an operator licence: steps, documents and timescales](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-get-an-operator-licence) - [Continuation dates by month](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) - [Data status](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/object-to-an-operator-licence-application Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Section 19 and section 22 permits for minibuses and community buses" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/section-19-permit markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/section-19-permit.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Section 19 and section 22 permits for minibuses and community buses > A section 19 or section 22 permit lets a not-for-profit organisation charge passengers without holding a PSV operator licence. Section 19 permits cover minibuses and buses that carry members or the people a group exists to help, never the general public. Section 22 permits cover community bus services open to the public. Traffic commissioners issue both. _Published 2 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ This guide covers Great Britain. The rules come from the [Transport Act 1985](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1985/67/section/19) and GOV.UK's guidance on [section 19 and 22 permits](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/section-19-and-22-permits-not-for-profit-passenger-transport/section-19-and-22-permits-not-for-profit-passenger-transport), checked on 2 October 2026. ## What the permits are Normally, an organisation that takes any payment for carrying passengers needs a PSV operator licence or a private hire vehicle licence. Section 18 of the 1985 Act makes an exception for an "exempt body" using a vehicle under a permit ([s.18](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1985/67/section/18)). GOV.UK says the permits "allow the holder to operate transport services for hire or reward without the need for a full public service vehicle operator (PSV 'O') licence". Payment does not have to be a fare. GOV.UK defines hire or reward as "any payment, in cash or kind" that gives a person the right to be carried, including a membership subscription. If no charge is made, directly or indirectly, no permit is needed. There are three kinds: - **Section 19 standard permit.** For vehicles adapted to carry no more than 16 passengers, excluding the driver. - **Section 19 large bus permit.** For vehicles adapted to carry 17 or more passengers. - **Section 22 community bus permit.** For a local bus service run "without a view to profit" by a body concerned with the social and welfare needs of a community ([s.22](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1985/67/section/22)). ## Permits compared with a PSV operator licence | Feature | Section 19 standard | Section 19 large bus | Section 22 | PSV operator licence | |---|---|---|---|---| | Vehicle size | No more than 16 passengers (8 or fewer must charge separate fares) | 17 or more passengers | 9 or more passengers; large buses only if the commissioner is satisfied on maintenance | Any PSV, within the licence's authorisation | | Who can be carried | Members, or people the group exists to help. Not the general public | Same as standard | The general public, on a registered local service | Anyone | | Profit | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed | Allowed | | Who issues it | Traffic commissioner or a designated body | Traffic commissioner only | Traffic commissioner only | Traffic commissioner | | Fee (traffic commissioner) | £11 per permit | £20 per permit | £55 per permit | See [operator licence types](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-types) | | Valid for | Up to 5 years | Up to 5 years | Up to 5 years | Stays in force; continued every five years | | In the DVSA licence file | No | No | No | Yes | Sources: [GOV.UK permit guidance](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/section-19-and-22-permits-not-for-profit-passenger-transport/section-19-and-22-permits-not-for-profit-passenger-transport) and the [schedule of fees](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bus-registration-and-permits-scale-of-fees/schedule-of-fees-for-bus-registration-and-permits). The same legal entity "cannot hold both an 'O' licence and a section 19 or section 22 permit". ## Who can get a permit A section 19 permit is open to a body concerned with education, religion, social welfare, recreation or "other activities of benefit to the community" ([s.19(8)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1985/67/section/19)). The vehicle must not be used "for the carriage of members of the general public nor with a view to profit nor incidentally to an activity which is itself carried on with a view to profit" ([s.19(2)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1985/67/section/19)). The applicant must pass two tests. First, it must fit one of the exemptions from Regulation (EC) 1071/2009: exclusively non-commercial purposes, a main occupation other than passenger transport, or the short-distance exemption. The automatic short distance is a 10-mile radius from a named point, or 10 miles in a straight line from the first pick-up to the last drop-off ([s.18(6)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1985/67/section/18)). Second, it must meet the not-for-profit rules above. Charity status helps but does not settle it. GOV.UK says "it is not sufficient for an operator to claim that it is a charitable organisation". Commercial bodies, "including privately owned schools, nursing homes and activity centres", are not eligible. ## How to apply Section 19 applications use form [PSV372](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-a-standard-or-large-bus-permit-psv372). You can apply to the traffic commissioner through the Central Licensing Office in Leeds, or to a designated body. Designated bodies include local authorities and national voluntary organisations such as the Scout Association. They can only grant standard section 19 permits. Large bus permits and section 22 permits come only from a traffic commissioner. Section 22 uses form [PSV368](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-a-community-bus-permit-psv368). You need one permit for each vehicle you run at the same time. A permit is not tied to one vehicle, so you can move its disc between vehicles, but you "cannot use more than one vehicle at any time under the same permit". **Worked example (our arithmetic).** A youth club wants to run three 16-seat minibuses on the same Saturday. It needs three standard permits. At the traffic commissioner's fee of £11 per permit, that is £33. A designated body may charge a different amount, so GOV.UK says to check the fee before you apply. For a large bus, the commissioner must be satisfied you can keep it roadworthy, and the bus needs a Certificate of Initial Fitness, a Certificate of Conformity or an approval certificate. A section 22 holder must also register each local service, normally at least 28 days before it starts. ## Drivers All drivers of a permit vehicle must be 21 or over. A driver with a full PCV (bus) licence can drive, and be paid to drive, a permit vehicle of any size. A large bus always needs a PCV licence. For a minibus with 9 to 16 passenger seats, the rules depend on when the driver passed the car test. Drivers who passed before 1 January 1997 usually hold D1 entitlement. Drivers who passed on or after that date can drive a permit minibus on a car licence only if they have held it for at least 2 years, are not paid beyond out-of-pocket expenses, tow no trailer, and the minibus weighs no more than 3.5 tonnes (4.25 tonnes with specialised equipment for disabled passengers). The law is in [section 18 of the 1985 Act](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1985/67/section/18); GOV.UK's [driving a minibus](https://www.gov.uk/driving-a-minibus) page gives the same conditions in plain terms. ## Running under a permit - Display the permit disc on the inside of the windscreen so it can be seen from outside. The rules for licence discs are in our guide to the [operator licence disc](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-disc). - Carry only the classes of passenger printed on the permit. - Tell the issuer about changes. A permit "is not transferable to another organisation". A new legal entity needs a new permit. - Keep vehicles roadworthy. Permit vehicles "are still public service vehicles" and DVSA examiners can stop them. - Permits granted on or after 6 April 2009 last "a maximum of 5 years". Permits are valid only for journeys in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. ## How to check a permit or a PSV licence The traffic commissioners publish a [list of section 19, section 19 large and section 22 permits](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/section-19-section-19-large-and-section-22-permits-issued-under-the-transport-act-1985). It covers valid, refused and revoked permits they issued "within the last 5 years", and the latest file is dated 30 September 2026. The list leaves out permits issued by local authorities and other designated bodies. Permit holders are not in the DVSA operator licence file, so HaulierScope cannot look them up. If a group hires a coach firm instead, that firm needs a PSV operator licence. In the DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, there were 5,073 PSV licences. You can [run a free operator licence check](https://haulierscope.co.uk/) on any of them. Our [PSV operator licence check guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/psv-operator-licence-check) explains what to look for, and the [traffic areas guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/traffic-areas) shows which commissioner covers your region. If you are unsure whether you need a licence at all, start with [do I need an operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/do-i-need-an-operator-licence). ## Frequently asked questions ### Can you drive a minibus without a Section 19 permit? Yes, if nobody pays for the trip. A permit is needed only when passengers pay, directly or indirectly, for example through a fare or a membership fee. GOV.UK's "Driving a minibus" page says you may drive a minibus with up to 16 passenger seats on a car licence when there is no payment and you meet conditions on age, licence history, voluntary driving and weight. ### How do I apply for a section 19? Fill in form PSV372 and send it to the body you got it from. That is the traffic commissioner, through the Central Licensing Office in Leeds, or a designated body such as a local authority. Designated bodies can grant only standard permits for up to 16 passengers. Large bus permits for 17 or more passengers come only from a traffic commissioner. ### How much does a Section 19 minibus permit cost? The traffic commissioner's fee is £11 for a standard permit and £20 for a large bus permit, according to GOV.UK's schedule of fees. You need one permit for each vehicle used at the same time, so three minibuses on the road together need three permits. Designated bodies may charge differently, so check the fee before you apply. ### Why do I need a Section 19 permit? Without a permit or a PSV operator licence, carrying passengers for any payment is unlawful. GOV.UK warns that you "could be prosecuted and have your vehicle impounded". A section 19 permit lets a not-for-profit group recover its costs from members or the people it helps without the cost and conditions of a full PSV operator licence. ### What are Section 22 permits used for? Section 22 permits are for community bus services. A body concerned with the social and welfare needs of a community can run a local bus service, open to the general public at separate fares, without a view to profit. Only a traffic commissioner can grant one, the fee is £55, and each service must be registered before it starts. ## Sources - [Section 19 and 22 permits and obligations (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/section-19-and-22-permits-not-for-profit-passenger-transport/section-19-and-22-permits-not-for-profit-passenger-transport) - [Schedule of fees for bus registration and permits (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bus-registration-and-permits-scale-of-fees/schedule-of-fees-for-bus-registration-and-permits) - [Section 19, Section 19 Large and Section 22 Permits issued under the Transport Act 1985 (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/section-19-section-19-large-and-section-22-permits-issued-under-the-transport-act-1985) - [Application for a standard or large bus permit, PSV372 (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-a-standard-or-large-bus-permit-psv372) - [Application for a community bus permit, PSV368 (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-a-community-bus-permit-psv368) - [Public service vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Driving a minibus (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/driving-a-minibus) - [Transport Act 1985, s.18 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1985/67/section/18) - [Transport Act 1985, s.19 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1985/67/section/19) - [Transport Act 1985, s.22 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1985/67/section/22) ## Related - [PSV operator licence check: bus, coach and minibus operators](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/psv-operator-licence-check) - [Do I need an operator licence? Weights, vans and exemptions](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/do-i-need-an-operator-licence) - [The 3 types of operator licence explained](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-types) - [The operator licence disc](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-disc) - [Continuation dates by month](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) - [Data status](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/section-19-permit Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Operator licences for recovery trucks and horseboxes" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/recovery-vehicles-and-horseboxes markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/recovery-vehicles-and-horseboxes.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Operator licences for recovery trucks and horseboxes > A recovery vehicle does not need an operator licence while it recovers broken-down vehicles. The exemption stops when the truck does other work, such as taking a repaired car back to its owner, which needs a standard licence. A horsebox over 3,500kg needs a licence when used commercially, but not for leisure use only. _Published 2 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ This guide covers Great Britain. The rules come from GOV.UK and legislation.gov.uk, checked on 2 October 2026. ## The general rule The starting point is section 2 of the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995. No person may use a goods vehicle on a road for the carriage of goods "for hire or reward, or for or in connection with any trade or business carried on by him" except under an operator licence ([s.2](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/2)). The Act defines goods as "goods or burden of any description" ([s.58](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/58)). GOV.UK puts the weight test like this: "You will usually need a goods vehicle operator's licence if you use a goods vehicle of over 3.5 tonnes gross plated weight or (where there is no plated weight) an unladen weight of more than 1,525kg" ([goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). Schedule 3 of the 1995 Regulations then lists vehicles that need no licence. Recovery vehicles are on that list. Horseboxes are not. For the full picture, including vans and trailers, read [do I need an operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/do-i-need-an-operator-licence). ## Recovery vehicles Paragraph 27 of [Schedule 3](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/2869/schedule/3) exempts "A recovery vehicle". The Regulations borrow the meaning from vehicle tax law ([reg. 3](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/2869/regulation/3)). There, a recovery vehicle is "a vehicle which is constructed or permanently adapted primarily for any one or more of the purposes of lifting, towing and transporting a disabled vehicle" ([VERA 1994, Sch. 1 para 5](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1994/22/schedule/1/paragraph/5)). The definition has a catch. A vehicle "is not a recovery vehicle if at any time it is used for a purpose other than" these: - recovering a disabled vehicle - taking a disabled vehicle from where it broke down to a place where it will be repaired or scrapped - moving a disabled vehicle from one repair site to another repair or scrap site - carrying fuel, liquids, tools and other articles needed to run the vehicle or its lifting, towing or transport equipment While recovering a vehicle, the truck may also carry the driver and passengers of the broken-down vehicle and the goods it was carrying. ### Returning a repaired vehicle GOV.UK says: "The returning of a vehicle to a customer after repair does not constitute the transportation of a disabled vehicle. You will require a standard operator's licence for this" ([goods guide, Annex 3](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). The goods guide repeats the point in its section on restricted licences: "the recovery of vehicles does not include the return of that vehicle once it has been repaired." The same logic covers a car transporter or beavertail that delivers vehicles that are not disabled, such as cars sold by a dealer. That is ordinary goods carriage. Over 3.5 tonnes, it needs a licence. ## Horseboxes There is no horsebox exemption in Schedule 3. The general test applies, and GOV.UK has a dedicated page, [Rules for transporting horses in horseboxes and trailers](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-horsebox-and-trailer-owners/transporting-horses-in-horseboxes-and-trailers). It says you will usually need a goods vehicle operator licence if you use a horsebox or horse trailer "for commercial purposes" with a combined gross plated weight over 3,500kg in the UK, or over 2,500kg in Europe. Commercial purposes are wider than charging a fee. GOV.UK lists: - being paid directly or indirectly to transport horses - "getting prize money for taking part in competitions" - using horseboxes for a business Indirect payment "could include a membership subscription to a club". Short periods still count: "You need an operator licence even if you only use your vehicle for commercial purposes for a short period, such as one day or more." Private use is outside the rules. GOV.UK says: "You do not need an operator licence if you're only transporting horses or goods for non-commercial purposes, such as leisure activities." ### Which licence type for a horsebox GOV.UK's horsebox page matches the licence to whose horses you carry, for a horsebox or combination with a maximum authorised mass over 3,500kg: - **Restricted licence:** you own the horses and carry them only within the UK and the EU. - **Standard national licence:** you do not own the horses and carry them only within the UK. - **Standard international licence:** you do not own the horses and carry them outside the UK. Our guide to [restricted vs standard licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/restricted-vs-standard) explains the difference in detail. The [operator licence types](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-types) guide covers all of them. ## Quick reference | Use case | Licence needed? | Source | |---|---|---| | Recovery truck collecting a broken-down car and taking it to a garage | No, if the truck meets the recovery vehicle definition | [Schedule 3 para 27](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/2869/schedule/3); [VERA 1994](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1994/22/schedule/1/paragraph/5) | | Recovery truck moving a disabled vehicle from one garage to a scrapyard | No | [VERA 1994, Sch. 1 para 5(3)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1994/22/schedule/1/paragraph/5) | | Same truck returning a repaired car to the customer | Yes, a standard licence (over 3.5 tonnes) | [Goods guide, Annex 3](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) | | Transporter delivering cars that are not disabled | Yes, over 3.5 tonnes | [s.2](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/2) | | Horsebox over 3,500kg, own horses, leisure riding only | No | [GOV.UK horsebox rules](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-horsebox-and-trailer-owners/transporting-horses-in-horseboxes-and-trailers) | | Horsebox over 3,500kg, own horses, competing for prize money | Yes, usually restricted | [GOV.UK horsebox rules](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-horsebox-and-trailer-owners/transporting-horses-in-horseboxes-and-trailers) | | Horsebox over 3,500kg carrying other people's horses for payment in the UK | Yes, standard national | [GOV.UK horsebox rules](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-horsebox-and-trailer-owners/transporting-horses-in-horseboxes-and-trailers) | GOV.UK warns that DVSA "can impound your vehicle if you do not have the correct operator licence". ## Checking a recovery firm or horse transporter If you hire a transporter for a car, plant or horses, ask for its licence number and [run a free operator licence check](https://haulierscope.co.uk/). The record shows the licence type, status, vehicles authorised and operating centres. A firm carrying other people's vehicles or horses for payment should hold a standard licence, not a restricted one. In the DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, 30,701 goods licences were restricted. Those holders can carry only their own goods. If you use the same transporters often, [HaulierScope monitoring](https://haulierscope.co.uk/monitoring) puts them on a watchlist and sends weekly alerts when a licence changes. To see how vehicles are added to a licence, read [vehicles on an operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/vehicles-on-an-operator-licence). ## Frequently asked questions ### Do recovery vehicles need an operator licence? No, while they are used only for recovery work. Schedule 3 of the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Regulations 1995 exempts recovery vehicles. The vehicle must be built or permanently adapted mainly to lift, tow or transport disabled vehicles, and used only for that. Returning a repaired vehicle to a customer is not recovery, and GOV.UK says it needs a standard operator licence. ### Do I need an operator's licence for a 7.5 ton recovery truck? Not for recovery work alone. Weight does not change the exemption: a 7.5 tonne truck built or permanently adapted to lift, tow or transport disabled vehicles is exempt while it recovers them. If the same truck also returns repaired cars to customers or delivers vehicles that are not disabled, it no longer counts as a recovery vehicle, and that work needs a standard operator licence. ### Do I need an O licence for a horsebox? Only if you use it for commercial purposes and it is over 3,500kg (over 2,500kg in Europe). GOV.UK says commercial purposes include being paid directly or indirectly to move horses, winning prize money in competitions, and using the horsebox for a business. For leisure use only, GOV.UK says you do not need an operator licence. ### Does prize money count as commercial use of a horsebox? Yes. GOV.UK's horsebox guidance lists "getting prize money for taking part in competitions" as a commercial purpose. If your horsebox or combination is over 3,500kg and you compete for prize money, you will usually need an operator licence. If the horses are your own and you stay within the UK and EU, GOV.UK says a restricted licence fits. ## Sources - [Goods vehicle operator licensing guide, Annex 3 (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Rules for transporting horses in horseboxes and trailers (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-horsebox-and-trailer-owners/transporting-horses-in-horseboxes-and-trailers) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, s.2 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/2) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, s.58 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/58) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Regulations 1995, Schedule 3 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/2869/schedule/3) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Regulations 1995, reg. 3 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/2869/regulation/3) - [Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994, Sch. 1 para 5 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1994/22/schedule/1/paragraph/5) ## Related - [Do I need an operator licence? Weights, vans and exemptions](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/do-i-need-an-operator-licence) - [The 3 types of operator licence explained](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-types) - [Restricted vs standard operator licence: the differences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/restricted-vs-standard) - [Vehicles on an operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/vehicles-on-an-operator-licence) - [Continuation dates by month](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) - [Data status](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/recovery-vehicles-and-horseboxes Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "What happens to an operator licence in liquidation or administration" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-liquidation-administration markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-liquidation-administration.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # What happens to an operator licence in liquidation or administration > An operator licence cannot be sold or transferred, so it does not pass to a buyer when a haulage company enters liquidation or administration. A traffic commissioner can revoke it. The liquidator or administrator can apply to keep it running for up to 12 months, or 18 months in special circumstances. Anyone buying the business needs a new licence. _Published 2 October 2026. Updated 2 October 2026. Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2 October 2026._ This guide covers goods vehicle licences in Great Britain, with a short note on PSV licences. The law and guidance were checked on GOV.UK and legislation.gov.uk on 2 October 2026. ## The licence holder must tell the traffic commissioner Goods licence holders must report relevant changes "within 28 days" ([goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). The list includes the case where "the company, or any of the people involved in the management of the company faces personal or company bankruptcy, liquidation or a similar situation". GOV.UK warns that failing to notify "may lead to regulatory action being taken against you and the operator's licence". The Senior Traffic Commissioner's [Statutory Document 5](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-legal-entities-november-2018/statutory-document-5-legal-entities-including-insolvency-and-regulation-31-and-section-57-applications) asks for earlier notice. It says directors "should notify the Office of the Traffic Commissioner as soon as administration becomes a distinct possibility". ## What the law says about insolvency Three provisions do most of the work. **Insolvency is a ground for revocation.** Section 26 of the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995 lets a traffic commissioner revoke, suspend or curtail a licence where the holder, "being a company, has gone into liquidation, other than voluntary liquidation for the purpose of reconstruction" ([s.26(1)(g)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/26)). For an individual, bankruptcy or a debt relief order is the ground. **The licence is not property you can pass on.** Section 48 says "an operator's licence is neither transferable nor assignable" ([s.48(1)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/48)). The rest of section 48 lets regulations allow someone else to carry on the business under the licence for a set period. **Regulation 31 is that temporary route.** It applies when a company goes "into liquidation or entering administration", when a receiver or manager is appointed, and on the holder's death, bankruptcy or loss of mental capacity ([reg. 31](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/2869/regulation/31)). A traffic commissioner may then direct that "a person carrying on the trade or business of the actual holder" is treated as the licence holder. The direction lasts no longer than 12 months, or 18 months "if it appears to the traffic commissioner that there are special circumstances". For a standard licence, these powers are also subject to the time limits for putting things right in Article 13.1 of Regulation (EC) 1071/2009. ## Who can apply to keep the licence running Only the insolvency office-holder can apply. The Senior Traffic Commissioner's [summary](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries) says: "For companies, only the official liquidator, administrator, or receiver can apply whereas former directors cannot." Statutory Document 5 adds detail: - The application can be made only after the company enters liquidation or administration, not before. - The applicant must be carrying on the company's own business, not a separate business. - An administrator who decides not to carry on the transport business "should take immediate steps to surrender the licence and to return the discs". - An administrator who does nothing "should not be surprised if the company is called to a Public Inquiry". - A traffic commissioner may hold a hearing before deciding. Once a company is dissolved, it no longer exists in law. Statutory Document 5 says the matter can then go straight to the traffic commissioner for revocation, without the usual written proposal. ## Events and what happens to the licence | Event | What happens to the O-licence | Source | |---|---|---| | Company enters administration | Licence still held by the company. Administrator decides whether to carry on; may apply under regulation 31 or surrender | [Reg. 31](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/2869/regulation/31); [SD5](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-legal-entities-november-2018/statutory-document-5-legal-entities-including-insolvency-and-regulation-31-and-section-57-applications) | | Company goes into liquidation | Ground for revocation, unless it is voluntary liquidation for reconstruction. Liquidator may apply under regulation 31 | [s.26(1)(g)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/26); [Reg. 31](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/2869/regulation/31) | | Receiver or manager appointed | Receiver may apply under regulation 31 | [Reg. 31(2)(e)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/2869/regulation/31) | | Regulation 31 direction granted | Person carrying on the business treated as holder for up to 12 months (18 in special circumstances) | [Reg. 31(4)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/2869/regulation/31) | | Company dissolved | No legal entity left; referred to the traffic commissioner for revocation | [SD5](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-legal-entities-november-2018/statutory-document-5-legal-entities-including-insolvency-and-regulation-31-and-section-57-applications) | | Business or assets sold to a new company | Licence does not go with it. Buyer needs its own licence before operating | [s.48(1)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/48); [goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) | | Company faces liquidation or a similar situation | Holder must notify the traffic commissioner within 28 days | [Goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) | What revocation means for drivers and customers is covered in [curtailed, suspended and revoked licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked). ## Buying a haulage business out of insolvency A buyer gets the lorries, the customers and perhaps the yard. It does not get the licence. The goods guide says licences "are not transferable" and "A new licence for the new entity must be obtained before operating." The yard can move more easily. Schedule 4 of the 1995 Act lets a new applicant take over an operating centre already on another licence without advertising the application ([Schedule 4](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/schedule/4)). GOV.UK lists the conditions ([goods guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)): - the centre must be on one current, valid licence when you apply, and it comes off that licence when yours is granted - you can be authorised for no more vehicles than the donor licence specified at that centre - conditions transfer with the centre, and you must repeat its undertakings - the traffic commissioner decides; a site with a history of objections may be refused Our [operating centre rules guide](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operating-centre-rules) explains the wider rules. For everything a new licence needs, see [how to get an operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-get-an-operator-licence). Traffic commissioners also look at who is behind the buyer. Statutory Document 5 says pre-packaged purchases by former directors "may be relevant to the consideration of their fitness or repute". ## PSV licences Bus and coach licences follow different law. Section 57 of the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 says a PSV licence "is not assignable" and lets a traffic commissioner defer its termination for up to twelve months, or eighteen in special circumstances ([s.57](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/14/section/57)). Statutory Document 5 says administrators of companies holding PSV licences cannot apply under section 57. Directors should tell the Office of the Traffic Commissioner as soon as administration becomes a possibility, so it can advise on the effect. ## If you use a haulier that may be insolvent A company in liquidation or administration can still show a valid licence in the DVSA file until a traffic commissioner acts. The licence record and the company record are kept by different bodies, so check both. Our [haulier insolvency watch](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch) lists operator licences held by companies that Companies House shows as in liquidation, administration or receivership, dissolved, or overdue with accounts. It covers companies only. In the DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, limited companies and LLPs held 53,882 licences. You can [run a free operator licence check](https://haulierscope.co.uk/) on any haulier before you book. To hear about changes without checking by hand, [HaulierScope monitoring](https://haulierscope.co.uk/monitoring) puts the hauliers you use on a watchlist and sends weekly alerts when a licence changes. Our [compliance checklist](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-compliance-checklist) lists what operators must report and when. ## Frequently asked questions ### What happens to an O licence when a company goes bust? It does not pass to anyone else. Liquidation is a ground for revocation under section 26 of the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995. The liquidator, administrator or receiver can apply under regulation 31 to carry on the business under the licence for up to 12 months, or 18 in special circumstances. If no one applies, the licence is surrendered or revoked. ### Can an operator licence be transferred to a new company? No. Section 48 of the 1995 Act says an operator licence "is neither transferable nor assignable". A new company, including one formed to buy an insolvent business, must apply for its own licence before it operates. It may be able to take over the old operating centre under Schedule 4 without advertising, on the same terms, if the traffic commissioner agrees. ### Can a haulage company keep running lorries in administration? Only with the traffic commissioner's authority. Statutory Document 5 says an administrator must decide whether to carry on the transport business. If it does, it must apply under regulation 31. If it does not, it should surrender the licence and return the vehicle discs straight away. An administrator who does nothing risks a public inquiry for the company. ### Can former directors apply to keep the licence? Not for a goods licence. The Senior Traffic Commissioner's guidance says only the official liquidator, administrator or receiver can apply under regulation 31, and former directors cannot. The application must be signed by the office-holder or come with their written authority. PSV licences follow section 57 of the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981, where the rules differ. ## Sources - [Goods vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) - [Statutory document 5, legal entities including insolvency (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-legal-entities-november-2018/statutory-document-5-legal-entities-including-insolvency-and-regulation-31-and-section-57-applications) - [Senior Traffic Commissioner Statutory Document Summaries (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/senior-traffic-commissioner-statutory-document-summaries) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, s.26 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/26) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, s.48 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/section/48) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, Schedule 4 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/23/schedule/4) - [Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Regulations 1995, reg. 31 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/2869/regulation/31) - [Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981, s.57 (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/14/section/57) ## Related - [Operator licence curtailed, suspended or revoked: what it means](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked) - [How to check a haulier's operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-check-a-haulier) - [Operating centres: rules, objections and how to find one](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operating-centre-rules) - [Operator licence compliance checklist](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-compliance-checklist) - [Continuation dates by month](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) - [Data status](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-liquidation-administration Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Upcoming public inquiries" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries.md dvsa_file_date: 2026-10-07 publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Upcoming public inquiries > 100 upcoming public inquiries for operator licence holders across 8 traffic areas, from the Traffic Commissioners' notices up to 8 Oct 2026. Source: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026 (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records). Traffic Commissioners Operators and applicants listed for a public inquiry by the Traffic Commissioners, from the weekly Applications and Decisions (goods) and Notices and Proceedings (PSV) published up to 8 October 2026. Companies by name, soonest first, each row dated and linked to its notice. A listing is a hearing date, not a finding. - **Upcoming inquiries:** 100 - **Next hearing:** 8 Oct 2026 - **Decisions, last 45 days:** 119 - **Latest notice:** 8 Oct 2026 - [East of England 26](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries/east-of-england) - [London and the South East of England 9](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries/london-and-the-south-east-of-england) - [North East of England 20](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries/north-east-of-england) - [North West of England 7](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries/north-west-of-england) - [Scotland 3](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries/scotland) - [Wales 7](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries/wales) - [West Midlands 13](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries/west-midlands) - [West of England 15](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries/west-of-england) ## Hearings by week 100 company hearings are listed for the next 12 weeks. The busiest week starts 12 October 2026, with 19. Public inquiries for companies, by week (week starting Monday) 1. Week starting 5 October 2026: 6 hearings 2. Week starting 12 October 2026: 19 hearings 3. Week starting 19 October 2026: 18 hearings 4. Week starting 26 October 2026: 14 hearings 5. Week starting 2 November 2026: 16 hearings 6. Week starting 9 November 2026: 12 hearings 7. Week starting 16 November 2026: 8 hearings 8. Week starting 23 November 2026: 5 hearings 9. Week starting 30 November 2026: 2 hearings 10. Week starting 7 December 2026: 0 hearings 11. Week starting 14 December 2026: 0 hearings 12. Week starting 21 December 2026: 0 hearings ## Next 25 hearings Across Great Britain, soonest first. Each traffic area page lists all of its upcoming inquiries. | Hearing | Operator | Area | Considering | Venue | Notice | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 8 Oct 2026 10:00 | Aireborough Skip Hire Leeds Ltd OB2090056 [Is this your company? Aireborough Skip Hire Leeds Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&licence=OB2090056&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | North East of England | new application | Quarry House (Leeds) | [A&D 6725 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6aa13a904e17456e2cdf51f1/AD_6725_09_September_2026.pdf) Published 9 Sep 2026 | | 8 Oct 2026 10:00 | [N T Rix Scaffolding Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/n-t-rix-scaffolding-limited-05410994) [OK2082110](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ok2082110) · 05410994 [Is this your company? N T Rix Scaffolding Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=05410994&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | London and the South East of England | regulatory action disqualification | Court Room(SEMTA - Eastbourne) | [A&D 4487 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6aac0def44ec1aa417346c3b/ad_4487_17_September_2026.pdf) Published 17 Sep 2026 | | 8 Oct 2026 10:00 | [Nn Transport Services Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/nn-transport-services-ltd-11919642) [OF2033437](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/of2033437) · 11919642 [Is this your company? Nn Transport Services Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=11919642&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | East of England | regulatory action standard licence requirements disqualification transport manager repute | The Court Room (Cambridge) | [A&D 5604 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6aa13af1c5796a7a179c64ed/AD_5604_09_September_2026.pdf) Published 9 Sep 2026 | | 8 Oct 2026 10:30 | [Access Scaffolding Contracts Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/access-scaffolding-contracts-limited-05867550) [OG1140811](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/og1140811) · 05867550 [Is this your company? Access Scaffolding Contracts Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=05867550&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | Wales | regulatory action disqualification | 3 Llys Cadwyn | [A&D 8971 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a8579571b45e4e555421ea9/AD_8971_19_August_2026.pdf) Published 19 Aug 2026 | | 8 Oct 2026 14:00 | [Broughton Astley MOT Centre Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/broughton-astley-mot-centre-ltd-08426731) [OF2033057](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/of2033057) · 08426731 [Is this your company? Broughton Astley MOT Centre Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=08426731&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | East of England | regulatory action disqualification | The Court Room (Cambridge) | [A&D 5604 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6aa13af1c5796a7a179c64ed/AD_5604_09_September_2026.pdf) Published 9 Sep 2026 | | 8 Oct 2026 14:00 | [Gsk Transport Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/gsk-transport-ltd-14883002) [OD2077837](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/od2077837) · 14883002 [Is this your company? Gsk Transport Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=14883002&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | West Midlands | regulatory action standard licence requirements disqualification | The Public Inquiry Room (Birmingham) | [A&D 3220 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a9ea0935a0c25165ae469d4/AD_3220_07_September_2026.pdf) Published 7 Sep 2026 | | 12 Oct 2026 10:00 | Roofing and Renovation Projects Ltd OB2080438 [Is this your company? Roofing and Renovation Projects Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&licence=OB2080438&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | North East of England | regulatory action disqualification | Quarry House (Leeds) | [A&D 6724 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a97fe75f5b35599aec19080/AD_6724_02_September_2026.pdf) Published 2 Sep 2026 | | 13 Oct 2026 10:00 | [United Delivery Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/united-delivery-ltd-11079644) [OD2069697](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/od2069697) · 11079644 [Is this your company? United Delivery Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=11079644&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | West Midlands | regulatory action standard licence requirements disqualification | The Public Inquiry Room (Birmingham) | [A&D 3222 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ab104114c0f475de0a66a9a/ad_3222_21_September_2026.pdf) Published 21 Sep 2026 | | 13 Oct 2026 10:00 | [West Moor Holdings Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/west-moor-holdings-limited-03770981) [OB0229056](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ob0229056) · 03770981 [Is this your company? West Moor Holdings Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=03770981&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | North East of England | regulatory action standard licence requirements disqualification variation application | Quarry House (Leeds) | [A&D 6725 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6aa13a904e17456e2cdf51f1/AD_6725_09_September_2026.pdf) Published 9 Sep 2026 | | 13 Oct 2026 14:00 | All Arboricultural Tree Services Ltd OF2084486 [Is this your company? All Arboricultural Tree Services Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&licence=OF2084486&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | East of England | new application | The Court Room (Cambridge) | [A&D 5604 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6aa13af1c5796a7a179c64ed/AD_5604_09_September_2026.pdf) Published 9 Sep 2026 | | 14 Oct 2026 | [Coars (N.E.) Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/coars-n-e-limited-07097642) [OB2014472](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ob2014472) · 07097642 [Is this your company? Coars (N.E.) Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=07097642&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | North East of England | — | Quarry House (Leeds) | [A&D 6726 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6aaac0d60420ac660805f92b/ad_6726_16_September_2026.pdf) Published 16 Sep 2026 | | 14 Oct 2026 10:00 | [The Log Company (Richmond) Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/the-log-company-richmond-limited-08751032) [OB2064723](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ob2064723) · 08751032 [Is this your company? The Log Company (Richmond) Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=08751032&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | North East of England | regulatory action disqualification | Quarry House (Leeds) | [A&D 6726 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6aaac0d60420ac660805f92b/ad_6726_16_September_2026.pdf) Published 16 Sep 2026 | | 14 Oct 2026 10:30 | [All About Skips Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/all-about-skips-ltd-12992871) [OH2039865](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oh2039865) · 12992871 [Is this your company? All About Skips Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=12992871&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | West of England | regulatory action disqualification standard licence requirements | Jubilee House (Bristol) | [A&D 5977 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6aac0d14f1f8d2a39605f9a3/ad_5977_17_September_2026.pdf) Published 17 Sep 2026 | | 14 Oct 2026 13:30 | [Kargowave Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/kargowave-ltd-16191630) [OD2079921](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/od2079921) · 16191630 [Is this your company? Kargowave Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=16191630&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | West Midlands | regulatory action standard licence requirements disqualification | The Public Inquiry Room (Birmingham) | [A&D 3221 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6aa7d24c97b321a2d34ee1fd/ad_3221_14_September_2026.pdf) Published 14 Sep 2026 | | 14 Oct 2026 14:00 | Greenview Waste Management Limited OF2086636 [Is this your company? Greenview Waste Management Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&licence=OF2086636&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | East of England | new application | The Court Room (Cambridge) | [A&D 5604 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6aa13af1c5796a7a179c64ed/AD_5604_09_September_2026.pdf) Published 9 Sep 2026 | | 14 Oct 2026 14:00 | [Scenery Solutions Trading Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/scenery-solutions-trading-limited-08925671) [OH1138676](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oh1138676) · 08925671 [Is this your company? Scenery Solutions Trading Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=08925671&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | West of England | regulatory action | Jubilee House (Bristol) | [A&D 5976 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6aa270f0c5796a7a179c65cd/AD_5976_10_September_2026.pdf) Published 10 Sep 2026 | | 14 Oct 2026 14:00 | Showtime Solutions Limited OH2088060 [Is this your company? Showtime Solutions Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&licence=OH2088060&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | West of England | new application | Jubilee House (Bristol) | [A&D 5976 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6aa270f0c5796a7a179c65cd/AD_5976_10_September_2026.pdf) Published 10 Sep 2026 | | 15 Oct 2026 10:00 | [Darlaston Builders Merchants Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/darlaston-builders-merchants-limited-09236979) [OD2027301](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/od2027301) · 09236979 [Is this your company? Darlaston Builders Merchants Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=09236979&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | West Midlands | regulatory action disqualification | The Public Inquiry Room (Birmingham) | [A&D 3223 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6aba390b8cb3c0580e501241/ad_3223_28_September_2026.pdf) Published 28 Sep 2026 | | 15 Oct 2026 10:00 | Phaze Scaffold Ltd OB2091333 [Is this your company? Phaze Scaffold Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&licence=OB2091333&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | North East of England | new application | Quarry House (Leeds) | [A&D 6725 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6aa13a904e17456e2cdf51f1/AD_6725_09_September_2026.pdf) Published 9 Sep 2026 | | 15 Oct 2026 10:00 | Smiths Waste Removals & Skip Hire Ltd OC2088322 [Is this your company? Smiths Waste Removals & Skip Hire Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&licence=OC2088322&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | North West of England | new application S34 S12 | The Public Inquiry Room (Warrington) | [A&D 7176 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abf830978ebad266aa06854/ad_7176_02_October_2026.pdf) Published 2 Oct 2026 | | 15 Oct 2026 10:30 | Bicester Recovery and Transport Ltd OH2092437 [Is this your company? Bicester Recovery and Transport Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&licence=OH2092437&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | West of England | new application | Jubilee House (Bristol) | [A&D 5977 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6aac0d14f1f8d2a39605f9a3/ad_5977_17_September_2026.pdf) Published 17 Sep 2026 | | 15 Oct 2026 13:30 | Jj Logs Ltd OH2089690 [Is this your company? Jj Logs Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&licence=OH2089690&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | West of England | new application | Jubilee House (Bristol) | [A&D 5977 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6aac0d14f1f8d2a39605f9a3/ad_5977_17_September_2026.pdf) Published 17 Sep 2026 | | 15 Oct 2026 14:00 | [Don Valley Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/don-valley-ltd-sc264748) [OM1049205](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/om1049205) · SC264748 [Is this your company? Don Valley Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=SC264748&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | Scotland | regulatory action disqualification | Level 6 (Edinburgh) | [A&D 2488 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6aa7d14ea378ca4ee34ee1f3/ad_2488_14_September_2026.pdf) Published 14 Sep 2026 | | 15 Oct 2026 14:00 | Sagal Logistics Ltd OF2088279 [Is this your company? Sagal Logistics Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&licence=OF2088279&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | East of England | new application | The Court Room (Cambridge) | [A&D 5605 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6aaabeface3f006bd4346b85/ad_5605_16_September_2026.pdf) Published 16 Sep 2026 | | 16 Oct 2026 10:00 | [Travel Express Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/travel-express-ltd-04292944) [PD1140735](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/pd1140735) · 04292944 [Is this your company? Travel Express Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=04292944&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | West Midlands | disqualification revocation, suspension or curtailment S26 | The Public Inquiry Room (Birmingham) | [N&P 2780 (Notices and Proceedings, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6aba3b7a734e2435f202f14c/np_2780_28_September_2026.pdf) Published 28 Sep 2026 | Plus 19 upcoming inquiries for sole traders, partnerships or applicants not named in the notice: counted, not named. ## Recent decisions at public inquiry Outcomes published in the last 45 days, newest first. The most serious outcome is shown first. | Operator | Area | Held | Outcome | Notice | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Enva England Specialist Waste Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/enva-england-specialist-waste-limited-03328035) [OK2057421](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ok2057421) · 03328035 [Is this your company? Enva England Specialist Waste Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=03328035&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | London and the South East of England | 24 Sep 2026 | Formal warning | [A&D 4490 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac7a51aec9d3aba1e013a96/AD_4490_08_October_2026.pdf) Published 8 Oct 2026 | | [Keeble Group Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/keeble-group-ltd-00493526) [OK0204456](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ok0204456) · 00493526 [Is this your company? Keeble Group Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=00493526&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | London and the South East of England | 22 Sep 2026 | Licence curtailed | [A&D 4490 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac7a51aec9d3aba1e013a96/AD_4490_08_October_2026.pdf) Published 8 Oct 2026 | | [Semper Excelsior Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/semper-excelsior-ltd-11649947) [OH2052161](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oh2052161) · 11649947 [Is this your company? Semper Excelsior Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=11649947&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | West of England | 22 Sep 2026 | Application granted Formal warning Undertakings given | [A&D 5980 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac7a42cf1ba855cc196a977/AD_5980_08_October_2026.pdf) Published 8 Oct 2026 | | [Williams Potatoes Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/williams-potatoes-ltd-04309983) [OH1111363](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oh1111363) · 04309983 [Is this your company? Williams Potatoes Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=04309983&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | West of England | 22 Sep 2026 | Formal warning Undertakings given | [A&D 5980 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac7a42cf1ba855cc196a977/AD_5980_08_October_2026.pdf) Published 8 Oct 2026 | | [J & R Scaffolding Services Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/j-and-r-scaffolding-services-limited-11255182) [OK2037712](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ok2037712) · 11255182 [Is this your company? J & R Scaffolding Services Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=11255182&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | London and the South East of England | 21 Sep 2026 | Licence curtailed Undertakings given | [A&D 4490 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac7a51aec9d3aba1e013a96/AD_4490_08_October_2026.pdf) Published 8 Oct 2026 | | [Nicola Boyes Transport Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/nicola-boyes-transport-ltd-11840364) [OH2028746](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oh2028746) · 11840364 [Is this your company? Nicola Boyes Transport Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=11840364&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | West of England | 16 Sep 2026 | Licence curtailed Undertakings given | [A&D 5980 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac7a42cf1ba855cc196a977/AD_5980_08_October_2026.pdf) Published 8 Oct 2026 | | [Mortons Travel Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/mortons-travel-limited-07922241) [PH1109011](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ph1109011) · 07922241 [Is this your company? Mortons Travel Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=07922241&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | West of England | 2 Jul 2026 | Undertakings given Conditions imposed | [N&P 3085 (Notices and Proceedings, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac7a5c7e8ef5609e7c933da/NP_3085_08_October_2026.pdf) Published 8 Oct 2026 | | [Abbi Access Services Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/abbi-access-services-ltd-05942809) [OG1082844](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/og1082844) · 05942809 [Is this your company? Abbi Access Services Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=05942809&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | Wales | 23 Sep 2026 | Licence curtailed Application refused Undertakings given | [A&D 8978 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac6cf4df1ba855cc196a8d7/ad_8978_7_October_2026_.pdf) Published 7 Oct 2026 | | [Britcroft Logistics Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/britcroft-logistics-ltd-13651925) [OB2050900](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ob2050900) · 13651925 [Is this your company? Britcroft Logistics Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=13651925&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | North East of England | 23 Sep 2026 | Formal warning | [A&D 6729 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac6ceddf1ba855cc196a8d6/ad_6729_7_October_2026.pdf) Published 7 Oct 2026 | | Ghitu Transport Limited OF2089930 [Is this your company? Ghitu Transport Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&licence=OF2089930&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | East of England | 23 Sep 2026 | Application refused | [A&D 5608 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac6cfd1ab368efeb4c93320/ad_5608_7_October_2026_.pdf) Published 7 Oct 2026 | | Jbj Pallets Essex Ltd OF2081753 [Is this your company? Jbj Pallets Essex Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&licence=OF2081753&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | East of England | 22 Sep 2026 | Decision published | [A&D 5608 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac6cfd1ab368efeb4c93320/ad_5608_7_October_2026_.pdf) Published 7 Oct 2026 | | [K S Timber Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/k-s-timber-ltd-05687457) [OF1128916](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/of1128916) · 05687457 [Is this your company? K S Timber Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=05687457&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | East of England | 22 Sep 2026 | Licence revoked | [A&D 5608 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac6cfd1ab368efeb4c93320/ad_5608_7_October_2026_.pdf) Published 7 Oct 2026 | | [Wms Recruitment Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/wms-recruitment-limited-04979900) [PF1133472](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/pf1133472) · 04979900 [Is this your company? Wms Recruitment Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=04979900&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | East of England | 22 Sep 2026 | Licence curtailed Application granted Undertakings given | [N&P 2761 (Notices and Proceedings, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac6ce3bab368efeb4c9331f/np_2761_7_October_2026.pdf) Published 7 Oct 2026 | | [Alex Pol Trans Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/alex-pol-trans-limited-09618350) [OB2038479](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ob2038479) · 09618350 [Is this your company? Alex Pol Trans Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=09618350&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | North East of England | 21 Sep 2026 | Licence suspended Licence curtailed Undertakings given | [A&D 6729 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac6ceddf1ba855cc196a8d6/ad_6729_7_October_2026.pdf) Published 7 Oct 2026 | | Gerald's Transport Ltd OB2053604 [Is this your company? Gerald's Transport Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&licence=OB2053604&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | North East of England | 21 Sep 2026 | Licence revoked Disqualification ordered | [A&D 6729 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac6ceddf1ba855cc196a8d6/ad_6729_7_October_2026.pdf) Published 7 Oct 2026 | | [Adamson & Sons Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/adamson-and-sons-limited-10507153) [OB2005113](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ob2005113) · 10507153 [Is this your company? Adamson & Sons Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=10507153&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | North East of England | 17 Sep 2026 | Licence curtailed Application granted Undertakings given | [A&D 6729 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac6ceddf1ba855cc196a8d6/ad_6729_7_October_2026.pdf) Published 7 Oct 2026 | | [Eco Baughan 2000 Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/eco-baughan-2000-ltd-04210553) [OF1063897](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/of1063897) · 04210553 [Is this your company? Eco Baughan 2000 Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=04210553&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | East of England | 3 Sep 2026 | Licence revoked Disqualification ordered | [A&D 5608 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac6cfd1ab368efeb4c93320/ad_5608_7_October_2026_.pdf) Published 7 Oct 2026 | | [Bit Next Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/bit-next-ltd-16764840) [OD2086901](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/od2086901) · 16764840 [Is this your company? Bit Next Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=16764840&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | West Midlands | 22 Sep 2026 | Licence curtailed | [A&D 3224 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac3740b241ecad55a97936e/ad_3224_05_October_2026.pdf) Published 5 Oct 2026 | | [Lithgow Transport Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/lithgow-transport-ltd-sc619765) [PM2071896](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/pm2071896) · SC619765 [Is this your company? Lithgow Transport Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=SC619765&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | Scotland | 22 Sep 2026 | Licence curtailed | [N&P 2614 (Notices and Proceedings, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac374c47f7c67dc11d8e49f/np_2614_05_October_2026.pdf) Published 5 Oct 2026 | | [Rugby Scaffolding Services Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/rugby-scaffolding-services-ltd-05628203) [OD2059507](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/od2059507) · 05628203 [Is this your company? Rugby Scaffolding Services Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=05628203&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | West Midlands | 16 Sep 2026 | Formal warning Undertakings given | [A&D 3224 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac3740b241ecad55a97936e/ad_3224_05_October_2026.pdf) Published 5 Oct 2026 | | [Western Buses Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/western-buses-limited-00131237) [PM0000008](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/pm0000008) · 00131237 [Is this your company? Western Buses Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=00131237&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | Scotland | 16 Sep 2026 | Decision published | [N&P 2614 (Notices and Proceedings, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac374c47f7c67dc11d8e49f/np_2614_05_October_2026.pdf) Published 5 Oct 2026 | | [Bgs Solutions & Logistics Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/bgs-solutions-and-logistics-ltd-09111148) [OD2038129](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/od2038129) · 09111148 [Is this your company? Bgs Solutions & Logistics Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=09111148&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | West Midlands | 15 Sep 2026 | Licence suspended Disqualification ordered Application granted | [A&D 3224 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac3740b241ecad55a97936e/ad_3224_05_October_2026.pdf) Published 5 Oct 2026 | | [Facility Management Service Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/facility-management-service-limited-12623510) [OD2079980](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/od2079980) · 12623510 [Is this your company? Facility Management Service Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=12623510&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | West Midlands | 15 Sep 2026 | Licence curtailed Application granted Undertakings given | [A&D 3224 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac3740b241ecad55a97936e/ad_3224_05_October_2026.pdf) Published 5 Oct 2026 | | [Sjt Coach Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/sjt-coach-limited-12360604) [PK2044940](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/pk2044940) · 12360604 [Is this your company? Sjt Coach Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=12360604&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | London and the South East of England | 9 Sep 2026 | Licence revoked | [N&P 2883 (Notices and Proceedings, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac376837f7c67dc11d8e4a1/np_2883_05_October_2026.pdf) Published 5 Oct 2026 | | [Ym Coach Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/ym-coach-ltd-07351649) [PK2021557](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/pk2021557) · 07351649 [Is this your company? Ym Coach Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=07351649&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | London and the South East of England | 9 Sep 2026 | Undertakings given Conditions imposed | [N&P 2883 (Notices and Proceedings, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac376837f7c67dc11d8e4a1/np_2883_05_October_2026.pdf) Published 5 Oct 2026 | | [Creigiau Travel Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/creigiau-travel-ltd-03268068) [PG0007044](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/pg0007044) · 03268068 [Is this your company? Creigiau Travel Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=03268068&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | Wales | 17 Sep 2026 | Formal warning Undertakings given | [N&P 2585 (Notices and Proceedings, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abe6a18943e890cb55e5e0d/NP_2585_01_October_2026.pdf) Published 1 Oct 2026 | | [James Executive Travel Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/james-executive-travel-ltd-09861914) [PG2006824](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/pg2006824) · 09861914 [Is this your company? James Executive Travel Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=09861914&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | Wales | 16 Sep 2026 | Formal warning Undertakings given | [N&P 2585 (Notices and Proceedings, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abe6a18943e890cb55e5e0d/NP_2585_01_October_2026.pdf) Published 1 Oct 2026 | | [Tomato Plant Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/tomato-plant-limited-10688117) [OK2054801](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ok2054801) · 10688117 [Is this your company? Tomato Plant Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=10688117&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | London and the South East of England | 16 Sep 2026 | Formal warning | [A&D 4489 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abe691f26660e5f62a7f249/AD_4489_01_October_2026.pdf) Published 1 Oct 2026 | | [Cold Planing Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/cold-planing-ltd-09074113) [OH2081341](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oh2081341) · 09074113 [Is this your company? Cold Planing Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=09074113&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | West of England | 9 Sep 2026 | Licence revoked Conditions imposed | [A&D 5979 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abe699c9c196f81005e5e22/AD_5979_01_October_2026.pdf) Published 1 Oct 2026 | | [S Tranter Maintenance Services Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/s-tranter-maintenance-services-limited-10079684) [OG2008675](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/og2008675) · 10079684 [Is this your company? S Tranter Maintenance Services Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=10079684&from=%2Fpublic-inquiries) | Wales | 18 Sep 2026 | Formal warning Undertakings given | [A&D 8977 (Applications and Decisions, PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abd8aaaefad0f1df672280f/ad_8977_30_September_2026_.pdf) Published 30 Sep 2026 | ## About public inquiries - **What a public inquiry is:** A hearing before a Traffic Commissioner (or a deputy) about an operator licence or an application. The commissioner hears the evidence and then decides: no action, a warning, conditions, curtailment, suspension, revocation or disqualification. Being called to an inquiry is not a finding against the operator. - **What the sections mean:** Goods licences (Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995): section 26 regulatory action, section 27 the standard licence requirements (good repute, financial standing, professional competence), section 28 disqualification, section 13 or 17 an application or variation, and Schedule 3 a transport manager’s repute. PSV licences (Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981): section 17 revocation, suspension or curtailment, section 16 conditions, section 14 an application. - **Where this list comes from:** Each traffic area’s Office of the Traffic Commissioner publishes inquiries in its weekly [Applications and Decisions](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/traffic-commissioner-applications-and-decisions) (goods) and [Notices and Proceedings](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/traffic-commissioner-notices-and-proceedings) (PSV) on GOV.UK. We read every issue, keep the licence number, date, time, venue and sections, and link each row to its notice. A hearing can be moved or cancelled after publication; the notice is the authority. - **Who is listed:** Companies and other organisations, by name. 19 upcoming inquiries concern sole traders, partnerships or applicants not named in the notice: we count them but do not name them. Transport manager inquiries are not listed: they concern a person, not a licence. - **After the hearing:** The outcome appears in a later issue (section “Decisions taken at public inquiries”) and, for many cases, as a [written decision on GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions). Both show on the licence’s page here. [Guide: what happens at a public inquiry](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/traffic-commissioner-public-inquiry) Monitoring emails you when a licence on your list is called to an inquiry, usually weeks before anything changes in the DVSA file. [How monitoring works](https://haulierscope.co.uk/monitoring) [Atom feed of upcoming public inquiries](https://haulierscope.co.uk/feeds/public-inquiries.xml) for your feed reader. ## Related - [**Haulier insolvency watch** Licences held by companies in liquidation or administration.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch) - [**Companies House filing watch** Hauliers whose accounts are overdue at Companies House.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/filing-watch) - [**Continuation dates by month** Which operator licences are due for continuation, and when.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) - [**DVSA earned recognition list** Operators in DVSA's earned recognition scheme, by traffic area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/earned-recognition) - [**Data status** How old each source is and when we last checked it.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) - [**Applications and Decisions by area** The latest weekly bulletin in each traffic area: new applications, objection deadlines, grants and refusals.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions) - [**New operator licences granted** Every new goods and PSV licence granted, month by month, with the companies named.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences) - [**Licences revoked, surrendered or terminated** Licences the Traffic Commissioners list each month as revoked, surrendered or terminated, in their own wording.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licences-ended) - [**Traffic Commissioner decisions** Revocations, refusals, warnings and curtailments decided by the Traffic Commissioners, by outcome and area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/tc-decisions) - [**State of the register 2026** The GB operator licence register in numbers: fleets, holders, and licences granted and ended in 2026.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/reports/state-of-the-register-2026) Guides - [What happens at a Traffic Commissioner public inquiry](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/traffic-commissioner-public-inquiry) - [Applications and Decisions explained](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/applications-and-decisions) - [What curtailed, suspended and revoked mean](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked) DVSA file 7 Oct 2026 Source: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, read 8 October 2026. We last checked DVSA for a newer file on 8 October 2026. [How we read it](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology) Traffic Commissioner decisions and weekly publications: Office of the Traffic Commissioner on GOV.UK. Insolvency notices: The Gazette. Contains public sector information licensed under the [Open Government Licence v3.0](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/). --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains Companies House data. Contains information from The Gazette licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Haulier insolvency watch: administration and liquidation" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch.md dvsa_file_date: 2026-10-07 publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Haulier insolvency watch: administration and liquidation > 228 licence-holding companies in liquidation, administration or receivership at Companies House on 30 Sept 2026, by traffic area. Source: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026 (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records). Two public registers Operator licences in the DVSA file held by companies that the Companies House register at 30 September 2026 shows in liquidation, administration or receivership, and insolvency notices in The Gazette for licence-holding companies. Each fact is dated. Whether a licence continues is a matter for the Traffic Commissioner. - **In liquidation:** 174 - **In administration:** 54 - **In receivership:** 0 - **Register date:** 30 Sep 2026 ## By traffic area 228 companies with 242 licences in liquidation, administration or receivership. A company with licences in two areas is counted in each. Licence-holding companies in liquidation, administration or receivership, by traffic area Liquidation, administration or receivership - East of England 45 companies: 45 liquidation, administration or receivership - London and the South East of England 47 companies: 47 liquidation, administration or receivership - North East of England 38 companies: 38 liquidation, administration or receivership - North West of England 20 companies: 20 liquidation, administration or receivership - Scotland 19 companies: 19 liquidation, administration or receivership - Wales 15 companies: 15 liquidation, administration or receivership - West Midlands 24 companies: 24 liquidation, administration or receivership - West of England 34 companies: 34 liquidation, administration or receivership | Traffic area | Companies | | --- | --- | | [East of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch/east-of-england) | 45 | | [London and the South East of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch/london-and-the-south-east-of-england) | 47 | | [North East of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch/north-east-of-england) | 38 | | [North West of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch/north-west-of-england) | 20 | | [Scotland](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch/scotland) | 19 | | [Wales](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch/wales) | 15 | | [West Midlands](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch/west-midlands) | 24 | | [West of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch/west-of-england) | 34 | Sole traders and partnerships have no company record and are not part of this watch. 11 companies are left out because the company number on the DVSA record belongs to a differently named company. ## Gazette insolvency notices, last 90 days Winding-up petitions and orders, liquidations, administrations and receiverships published in The Gazette for companies that hold an operator licence, matched by company number. These usually appear weeks before the Companies House status changes. | Published | Company | Notice | Area | Licences | Gazette | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 7 Oct 2026 | [Aron R Simon Transport Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/aron-r-simon-transport-ltd-11532121) 11532121 [Is this your company? Aron R Simon Transport Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=11532121&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Liquidator appointed (creditors' voluntary winding up) | Wales | 1 | [5225722 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5225722) | | 7 Oct 2026 | [Aron R Simon Transport Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/aron-r-simon-transport-ltd-11532121) 11532121 [Is this your company? Aron R Simon Transport Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=11532121&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Resolution for creditors' voluntary winding up | Wales | 1 | [5225719 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5225719) | | 7 Oct 2026 | [Hattam Construction Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/hattam-construction-limited-07378159) 07378159 [Is this your company? Hattam Construction Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=07378159&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Liquidator appointed (creditors' voluntary winding up) | West of England | 1 | [5225595 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5225595) | | 7 Oct 2026 | [Hattam Construction Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/hattam-construction-limited-07378159) 07378159 [Is this your company? Hattam Construction Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=07378159&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Resolution for creditors' voluntary winding up | West of England | 1 | [5225594 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5225594) | | 7 Oct 2026 | [Telford Transport Solutions Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/telford-transport-solutions-ltd-07067844) 07067844 [Is this your company? Telford Transport Solutions Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=07067844&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Administrator appointed | West Midlands | 1 | [5225171 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5225171) | | 7 Oct 2026 | [Smart Freight Solutions Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/smart-freight-solutions-ltd-07266339) 07266339 [Is this your company? Smart Freight Solutions Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=07266339&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Administrator appointed | London and the South East of England | 1 | [5225131 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5225131) | | 6 Oct 2026 | [Mid Kent Scaffolding Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/mid-kent-scaffolding-ltd-03685047) 03685047 [Is this your company? Mid Kent Scaffolding Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=03685047&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Liquidator appointed (creditors' voluntary winding up) | London and the South East of England | 1 | [5224832 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5224832) | | 6 Oct 2026 | [Mid Kent Scaffolding Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/mid-kent-scaffolding-ltd-03685047) 03685047 [Is this your company? Mid Kent Scaffolding Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=03685047&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Resolution for creditors' voluntary winding up | London and the South East of England | 1 | [5224831 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5224831) | | 6 Oct 2026 | [Freight Management (UK) Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/freight-management-uk-ltd-02556530) 02556530 [Is this your company? Freight Management (UK) Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=02556530&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Liquidator appointed (creditors' voluntary winding up) | East of England | 1 | [5224346 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5224346) | | 5 Oct 2026 | [Engineering Fabrication Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/engineering-fabrication-limited-03710090) 03710090 [Is this your company? Engineering Fabrication Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=03710090&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Liquidator appointed (creditors' voluntary winding up) | Wales | 1 | [5223781 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5223781) | | 5 Oct 2026 | [Engineering Fabrication Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/engineering-fabrication-limited-03710090) 03710090 [Is this your company? Engineering Fabrication Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=03710090&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Resolution for creditors' voluntary winding up | Wales | 1 | [5223780 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5223780) | | 5 Oct 2026 | [Midland Bio Energy Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/midland-bio-energy-ltd-06658997) 06658997 [Is this your company? Midland Bio Energy Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=06658997&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Liquidator appointed (members' voluntary winding up, solvent) | West Midlands | 1 | [5223300 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5223300) | | 2 Oct 2026 | [Hgc Civil Engineering Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/hgc-civil-engineering-limited-10913175) 10913175 [Is this your company? Hgc Civil Engineering Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=10913175&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Liquidator appointed (creditors' voluntary winding up) | Wales | 1 | [5222460 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5222460) | | 2 Oct 2026 | [Hotico Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/hotico-ltd-10708651) 10708651 [Is this your company? Hotico Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=10708651&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Winding-up petition | London and the South East of England | 1 | [5221164 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5221164) | | 2 Oct 2026 | [Assure Scaffolding Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/assure-scaffolding-ltd-07968758) 07968758 [Is this your company? Assure Scaffolding Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=07968758&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Winding-up petition | London and the South East of England | 1 | [5221132 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5221132) | | 2 Oct 2026 | [Adw Aggregates Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/adw-aggregates-limited-11431101) 11431101 [Is this your company? Adw Aggregates Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=11431101&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Winding-up order | West Midlands | 1 | [5220989 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5220989) | | 1 Oct 2026 | [Sanper Civils and Pipeline Engineering Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/sanper-civils-and-pipeline-engineering-ltd-16051927) 16051927 [Is this your company? Sanper Civils and Pipeline Engineering Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=16051927&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Liquidator appointed (creditors' voluntary winding up) | East of England | 1 | [5222682 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5222682) | | 1 Oct 2026 | [Sanper Civils and Pipeline Engineering Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/sanper-civils-and-pipeline-engineering-ltd-16051927) 16051927 [Is this your company? Sanper Civils and Pipeline Engineering Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=16051927&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Resolution for creditors' voluntary winding up | East of England | 1 | [5222681 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5222681) | | 1 Oct 2026 | [Premier Access Scaffolding Solutions Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/premier-access-scaffolding-solutions-limited-11330067) 11330067 [Is this your company? Premier Access Scaffolding Solutions Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=11330067&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Liquidator appointed (creditors' voluntary winding up) | East of England | 1 | [5221825 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5221825) | | 29 Sep 2026 | [V.G. Mathers Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/v-g-mathers-limited-sc151520) SC151520 [Is this your company? V.G. Mathers Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=SC151520&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Liquidator appointed (creditors' voluntary winding up) | Scotland | 1 | [5219578 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5219578) | | 29 Sep 2026 | [V.G. Mathers Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/v-g-mathers-limited-sc151520) SC151520 [Is this your company? V.G. Mathers Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=SC151520&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Resolution for creditors' voluntary winding up | Scotland | 1 | [5219577 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5219577) | | 29 Sep 2026 | [Pro Scaffolding Specialist Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/pro-scaffolding-specialist-ltd-13211697) 13211697 [Is this your company? Pro Scaffolding Specialist Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=13211697&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Liquidator appointed (creditors' voluntary winding up) | North East of England | 1 | [5219514 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5219514) | | 28 Sep 2026 | [Blue Lion Haulage Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/blue-lion-haulage-limited-12266777) 12266777 [Is this your company? Blue Lion Haulage Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=12266777&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Liquidator appointed (creditors' voluntary winding up) | East of England | 1 | [5218525 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5218525) | | 27 Sep 2026 | [Bmd Transforce Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/bmd-transforce-limited-12419840) 12419840 [Is this your company? Bmd Transforce Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=12419840&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Winding-up order | North East of England | 1 | [5218237 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5218237) | | 25 Sep 2026 | [B H G S Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/b-h-g-s-ltd-04222414) 04222414 [Is this your company? B H G S Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=04222414&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Administrator appointed | West Midlands | 3 | [5217585 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5217585) | | 25 Sep 2026 | [Cristian (Lincs) Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/cristian-lincs-ltd-11265415) 11265415 [Is this your company? Cristian (Lincs) Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=11265415&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Winding-up petition | East of England | 1 | [5216463 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5216463) | | 25 Sep 2026 | [Swift Go Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/swift-go-ltd-12816780) 12816780 [Is this your company? Swift Go Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=12816780&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Winding-up petition | West of England | 1 | [5216422 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5216422) | | 25 Sep 2026 | [Nustone Patios Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/nustone-patios-ltd-16307750) 16307750 [Is this your company? Nustone Patios Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=16307750&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Winding-up petition | East of England | 1 | [5216417 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5216417) | | 25 Sep 2026 | [Amazon Access Solutions Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/amazon-access-solutions-limited-12739672) 12739672 [Is this your company? Amazon Access Solutions Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=12739672&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Winding-up order | London and the South East of England | 1 | [5216379 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5216379) | | 25 Sep 2026 | [Sutton Surfacing Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/sutton-surfacing-ltd-06540907) 06540907 [Is this your company? Sutton Surfacing Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=06540907&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Winding-up order | West Midlands | 1 | [5216371 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5216371) | | 24 Sep 2026 | [Rose Export Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/rose-export-ltd-04321153) 04321153 [Is this your company? Rose Export Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=04321153&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Liquidator appointed (creditors' voluntary winding up) | West of England | 1 | [5217008 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5217008) | | 24 Sep 2026 | [Harrison Gardner Dyers & Winders Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/harrison-gardner-dyers-and-winders-limited-08889238) 08889238 [Is this your company? Harrison Gardner Dyers & Winders Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=08889238&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Administrator appointed | North East of England | 1 | [5216870 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5216870) | | 24 Sep 2026 | [J T Leyland Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/j-t-leyland-limited-10781808) 10781808 [Is this your company? J T Leyland Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=10781808&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Administrator appointed | North West of England | 1 | [5216864 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5216864) | | 23 Sep 2026 | [The Orchard Media & Events Group Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/the-orchard-media-and-events-group-limited-07214357) 07214357 [Is this your company? The Orchard Media & Events Group Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=07214357&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Liquidator appointed (creditors' voluntary winding up) | Wales | 1 | [5215946 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5215946) | | 23 Sep 2026 | [Hookstone Group Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/hookstone-group-ltd-11342088) 11342088 [Is this your company? Hookstone Group Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=11342088&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Administrator appointed | North East of England | 1 | [5215848 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5215848) | | 22 Sep 2026 | [Albann Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/albann-limited-sc302376) SC302376 [Is this your company? Albann Limited: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=SC302376&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Liquidator appointed (compulsory winding up) | Scotland | 1 | [5214726 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5214726) | | 21 Sep 2026 | [Clayton Glass Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/clayton-glass-ltd-05322333) 05322333 [Is this your company? Clayton Glass Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=05322333&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Administrator appointed | North East of England | 5 | [5214942 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5214942) | | 21 Sep 2026 | [Kfm Construction Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/kfm-construction-ltd-12047449) 12047449 [Is this your company? Kfm Construction Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=12047449&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Resolution for creditors' voluntary winding up | West of England | 1 | [5214340 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5214340) | | 21 Sep 2026 | [1ST Class Disposal Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/1st-class-disposal-ltd-08174893) 08174893 [Is this your company? 1ST Class Disposal Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=08174893&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Liquidator appointed (creditors' voluntary winding up) | London and the South East of England | 1 | [5213629 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5213629) | | 21 Sep 2026 | [GB Cargo Services Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/gb-cargo-services-ltd-15943740) 15943740 [Is this your company? GB Cargo Services Ltd: report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&company=15943740&from=%2Finsolvency-watch) | Liquidator appointed (creditors' voluntary winding up) | London and the South East of England | 1 | [5213618 (notice in The Gazette)](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/5213618) | [Atom feed of insolvency notices](https://haulierscope.co.uk/feeds/insolvency-watch.xml) for licence-holding companies. Contains information from The Gazette licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. ## What the register shows - **In liquidation:** A liquidator is winding the company up. - **In administration:** An administrator runs the company, usually to rescue it or to get a better result for its creditors. - **In receivership:** A receiver, usually appointed by a lender, deals with some or all of the company’s assets. - **Gazette insolvency notice:** A notice published in The Gazette, the official public record, such as a winding-up petition or the appointment of a liquidator or administrator. A petition can be dismissed; the notice says what was published, on its date. ### Why a licence can still be listed The DVSA operator licence file and the Companies House register are separate public registers, updated on their own timetables. A licence stays in the DVSA file (here, the file dated 7 October 2026) until the Traffic Commissioner records a change, so the two can differ for a while. What happens to a licence is a matter for the Traffic Commissioner. This page reports what the registers show on their dates. It is not a finding about any operator or its conduct. If a company here is yours and something is wrong, or you want to add a statement, use the link on its row. ## Separate registers, separate pages - [**Companies House filing watch: hauliers with accounts overdue** Late accounts are a filing fact, not insolvency.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/filing-watch) - [**Dissolved companies still on the operator licence file** Listed only after a check by company number and by name.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/dissolved-companies) ## Related - [**Upcoming public inquiries** Traffic Commissioner public inquiries listed for companies, by traffic area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries) - [**Companies House filing watch** Hauliers whose accounts are overdue at Companies House.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/filing-watch) - [**Continuation dates by month** Which operator licences are due for continuation, and when.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) - [**DVSA earned recognition list** Operators in DVSA's earned recognition scheme, by traffic area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/earned-recognition) - [**Data status** How old each source is and when we last checked it.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) - [**Applications and Decisions by area** The latest weekly bulletin in each traffic area: new applications, objection deadlines, grants and refusals.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions) - [**New operator licences granted** Every new goods and PSV licence granted, month by month, with the companies named.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences) - [**Licences revoked, surrendered or terminated** Licences the Traffic Commissioners list each month as revoked, surrendered or terminated, in their own wording.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licences-ended) - [**Traffic Commissioner decisions** Revocations, refusals, warnings and curtailments decided by the Traffic Commissioners, by outcome and area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/tc-decisions) - [**State of the register 2026** The GB operator licence register in numbers: fleets, holders, and licences granted and ended in 2026.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/reports/state-of-the-register-2026) Guides - [How to vet a haulier before you book](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/vet-a-haulier) - [Financial standing explained](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/financial-standing) - [What curtailed, suspended and revoked mean](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked) DVSA file 7 Oct 2026 Source: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, read 8 October 2026. We last checked DVSA for a newer file on 8 October 2026. [How we read it](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology) Company facts: Companies House register at 30 September 2026. Contains Companies House data. Contains public sector information licensed under the [Open Government Licence v3.0](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/). --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains Companies House data. Contains information from The Gazette licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Companies House filing watch: hauliers with accounts overdue" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/filing-watch markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/filing-watch.md dvsa_file_date: 2026-10-07 publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Companies House filing watch: hauliers with accounts overdue > 502 licence-holding companies with accounts overdue at Companies House on 30 Sept 2026, by traffic area. Each company, its due date and its licences. Source: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026 (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records). Companies House Operator licences in the DVSA file held by companies whose accounts were overdue at Companies House on 30 September 2026. Late filing is a filing fact, not insolvency: a company can file at any time, and Companies House then shows it as up to date. - **Companies with accounts overdue:** 502 - **Their licences:** 524 - **Register date:** 30 Sep 2026 ## By traffic area Companies with at least one licence in the area. A company with licences in two areas is counted in each. Licence-holding companies with accounts overdue, by traffic area Accounts overdue - East of England 118 companies: 118 accounts overdue - London and the South East of England 95 companies: 95 accounts overdue - North East of England 64 companies: 64 accounts overdue - North West of England 58 companies: 58 accounts overdue - Scotland 41 companies: 41 accounts overdue - Wales 29 companies: 29 accounts overdue - West Midlands 62 companies: 62 accounts overdue - West of England 56 companies: 56 accounts overdue | Traffic area | Companies | | --- | --- | | [East of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/filing-watch/east-of-england) | 118 | | [London and the South East of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/filing-watch/london-and-the-south-east-of-england) | 95 | | [North East of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/filing-watch/north-east-of-england) | 64 | | [North West of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/filing-watch/north-west-of-england) | 58 | | [Scotland](https://haulierscope.co.uk/filing-watch/scotland) | 41 | | [Wales](https://haulierscope.co.uk/filing-watch/wales) | 29 | | [West Midlands](https://haulierscope.co.uk/filing-watch/west-midlands) | 62 | | [West of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/filing-watch/west-of-england) | 56 | Sole traders and partnerships have no company record and are not part of this list. 11 companies are left out because the company number on the DVSA record belongs to a differently named company. ## What the register shows - **Accounts overdue:** The company’s next accounts were due before the register date at 30 September 2026 and Companies House had not received them by that date. Late filing is a Companies House fact. It does not mean the company is insolvent, and a company can file at any time. ### Why a licence can still be listed The DVSA operator licence file and the Companies House register are separate public registers, updated on their own timetables. A licence stays in the DVSA file (here, the file dated 7 October 2026) until the Traffic Commissioner records a change, so the two can differ for a while. What happens to a licence is a matter for the Traffic Commissioner. This page reports what the registers show on their dates. It is not a finding about any operator or its conduct. If a company here is yours and something is wrong, or you want to add a statement, use the link on its row. Companies in liquidation, administration or receivership: [Haulier insolvency watch: administration and liquidation](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch). DVSA file 7 Oct 2026 Source: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, read 8 October 2026. We last checked DVSA for a newer file on 8 October 2026. [How we read it](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology) Company facts: Companies House register at 30 September 2026. Contains Companies House data. Contains public sector information licensed under the [Open Government Licence v3.0](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/). --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/filing-watch Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains Companies House data. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Operator licence continuations due" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations.md dvsa_file_date: 2026-10-07 publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Operator licence continuations due > 2,625 operator licences due for continuation in the next 90 days, from the DVSA file dated 7 Oct 2026. Source: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026 (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records). Five-yearly continuation An operator licence has no expiry date, but every five years the holder must continue it: confirm its details to the Traffic Commissioner and, for goods licences, pay the £401 continuation fee. These are the continuation dates in the DVSA file dated 7 October 2026, month by month. - **Due in the next 30 days:** 593 licences - **Due in the next 60 days:** 1,482 licences - **Due in the next 90 days:** 2,625 licences - **Months listed:** 61 ## By month Licences due each month. Each month’s page lists every company licence due, with its traffic area. ### 2026 - [October 593 394 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2026-10) - [November 889 643 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2026-11) - [December 1,143 883 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2026-12) ### 2027 - [January 978 746 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2027-01) - [February 1,098 801 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2027-02) - [March 1,115 808 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2027-03) - [April 1,258 980 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2027-04) - [May 1,195 913 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2027-05) - [June 1,204 899 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2027-06) - [July 1,036 775 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2027-07) - [August 1,083 813 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2027-08) - [September 1,005 758 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2027-09) - [October 1,028 789 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2027-10) - [November 894 695 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2027-11) - [December 1,093 864 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2027-12) ### 2028 - [January 872 667 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2028-01) - [February 1,132 844 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2028-02) - [March 1,183 907 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2028-03) - [April 1,101 862 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2028-04) - [May 1,168 905 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2028-05) - [June 1,240 991 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2028-06) - [July 1,105 860 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2028-07) - [August 1,121 878 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2028-08) - [September 1,114 886 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2028-09) - [October 1,081 855 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2028-10) - [November 995 792 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2028-11) - [December 1,211 973 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2028-12) ### 2029 - [January 1,024 812 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2029-01) - [February 1,177 929 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2029-02) - [March 1,258 988 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2029-03) - [April 1,230 964 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2029-04) - [May 1,253 955 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2029-05) - [June 1,296 1,034 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2029-06) - [July 1,170 935 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2029-07) - [August 1,219 963 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2029-08) - [September 1,130 885 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2029-09) - [October 1,163 951 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2029-10) - [November 991 790 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2029-11) - [December 1,233 989 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2029-12) ### 2030 - [January 972 773 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2030-01) - [February 1,255 978 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2030-02) - [March 1,079 847 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2030-03) - [April 1,110 885 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2030-04) - [May 1,330 1,061 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2030-05) - [June 1,257 1,014 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2030-06) - [July 1,180 967 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2030-07) - [August 1,237 999 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2030-08) - [September 1,264 1,016 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2030-09) - [October 1,266 1,052 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2030-10) - [November 1,109 925 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2030-11) - [December 1,236 1,026 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2030-12) ### 2031 - [January 1,222 978 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2031-01) - [February 1,364 1,099 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2031-02) - [March 1,304 1,070 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2031-03) - [April 1,269 1,026 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2031-04) - [May 1,367 1,139 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2031-05) - [June 1,231 969 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2031-06) - [July 1,228 1,032 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2031-07) - [August 1,224 1,010 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2031-08) - [September 852 687 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2031-09) - [October 442 376 named](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2031-10) Later dates: March 2034 (1 licence). Months with fewer than 20 company licences have no page of their own. ## Due in the next 30 days 394 company licences from 8 October 2026 to 7 November 2026, soonest first. The first 25 are shown; [October 2026](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations/2026-10) lists them all. | Operator | Continuation date | In | Licence | Traffic area | Vehicles | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [1ST Choice Scaffolding Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/1st-choice-scaffolding-limited-04936324) Restricted | 31 Oct 2026 | 23 d | [OC1106297](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oc1106297) | North West of England | 3 | | [3B Meats Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/3b-meats-ltd-10933400) Restricted | 31 Oct 2026 | 23 d | [OD2050418](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/od2050418) | West Midlands | 2 | | [A1 Reclaimed Brick Specialists Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/a1-reclaimed-brick-specialists-ltd-06963514) Restricted | 31 Oct 2026 | 23 d | [OC1148175](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oc1148175) | North West of England | 2 | | [A & A Drain Services Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/a-and-a-drain-services-ltd-03314176) Restricted | 31 Oct 2026 | 23 d | [OC0296819](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oc0296819) | North West of England | 1 | | [Access Roads Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/access-roads-ltd-sc470193) Restricted | 31 Oct 2026 | 23 d | [OM1147780](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/om1147780) | Scotland | 2 | | [Access Service and Repair Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/access-service-and-repair-limited-06658298) Restricted | 31 Oct 2026 | 23 d | [OB1106645](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ob1106645) | North East of England | 3 | | [Acumen Distribution Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/acumen-distribution-limited-01612058) Standard National | 31 Oct 2026 | 23 d | [OC1063485](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oc1063485) | North West of England | 27 | | [Adams Home Centre Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/adams-home-centre-ltd-03222168) Restricted | 31 Oct 2026 | 23 d | [OK1146558](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ok1146558) | London and the South East of England | 2 | | [A F Jones Stonemasons Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/a-f-jones-stonemasons-limited-07112560) Restricted | 31 Oct 2026 | 23 d | [OH1148057](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oh1148057) | West of England | 2 | | [Aj's Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/ajs-ltd-07308478) Restricted | 31 Oct 2026 | 23 d | [OC1106120](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oc1106120) | North West of England | 1 | | [All-Star Cargo Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/all-star-cargo-ltd-09367817) Standard International | 31 Oct 2026 | 23 d | [OK2049473](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ok2049473) | London and the South East of England | 20 | | [Alterever Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/alterever-ltd-03681108) Standard International | 31 Oct 2026 | 23 d | [OB0231145](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ob0231145) | North East of England | 3 | | [A M B Stainless and Non Ferrous Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/a-m-b-stainless-and-non-ferrous-limited-03772650) Restricted | 31 Oct 2026 | 23 d | [OB1148456](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ob1148456) | North East of England | 1 | | [Amix Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/amix-ltd-06054261) Restricted | 31 Oct 2026 | 23 d | [OC1148186](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oc1148186) | North West of England | 4 | | [Angels Haulage Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/angels-haulage-ltd-10267680) Standard National | 31 Oct 2026 | 23 d | [OK1147802](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ok1147802) | London and the South East of England | 10 | | [Anglia Fixing Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/anglia-fixing-ltd-02943625) Restricted | 31 Oct 2026 | 23 d | [OF1063944](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/of1063944) | East of England | 2 | | [Apple Logistics Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/apple-logistics-ltd-06351617) Standard National | 31 Oct 2026 | 23 d | [OK1106333](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ok1106333) | London and the South East of England | 12 | | [Apt Transport Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/apt-transport-ltd-12421825) Standard International | 31 Oct 2026 | 23 d | [OK2044730](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ok2044730) | London and the South East of England | 3 | | [Ariss Construction Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/ariss-construction-limited-04512154) Restricted | 31 Oct 2026 | 23 d | [OF1106253](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/of1106253) | East of England | 1 | | [Ashcrofts Mini Travel Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/ashcrofts-mini-travel-ltd-06950361) Standard International PSV | 31 Oct 2026 | 23 d | [PC1104782](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/pc1104782) | North West of England | 18 | | [Ash Group (UK) Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/ash-group-uk-ltd-10090444) Standard National | 31 Oct 2026 | 23 d | [OC1148261](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oc1148261) | North West of England | 56 | | [Atlas Transport Solutions Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/atlas-transport-solutions-ltd-11451838) Standard National | 31 Oct 2026 | 23 d | [OH2049042](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oh2049042) | West of England | 4 | | [At Plant Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/at-plant-ltd-10975279) Restricted | 31 Oct 2026 | 23 d | [OH2042035](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oh2042035) | West of England | 3 | | [Avonside Insulation Supplies Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/avonside-insulation-supplies-ltd-01741116) Restricted | 31 Oct 2026 | 23 d | [OH0147776](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oh0147776) | West of England | 7 | | [A W Baxter Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/a-w-baxter-ltd-02722423) Standard International | 31 Oct 2026 | 23 d | [OC2050477](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oc2050477) | North West of England | 8 | Plus 199 licences held by sole traders or partnerships, counted but not listed. ## What the continuation date means A licence stays in force as long as the holder continues it every five years and keeps to its terms. For a goods licence the £401 continuation fee is due before the end of the month before the continuation date: for a date of 31 July, by 30 June. Standard and restricted PSV licences have no continuation fee, but the details must still be confirmed. If the fee is not paid in time, the licence ends automatically. Late payment is accepted only in exceptional circumstances. When a licence is continued, the next DVSA file shows a date five years later, and it leaves these lists. The continuation date is not an expiry date, and an upcoming date says nothing about the operator. ## Related - [**Upcoming public inquiries** Traffic Commissioner public inquiries listed for companies, by traffic area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries) - [**Haulier insolvency watch** Licences held by companies in liquidation or administration.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch) - [**Companies House filing watch** Hauliers whose accounts are overdue at Companies House.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/filing-watch) - [**DVSA earned recognition list** Operators in DVSA's earned recognition scheme, by traffic area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/earned-recognition) - [**Data status** How old each source is and when we last checked it.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) - [**Applications and Decisions by area** The latest weekly bulletin in each traffic area: new applications, objection deadlines, grants and refusals.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions) - [**New operator licences granted** Every new goods and PSV licence granted, month by month, with the companies named.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences) - [**Licences revoked, surrendered or terminated** Licences the Traffic Commissioners list each month as revoked, surrendered or terminated, in their own wording.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licences-ended) - [**Traffic Commissioner decisions** Revocations, refusals, warnings and curtailments decided by the Traffic Commissioners, by outcome and area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/tc-decisions) - [**State of the register 2026** The GB operator licence register in numbers: fleets, holders, and licences granted and ended in 2026.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/reports/state-of-the-register-2026) Guides - [Operator licence continuation explained](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-continuation) - [Operator licence costs](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-cost) - [Financial standing](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/financial-standing) DVSA file 7 Oct 2026 Source: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, read 8 October 2026. We last checked DVSA for a newer file on 8 October 2026. [How we read it](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology) Contains public sector information licensed under the [Open Government Licence v3.0](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/). --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains Companies House data. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "DVSA earned recognition operators" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/earned-recognition markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/earned-recognition.md dvsa_file_date: 2026-10-07 publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # DVSA earned recognition operators > 200 companies with 464 licences on DVSA's earned recognition list (updated 1 Oct 2026), by traffic area. Source: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026 (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records). DVSA scheme Earned recognition is DVSA’s voluntary scheme for operators who prove they meet driver and vehicle standards. Members run a DVSA-validated system for maintenance and drivers’ hours, pass an independent audit every two years, and in return see fewer roadside stops and site visits. This is DVSA’s list updated 1 October 2026, tied to each operator licence and grouped by traffic area. - **Companies listed:** 200 - **Their licences on the list:** 464 - **Traffic areas:** 8 - **DVSA list updated:** 1 Oct 2026 ## What is earned recognition? Earned recognition is DVSA’s scheme for operators who prove, with audited data, that they keep vehicles roadworthy and drivers within the rules. 200 companies are on the list. Their 457 listed licences are 0.7% of GB operator licences but authorise 82,026 vehicles: 12% of all vehicles authorised. The list leans to large fleets: 9% of the lorries authorised on GB goods licences sit on a listed licence. Members send DVSA key performance data every four weeks and pass an independent audit every two years. ## By traffic area Each listed licence sits in the traffic area that issued it (the second letter of the licence number). Open an area for its companies, licences, accreditation dates and standards. - [**East of England** 76 companies · 76 listed licences Ab Agri Limited, Advanced Supply Chain Group Limited, Ainscough Crane Hire Ltd…](https://haulierscope.co.uk/earned-recognition/east-of-england) - [**London and the South East of England** 54 companies · 55 listed licences · 1 sole trader or partnership Ainscough Crane Hire Ltd, Air Products PLC, Arriva Kent & Surrey Ltd…](https://haulierscope.co.uk/earned-recognition/london-and-the-south-east-of-england) - [**North East of England** 78 companies · 80 listed licences Ab Agri Limited, Advanced Supply Chain Group Limited, Ainscough Crane Hire Ltd…](https://haulierscope.co.uk/earned-recognition/north-east-of-england) - [**North West of England** 67 companies · 67 listed licences Ab Agri Limited, Ainscough Crane Hire Ltd, Air Products PLC…](https://haulierscope.co.uk/earned-recognition/north-west-of-england) - [**Scotland** 48 companies · 48 listed licences Ab Agri Limited, Ainscough Crane Hire Ltd, Air Products PLC…](https://haulierscope.co.uk/earned-recognition/scotland) - [**Wales** 30 companies · 30 listed licences Ainscough Crane Hire Ltd, Air Products PLC, Arriva Cymru Ltd…](https://haulierscope.co.uk/earned-recognition/wales) - [**West Midlands** 50 companies · 50 listed licences · 1 sole trader or partnership A B E (Ledbury) Ltd, Ainscough Crane Hire Ltd, Air Products PLC…](https://haulierscope.co.uk/earned-recognition/west-midlands) - [**West of England** 58 companies · 58 listed licences · 1 sole trader or partnership Ab Agri Limited, Adrian White Building Supplies Ltd, Ainscough Crane Hire Ltd…](https://haulierscope.co.uk/earned-recognition/west-of-england) Companies on the list per traffic area, DVSA list updated 1 Oct 2026 Boundaries: ONS, OGL v3. Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2023. ## About this list DVSA publishes the list of accredited operators on GOV.UK, one row per operator licence. We tie each row to its licence in the DVSA operator licence file by licence number. When a listed licence number is not in the file, we match the company by its exact name instead. 1 row of 468 could not be tied to a licence or company in the file. Membership is DVSA’s decision, not ours. Earned recognition members have a blue band in DVSA’s Operator Compliance Risk Score. Sole traders and partnerships on the list are counted, not named, because their operator name is usually a person’s name. [Atom feed of list changes](https://haulierscope.co.uk/feeds/earned-recognition.xml) · [DVSA’s list on GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dvsa-earned-recognition-for-vehicle-operators-list-of-accredited-operators) ## Related - [**Upcoming public inquiries** Traffic Commissioner public inquiries listed for companies, by traffic area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries) - [**Haulier insolvency watch** Licences held by companies in liquidation or administration.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch) - [**Companies House filing watch** Hauliers whose accounts are overdue at Companies House.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/filing-watch) - [**Continuation dates by month** Which operator licences are due for continuation, and when.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) - [**Data status** How old each source is and when we last checked it.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) - [**Applications and Decisions by area** The latest weekly bulletin in each traffic area: new applications, objection deadlines, grants and refusals.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions) - [**New operator licences granted** Every new goods and PSV licence granted, month by month, with the companies named.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences) - [**Licences revoked, surrendered or terminated** Licences the Traffic Commissioners list each month as revoked, surrendered or terminated, in their own wording.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licences-ended) - [**Traffic Commissioner decisions** Revocations, refusals, warnings and curtailments decided by the Traffic Commissioners, by outcome and area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/tc-decisions) - [**State of the register 2026** The GB operator licence register in numbers: fleets, holders, and licences granted and ended in 2026.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/reports/state-of-the-register-2026) Guides - [What the OCRS score means](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/ocrs-score) - [How to vet a haulier before you book](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/vet-a-haulier) - [How to check an operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-check-a-haulier) DVSA file 7 Oct 2026 Source: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, read 8 October 2026. We last checked DVSA for a newer file on 8 October 2026. [How we read it](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology) Earned recognition: DVSA’s list updated 1 October 2026. Contains public sector information licensed under the [Open Government Licence v3.0](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/). --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/earned-recognition Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains Companies House data. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Applications and Decisions" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions.md dvsa_file_date: 2026-10-07 publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Applications and Decisions > The Traffic Commissioners' weekly Applications and Decisions for all 8 GB traffic areas, read issue by issue. Source: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026 (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records). Traffic Commissioner notices Applications and Decisions is the weekly bulletin each Traffic Commissioner publishes for goods vehicle operators: new applications and the objection deadline, grants, refusals, variations, operating centre transfers, public inquiries and licences revoked, surrendered or terminated. We read every issue since 1 January 2026 and show it by traffic area, each row linked to its GOV.UK PDF. The latest issues for the eight traffic areas, published up to 8 October 2026, list **124** new goods vehicle licence applications and 103 licences granted; the busiest is East of England (issue 5608, 32 new applications). - **Issues read:** 322 - **New applications, latest issues:** 124 - **Granted, latest issues:** 103 - **Newest issue:** 8 Oct 2026 ## Latest issue in each traffic area Open an area for every company named in its latest issue, the objection deadline and the issues before it. - [**East of England** Issue 5608 · 7 Oct 2026 · objections by 28 Oct 2026 **32** new applications **24** granted **38** variations **5** ended](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions/east-of-england) - [**London and the South East of England** Issue 4490 · 8 Oct 2026 · objections by 29 Oct 2026 **15** new applications **16** granted **18** variations **1** ended](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions/london-and-the-south-east-of-england) - [**North East of England** Issue 6729 · 7 Oct 2026 · objections by 28 Oct 2026 **16** new applications **15** granted **25** variations **2** ended](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions/north-east-of-england) - [**North West of England** Issue 7176 · 2 Oct 2026 · objections by 23 Oct 2026 **17** new applications **12** granted **27** variations **10** ended](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions/north-west-of-england) - [**Scotland** Issue 2491 · 5 Oct 2026 · objections by 26 Oct 2026 **10** new applications **7** granted **7** variations **4** ended](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions/scotland) - [**Wales** Issue 8978 · 7 Oct 2026 · objections by 28 Oct 2026 **5** new applications **4** granted **5** variations **0** ended](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions/wales) - [**West Midlands** Issue 3224 · 5 Oct 2026 · objections by 26 Oct 2026 **9** new applications **14** granted **13** variations **8** ended](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions/west-midlands) - [**West of England** Issue 5980 · 8 Oct 2026 · objections by 29 Oct 2026 **20** new applications **11** granted **27** variations **7** ended](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions/west-of-england) ## Applications published per month New licence, variation and operating centre transfer applications in all Applications and Decisions and Notices and Proceedings issues, by publication month. Applications published per month, Great Britain 1. January 2026: 1,014 applications 2. February 2026: 1,334 applications 3. March 2026: 1,287 applications 4. April 2026: 1,332 applications 5. May 2026: 1,251 applications 6. June 2026: 1,282 applications 7. July 2026: 1,404 applications 8. August 2026: 1,157 applications 9. September 2026: 1,278 applications 10. October 2026: 355 applications ## How to read Applications and Decisions Each traffic area publishes its own issue, usually every week, with a number and a date. A new application appears first under applications received. Statutory objectors (the police, local authorities and some trade bodies and unions) can object within 21 days of publication; the issue prints that objection deadline. The decision follows in a later issue, as a grant or a refusal. Bus and coach (PSV) operators appear in a separate weekly bulletin, Notices and Proceedings, which we read in the same way: their grants are in [new operator licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences). Public inquiries listed in either bulletin are on [upcoming public inquiries](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries); licences revoked, surrendered or terminated have their own monthly lists at [licences revoked, surrendered or terminated](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licences-ended). Companies are named. Sole traders and partnerships are counted, not named, because their operator name is usually a person’s name. ## More data and tools - [**Upcoming public inquiries** Traffic Commissioner public inquiries listed for companies, by traffic area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries) - [**Haulier insolvency watch** Licences held by companies in liquidation or administration.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch) - [**Companies House filing watch** Hauliers whose accounts are overdue at Companies House.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/filing-watch) - [**Continuation dates by month** Which operator licences are due for continuation, and when.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) - [**DVSA earned recognition list** Operators in DVSA's earned recognition scheme, by traffic area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/earned-recognition) - [**Data status** How old each source is and when we last checked it.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) - [**New operator licences granted** Every new goods and PSV licence granted, month by month, with the companies named.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences) - [**Licences revoked, surrendered or terminated** Licences the Traffic Commissioners list each month as revoked, surrendered or terminated, in their own wording.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licences-ended) - [**Traffic Commissioner decisions** Revocations, refusals, warnings and curtailments decided by the Traffic Commissioners, by outcome and area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/tc-decisions) Guides - [Applications and Decisions explained](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/applications-and-decisions) - [How to get an operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-get-an-operator-licence) - [Operating centre rules](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operating-centre-rules) DVSA file 7 Oct 2026 Source: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, read 8 October 2026. We last checked DVSA for a newer file on 8 October 2026. [How we read it](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology) Traffic Commissioner decisions and weekly publications: Office of the Traffic Commissioner on GOV.UK. Insolvency notices: The Gazette. Contains public sector information licensed under the [Open Government Licence v3.0](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/). --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains Companies House data. Contains information from The Gazette licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "New operator licences granted" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences.md dvsa_file_date: 2026-10-07 publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # New operator licences granted > 3,795 new goods and PSV operator licences granted in 10 months, by traffic area and licence type. Latest: 407 in September 2026. Source: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026 (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records). Traffic Commissioner notices Every new goods vehicle and PSV operator licence published as granted in the weekly Applications and Decisions and Notices and Proceedings, month by month since January 2026. Companies by name, each linked to the GOV.UK notice it came from. In September 2026 the Traffic Commissioners granted **407** new operator licences in Great Britain, most in East of England (102). 354 went to companies. - **Granted since January 2026:** 3,795 - **Granted in September 2026:** 407 - **To companies:** 88% - **PSV (bus and coach):** 261 ## Licences granted by month By the month the grant was published. The latest month is still filling up: new issues come out every week. New operator licences granted per month, Great Britain 1. January 2026: 311 licences 2. February 2026: 400 licences 3. March 2026: 439 licences 4. April 2026: 421 licences 5. May 2026: 364 licences 6. June 2026: 428 licences 7. July 2026: 475 licences 8. August 2026: 406 licences 9. September 2026: 407 licences 10. October 2026: 144 licences - [**October 2026** 144 licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences/2026-10) - [**September 2026** 407 licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences/2026-09) - [**August 2026** 406 licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences/2026-08) - [**July 2026** 475 licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences/2026-07) - [**June 2026** 428 licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences/2026-06) - [**May 2026** 364 licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences/2026-05) - [**April 2026** 421 licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences/2026-04) - [**March 2026** 439 licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences/2026-03) - [**February 2026** 400 licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences/2026-02) - [**January 2026** 311 licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences/2026-01) [Download every named grant (CSV)](https://haulierscope.co.uk/data/new-operator-licences.csv) [Atom feed of new licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/feeds/families/new-operator-licences.xml) ## Where new licences are granted All grants since January 2026, by the traffic area that published them. Open an area for its latest Applications and Decisions. New licences granted by traffic area 1. [East of England **833** licences, 22%](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions/east-of-england) 2. [North East of England **553** licences, 15%](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions/north-east-of-england) 3. [North West of England **545** licences, 14%](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions/north-west-of-england) 4. [West of England **517** licences, 14%](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions/west-of-england) 5. [West Midlands **511** licences, 13%](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions/west-midlands) 6. [London and the South East of England **416** licences, 11%](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions/london-and-the-south-east-of-england) 7. [Scotland **219** licences, 6%](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions/scotland) 8. [Wales **201** licences, 5%](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions/wales) New licences granted per traffic area since January 2026 Boundaries: ONS, OGL v3. Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2023. ## Latest grants to companies The 15 most recent of 354 company grants in September 2026. [See all of September 2026](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences/2026-09). | Operator | Licence | Traffic area | Source | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Kds Scaffolding North West Ltd | OG2089536 R | Wales | [A&D 8977](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abd8aaaefad0f1df672280f/ad_8977_30_September_2026_.pdf) 30 Sep 2026 Applications and Decisions (PDF on GOV.UK) | | [S A Morgan Ai Feibion Cyf](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/og2092277) Company 13876494 | [OG2092277](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/og2092277) SN | Wales | [A&D 8977](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abd8aaaefad0f1df672280f/ad_8977_30_September_2026_.pdf) 30 Sep 2026 Applications and Decisions (PDF on GOV.UK) | | [Morrlec Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/og2091794) Company 11367341 | [OG2091794](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/og2091794) R | Wales | [A&D 8977](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abd8aaaefad0f1df672280f/ad_8977_30_September_2026_.pdf) 30 Sep 2026 Applications and Decisions (PDF on GOV.UK) | | [Metalwash Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/metalwash-limited-03022524) Company 03022524 | [OG2092897](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/og2092897) SN | Wales | [A&D 8977](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abd8aaaefad0f1df672280f/ad_8977_30_September_2026_.pdf) 30 Sep 2026 Applications and Decisions (PDF on GOV.UK) | | [Aprolis UK Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/aprolis-uk-limited-02550150) Company 02550150 | [OG2093263](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/og2093263) R | Wales | [A&D 8977](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abd8aaaefad0f1df672280f/ad_8977_30_September_2026_.pdf) 30 Sep 2026 Applications and Decisions (PDF on GOV.UK) | | [Benfield L Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ob2093950) Company 17292127 | [OB2093950](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ob2093950) R | North East of England | [A&D 6728](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abd8bcd26660e5f62a7f1a2/ad_6728_30_September_2026_.pdf) 30 Sep 2026 Applications and Decisions (PDF on GOV.UK) | | [Jupiter Utility Management Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ob2092745) Company 14934829 | [OB2092745](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ob2092745) R | North East of England | [A&D 6728](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abd8bcd26660e5f62a7f1a2/ad_6728_30_September_2026_.pdf) 30 Sep 2026 Applications and Decisions (PDF on GOV.UK) | | [Jd Robinson's Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ob2091129) Company 15324463 | [OB2091129](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ob2091129) SN | North East of England | [A&D 6728](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abd8bcd26660e5f62a7f1a2/ad_6728_30_September_2026_.pdf) 30 Sep 2026 Applications and Decisions (PDF on GOV.UK) | | [Pco Manufacturing Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ob2092945) Company 16904934 | [OB2092945](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ob2092945) R | North East of England | [A&D 6728](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abd8bcd26660e5f62a7f1a2/ad_6728_30_September_2026_.pdf) 30 Sep 2026 Applications and Decisions (PDF on GOV.UK) | | [Mvp Logistics Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/mvp-logistics-ltd-15472200) Company 15472200 | [OB2090504](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ob2090504) SN | North East of England | [A&D 6728](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abd8bcd26660e5f62a7f1a2/ad_6728_30_September_2026_.pdf) 30 Sep 2026 Applications and Decisions (PDF on GOV.UK) | | [HT3 Transport Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ob2091403) Company 16927191 | [OB2091403](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ob2091403) SN | North East of England | [A&D 6728](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abd8bcd26660e5f62a7f1a2/ad_6728_30_September_2026_.pdf) 30 Sep 2026 Applications and Decisions (PDF on GOV.UK) | | [Hs & Brothers Haulage Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ob2093799) Company 17278283 | [OB2093799](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ob2093799) SI | North East of England | [A&D 6728](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abd8bcd26660e5f62a7f1a2/ad_6728_30_September_2026_.pdf) 30 Sep 2026 Applications and Decisions (PDF on GOV.UK) | | [Pearce Hayter Developments Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/of2088529) Company 13188714 | [OF2088529](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/of2088529) R | East of England | [A&D 5607](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abd88f026660e5f62a7f1a1/ad_5607_30_September_2026.pdf) 30 Sep 2026 Applications and Decisions (PDF on GOV.UK) | | [G. P. Marketing Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/company/g-p-marketing-limited-ni028901) Company NI028901 | [OF2093621](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/of2093621) R | East of England | [A&D 5607](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abd88f026660e5f62a7f1a1/ad_5607_30_September_2026.pdf) 30 Sep 2026 Applications and Decisions (PDF on GOV.UK) | | [Green Reach Scaffolding Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/of2091191) Company 16952784 | [OF2091191](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/of2091191) R | East of England | [A&D 5607](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abd88f026660e5f62a7f1a1/ad_5607_30_September_2026.pdf) 30 Sep 2026 Applications and Decisions (PDF on GOV.UK) | Plus 53 grants for sole traders, partnerships or applicants the notice did not name: counted, not named. ## About this list A new operator licence is granted by the Traffic Commissioner for the traffic area where the operator keeps its vehicles. Each grant is printed in that area’s weekly Applications and Decisions (goods vehicles) or Notices and Proceedings (buses and coaches). We read every issue and list each grant once, in the month it was published. A grant does not always mean the licence is in use yet: the holder must pay the issue fee first, and a grant the holder does not take up is published later as “grant not taken up”. An issued licence then appears in the DVSA operator licence file, where its page here shows status, vehicles and operating centres. Month pages are indexed for search when they name at least 10 companies. Suppliers to new operators (leasing, insurance, telematics, fuel cards, compliance) use these lists to find new hauliers; the CSV and the Atom feed carry the same named rows. ## More data and tools - [**Upcoming public inquiries** Traffic Commissioner public inquiries listed for companies, by traffic area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries) - [**Haulier insolvency watch** Licences held by companies in liquidation or administration.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch) - [**Companies House filing watch** Hauliers whose accounts are overdue at Companies House.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/filing-watch) - [**Continuation dates by month** Which operator licences are due for continuation, and when.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) - [**DVSA earned recognition list** Operators in DVSA's earned recognition scheme, by traffic area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/earned-recognition) - [**Data status** How old each source is and when we last checked it.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) - [**Applications and Decisions by area** The latest weekly bulletin in each traffic area: new applications, objection deadlines, grants and refusals.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions) - [**Licences revoked, surrendered or terminated** Licences the Traffic Commissioners list each month as revoked, surrendered or terminated, in their own wording.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licences-ended) - [**Traffic Commissioner decisions** Revocations, refusals, warnings and curtailments decided by the Traffic Commissioners, by outcome and area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/tc-decisions) Guides - [How to get an operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/how-to-get-an-operator-licence) - [Applications and Decisions explained](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/applications-and-decisions) - [Financial standing rules](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/financial-standing) DVSA file 7 Oct 2026 Source: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, read 8 October 2026. We last checked DVSA for a newer file on 8 October 2026. [How we read it](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology) Traffic Commissioner decisions and weekly publications: Office of the Traffic Commissioner on GOV.UK. Insolvency notices: The Gazette. Contains public sector information licensed under the [Open Government Licence v3.0](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/). Traffic Commissioner notices published up to 8 October 2026. --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains Companies House data. Contains information from The Gazette licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Operator licences revoked, surrendered or terminated" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/licences-ended markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/licences-ended.md dvsa_file_date: 2026-10-07 publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Operator licences revoked, surrendered or terminated > 4,766 licences published as revoked (991), surrendered (1,718) or terminated (2,057) by the Traffic Commissioners, month by month. Source: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026 (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records). Traffic Commissioner notices The licences the Traffic Commissioners list each week as revoked, surrendered or terminated, month by month since January 2026, in the official wording, with the bulletin number and a link to the GOV.UK document. In September 2026 the Traffic Commissioners published **453** operator licences as revoked (92), surrendered (161) or terminated (200). - **Published since January 2026:** 4,766 - **Revoked:** 991 - **Surrendered:** 1,718 - **Terminated:** 2,057 ## By month By the month the notice was published. Open a month for every company listed, with the official wording. Licences published as revoked, surrendered or terminated, per month 1. January 2026: 526 licences 2. February 2026: 583 licences 3. March 2026: 535 licences 4. April 2026: 529 licences 5. May 2026: 615 licences 6. June 2026: 535 licences 7. July 2026: 473 licences 8. August 2026: 460 licences 9. September 2026: 453 licences 10. October 2026: 57 licences - [**October 2026** 57 licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licences-ended/2026-10) - [**September 2026** 453 licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licences-ended/2026-09) - [**August 2026** 460 licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licences-ended/2026-08) - [**July 2026** 473 licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licences-ended/2026-07) - [**June 2026** 535 licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licences-ended/2026-06) - [**May 2026** 615 licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licences-ended/2026-05) - [**April 2026** 529 licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licences-ended/2026-04) - [**March 2026** 535 licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licences-ended/2026-03) - [**February 2026** 583 licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licences-ended/2026-02) - [**January 2026** 526 licences](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licences-ended/2026-01) ## By traffic area Every entry since January 2026, by the traffic area that published it. Licences revoked, terminated or surrendered, by traffic area Revoked Terminated Surrendered - East of England 984 licences: 248 revoked, 403 terminated, 333 surrendered - North East of England 699 licences: 136 revoked, 289 terminated, 274 surrendered - West of England 698 licences: 128 revoked, 300 terminated, 270 surrendered - North West of England 621 licences: 142 revoked, 266 terminated, 213 surrendered - West Midlands 583 licences: 134 revoked, 244 terminated, 205 surrendered - London and the South East of England 569 licences: 110 revoked, 227 terminated, 232 surrendered - Scotland 343 licences: 62 revoked, 164 terminated, 117 surrendered - Wales 269 licences: 31 revoked, 164 terminated, 74 surrendered ## September 2026 327 companies and organisations were named in September 2026. [See the full list for September 2026](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licences-ended/2026-09). ## What the notices say - **Revoked:** The Traffic Commissioner revoked (cancelled) the licence. These rows come from the section “Licences Revoked” of the weekly notices. Revocations decided at a public inquiry are published as inquiry decisions: see [Traffic Commissioner decisions](https://haulierscope.co.uk/tc-decisions) and [public inquiries](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries). - **Surrendered:** The holder gave the licence up. A surrender is the holder’s own step, for example when a business closes, moves its vehicles to another licence or changes its legal entity. - **Terminated:** The licence came to an end. The notice does not give the reason. Each row quotes the heading it was printed under, its section number, the issue number and date, and links the GOV.UK PDF, so every entry can be checked against the original. Sole traders and partnerships are counted, never named. **Is this your company?** Each row has a link to add a statement or tell us about an error; reviewed statements are published beside the record. [Is this your company? Report an error or add a statement](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections#statement&from=%2Flicences-ended). [Open data downloads](https://haulierscope.co.uk/data) ## More data and tools - [**Upcoming public inquiries** Traffic Commissioner public inquiries listed for companies, by traffic area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries) - [**Haulier insolvency watch** Licences held by companies in liquidation or administration.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch) - [**Companies House filing watch** Hauliers whose accounts are overdue at Companies House.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/filing-watch) - [**Continuation dates by month** Which operator licences are due for continuation, and when.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) - [**DVSA earned recognition list** Operators in DVSA's earned recognition scheme, by traffic area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/earned-recognition) - [**Data status** How old each source is and when we last checked it.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) - [**Applications and Decisions by area** The latest weekly bulletin in each traffic area: new applications, objection deadlines, grants and refusals.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions) - [**New operator licences granted** Every new goods and PSV licence granted, month by month, with the companies named.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences) - [**Traffic Commissioner decisions** Revocations, refusals, warnings and curtailments decided by the Traffic Commissioners, by outcome and area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/tc-decisions) Guides - [What curtailed, suspended and revoked mean](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked) - [Applications and Decisions explained](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/applications-and-decisions) - [How to vet a haulier](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/vet-a-haulier) DVSA file 7 Oct 2026 Source: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, read 8 October 2026. We last checked DVSA for a newer file on 8 October 2026. [How we read it](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology) Traffic Commissioner decisions and weekly publications: Office of the Traffic Commissioner on GOV.UK. Insolvency notices: The Gazette. Contains public sector information licensed under the [Open Government Licence v3.0](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/). Traffic Commissioner notices published up to 8 October 2026. --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/licences-ended Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains Companies House data. Contains information from The Gazette licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Traffic Commissioner decisions" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/tc-decisions markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/tc-decisions.md dvsa_file_date: 2026-10-07 publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Traffic Commissioner decisions > Revocations, refusals, formal warnings and curtailments published by the Traffic Commissioners, with appeal status and GOV.UK links. Source: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026 (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records). Traffic Commissioners Revocations, refusals, formal warnings, curtailments and disqualifications decided by the Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain, by outcome and traffic area, each linked to the decision on GOV.UK. Published up to 24 September 2026. The Traffic Commissioners have published **222** written regulatory decisions on GOV.UK: 31 revocations, 58 licence holder disqualified, 47 application refused and more; 6 under appeal or stayed. - **Decisions:** 222 - **Revocations:** 31 - **Under appeal or stayed:** 6 - **Latest published:** 24 Sep 2026 ## By outcome GOV.UK’s outcome label for each decision. One decision has one headline outcome. Traffic Commissioner decisions by outcome 1. Licence holder disqualified **58** decisions, 26% 2. Application refused **47** decisions, 21% 3. Licence revoked **31** decisions, 14% 4. Formal warning **23** decisions, 10% 5. Conditions imposed on the licence **20** decisions, 9% 6. Licence curtailed or authorisation reduced **11** decisions, 5% 7. Licence suspended **8** decisions, 4% 8. Impounded vehicle not returned **6** decisions, 3% 9. Application granted with conditions **4** decisions, 2% 10. Application withdrawn **3** decisions, 1% 11. Application granted as applied for **2** decisions, 0.9% 12. Loss of repute **2** decisions, 0.9% 13. Application granted in part **2** decisions, 0.9% 14. Transport manager disqualified **2** decisions, 0.9% 15. Impounded vehicle returned **1** decision, 0.5% 16. No action taken **1** decision, 0.5% 17. Penalty imposed (Transport Act 2000) **1** decision, 0.5% ## By traffic area The Traffic Commissioner region that made the decision. Open an area for all of its decisions. Decisions by traffic area 1. [North West of England **51** decisions, 23%](https://haulierscope.co.uk/tc-decisions/north-west-of-england) 2. [East of England **49** decisions, 22%](https://haulierscope.co.uk/tc-decisions/east-of-england) 3. [West of England **36** decisions, 16%](https://haulierscope.co.uk/tc-decisions/west-of-england) 4. [West Midlands **25** decisions, 11%](https://haulierscope.co.uk/tc-decisions/west-midlands) 5. [Scotland **20** decisions, 9%](https://haulierscope.co.uk/tc-decisions/scotland) 6. [London and the South East of England **18** decisions, 8%](https://haulierscope.co.uk/tc-decisions/london-and-the-south-east-of-england) 7. [Wales **15** decisions, 7%](https://haulierscope.co.uk/tc-decisions/wales) 8. [North East of England **8** decisions, 4%](https://haulierscope.co.uk/tc-decisions/north-east-of-england) Traffic Commissioner decisions per traffic area Boundaries: ONS, OGL v3. Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2023. Decisions by year of the decision 1. 2020: 1 decisions 2. 2025: 115 decisions 3. 2026: 106 decisions ## Latest decisions about companies The 30 most recent decisions that name a company or organisation, newest decision date first. | Operator | Outcome | Traffic area | Decision date | Licence | Source | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [City Transport Operations Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/pb2024186) Company 11768295 | Licence holder disqualified | North East of England | 10 Sep 2026 | [PB2024186](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/pb2024186) | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-city-transport-operations-ltd-formerly-a-and-a-coach-travel-ltd-pb2024186) published 10 Sep 2026 | | [Bjl Skip Hire Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oc2070249) Company 14801022 | Licence revoked | North West of England | 9 Sep 2026 | [OC2070249](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oc2070249) | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-bjl-skip-hire-limited-oc2070249) published 23 Sep 2026 | | Sdl Pellets Limited | Application refused | West of England | 1 Sep 2026 | OH2092383 | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-sdl-pellets-ltd-oh2092383) published 24 Sep 2026 | | [All Wright Removals Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oh2088870) Company 15942018 | Application granted as applied for | West of England | 13 Aug 2026 | [OH2088870](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oh2088870) | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-all-wright-removals-ltd-oh2088870) published 13 Aug 2026 | | [Greeth Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oc2040761) Company 10828444 | Licence revoked Stay granted pending appeal | North West of England | 13 Aug 2026 | [OC2040761](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oc2040761) | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-greeth-ltd-oc2040761) published 24 Sep 2026 | | Level Up Scaffolding Nw Ltd | Licence holder disqualified | Scotland | 11 Aug 2026 | OC2079769 | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-level-up-scaffolding-nw-ltd-oc2079769) published 23 Sep 2026 | | Ps Haulage Limited | Application refused | East of England | 5 Aug 2026 | OK2006306, OF2087688 | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-ps-haulage-limited-ok2006306-and-a1-road-haulage-limited-of2087688) published 26 Aug 2026 | | [Walls Truck Services Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/og1018489) Company 04409477 | Formal warning | Wales | 3 Aug 2026 | [OG1018489](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/og1018489) | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions?keywords=OG1018489) published 3 Aug 2026 | | K&A Drive Solutions Ltd | Licence holder disqualified | West of England | 31 Jul 2026 | OH2073774 | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions?keywords=OH2073774) published 26 Aug 2026 | | [Pioneer Transport Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/of2056573) Company 14063444 | Application refused | East of England | 28 Jul 2026 | [OF2056573](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/of2056573) | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-pioneer-transport-ltd-of2056573) published 17 Sep 2026 | | AA-Alloa-Cars-Ltd Limited | Application refused | Scotland | 27 Jul 2026 | PM2086659 | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-aa-alloa-cars-ltd-limited) published 17 Aug 2026 | | Chorley Travel Ltd | Licence holder disqualified | North West of England | 23 Jul 2026 | PC2028576 | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions?keywords=PC2028576) published 17 Aug 2026 | | Cwm Transport Ltd | Licence holder disqualified | West of England | 20 Jul 2026 | OH2001165 | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions?keywords=OH2001165) published 17 Aug 2026 | | [Dunkirk Developments Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/of2029891) Company 10649185 | Formal warning | East of England | 14 Jul 2026 | [OF2029891](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/of2029891) | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-dunkirk-developments-ltd-of2029891) published 4 Aug 2026 | | M & M Catering Supplies Ltd | Licence holder disqualified | West of England | 12 Jul 2026 | OH2061924 | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-m-and-m-catering-supplies-ltd-oh2061924) published 13 Aug 2026 | | [Ktaurus Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/of2014453) Company 10229671 | Formal warning | East of England | 9 Jul 2026 | [OF2014453](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/of2014453) | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-ktaurus-ltd-of2014453) published 9 Jul 2026 | | Nored Transport Ltd | Licence revoked | East of England | 9 Jul 2026 | OF1137478 | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions?keywords=OF1137478) published 17 Aug 2026 | | [Kingpin Recycling Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/od2017644) Company 11578988 | Licence curtailed or authorisation reduced | West Midlands | 29 Jun 2026 | [OD2017644](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/od2017644) | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-kingpin-recycling-ltd-od2017644) published 22 Jul 2026 | | Hulk Express Transport Ltd | Application refused | North West of England | 25 Jun 2026 | OC2078489 | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-hulk-express-transport-limited-oc2078489) published 22 Jul 2026 | | [Transriky & Son Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/of2052975) Company 11020977 | Licence suspended | East of England | 23 Jun 2026 | [OF2052975](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/of2052975) | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-transriky-and-son-ltd-of2052975) published 9 Jul 2026 | | Lztrans Limited | Licence curtailed or authorisation reduced | Scotland | 19 Jun 2026 | OM2041945 | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-lztrans-limited-om2041945) published 17 Sep 2026 | | Mr Scaffolding (UK) Ltd | Licence revoked | West Midlands | 15 Jun 2026 | OD1126325 | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-mr-scaffolding-uk-limited-od1126325) published 24 Sep 2026 | | Srb Express Ltd | Licence holder disqualified | East of England | 14 Jun 2026 | OF2037352 | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-srb-express-ltd-of2037352) published 4 Aug 2026 | | Ian Hyatt Transport Ltd | Licence holder disqualified | North West of England | 11 Jun 2026 | OC1050284 | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-ian-hyatt-transport-ltd-oc1050284) published 9 Jul 2026 | | East Lancashire Motors Ltd | Formal warning | North West of England | 5 Jun 2026 | PC2018449, PC1133454 | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-east-lancashire-motors-limited-pc2018449-and-red-rose-travel-lancashire-ltd-pc1133454) published 10 Jul 2026 | | [Watermill Coaches Limited](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/pm1012789) Company SC235065 | Formal warning | Scotland | 4 Jun 2026 | [PM1012789](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/pm1012789) | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-watermill-coaches-ltd-pm1012789) published 10 Jul 2026 | | [Wearetransport Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oh2063566) Company 09423713 | Application granted with conditions | West of England | 3 Jun 2026 | [OH2063566](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/oh2063566) | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-wearetransport-ltd-oh2063566) published 9 Jul 2026 | | [Deadcert Recovery Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ok2078662) Company 13456073 | Formal warning | London and the South East of England | 2 Jun 2026 | [OK2078662](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ok2078662) | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-deadcert-recovery-limited-ok2078662) published 9 Jul 2026 | | [Cambabest Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/od0203905) Company 01382432 | Application refused | West Midlands | 1 Jun 2026 | [OD0203905](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/od0203905) | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-cambabest-ltd-od0203905) published 9 Jul 2026 | | [King Concrete Pumping Ltd](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ok2075460) Company 15319280 | Conditions imposed on the licence | London and the South East of England | 1 Jun 2026 | [OK2075460](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licence/ok2075460) | [GOV.UK decision](https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-king-concrete-pumping-limited-ok2075460) published 9 Jul 2026 | Plus 127 decisions for sole traders, partnerships, individuals or licences we cannot tie to a company: counted, not named. [Download the named decisions (CSV)](https://haulierscope.co.uk/data/tc-decisions.csv) ## About these decisions The Traffic Commissioners publish their written regulatory decisions on GOV.UK: the outcome of a public inquiry or of an application they decided without one. The outcome shown is GOV.UK’s own label for the decision. A decision can be appealed to the Upper Tribunal; when GOV.UK records an appeal or a stay, we show it beside the outcome. A decision is listed by name when every licence in it belongs to a company or other organisation. The other 127 decisions concern sole traders, partnerships, individual transport managers, impounded vehicles, or licences we cannot tie to a company: they are counted in the figures above, not named. Upcoming hearings are on [public inquiries](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries); licences the weekly notices list as revoked, surrendered or terminated are on [their monthly lists](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licences-ended). ## More data and tools - [**Upcoming public inquiries** Traffic Commissioner public inquiries listed for companies, by traffic area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries) - [**Haulier insolvency watch** Licences held by companies in liquidation or administration.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch) - [**Companies House filing watch** Hauliers whose accounts are overdue at Companies House.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/filing-watch) - [**Continuation dates by month** Which operator licences are due for continuation, and when.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) - [**DVSA earned recognition list** Operators in DVSA's earned recognition scheme, by traffic area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/earned-recognition) - [**Data status** How old each source is and when we last checked it.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) - [**Applications and Decisions by area** The latest weekly bulletin in each traffic area: new applications, objection deadlines, grants and refusals.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions) - [**New operator licences granted** Every new goods and PSV licence granted, month by month, with the companies named.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences) - [**Licences revoked, surrendered or terminated** Licences the Traffic Commissioners list each month as revoked, surrendered or terminated, in their own wording.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licences-ended) Guides - [What happens at a public inquiry](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/traffic-commissioner-public-inquiry) - [What curtailed, suspended and revoked mean](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked) - [Transport manager rules](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/transport-manager-cpc) DVSA file 7 Oct 2026 Source: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, read 8 October 2026. We last checked DVSA for a newer file on 8 October 2026. [How we read it](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology) Traffic Commissioner decisions and weekly publications: Office of the Traffic Commissioner on GOV.UK. Insolvency notices: The Gazette. Contains public sector information licensed under the [Open Government Licence v3.0](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/). --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/tc-decisions Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains Companies House data. Contains information from The Gazette licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "State of the GB operator licence register 2026" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/reports/state-of-the-register-2026 markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/reports/state-of-the-register-2026.md dvsa_file_date: 2026-10-07 publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # State of the GB operator licence register 2026 > 69,029 operator licences; 3,651 granted and 4,709 revoked, surrendered or terminated in January to September 2026. Data report with charts and CSV. Source: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026 (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records). Data report The register of goods vehicle and bus and coach operator licences in numbers: who holds licences, how big their fleets are, and what the Traffic Commissioners granted and ended in January to September 2026. Every figure is dated and comes from public-sector open data; the CSV carries all of them. Great Britain has **69,029** operator licences. In January to September 2026 3,651 new licences were granted and 4,709 were published as revoked, surrendered or terminated. - **Licences:** 69,029 - **Vehicles authorised:** 689,973 - **Granted, January–September 2026:** 3,651 - **Revoked, surrendered, terminated:** 4,709 ## Key findings 1. The DVSA file dated 7 October 2026 lists **69,029** operator licences: 63,956 goods vehicle and 5,073 PSV, authorising 689,973 vehicles. 2. 42% of goods licences authorise **two lorries or fewer**; the median goods licence authorises 3. 3. 48% of goods licences are **restricted** (own goods only); the rest allow carrying goods for hire or reward. 4. In January to September 2026 the Traffic Commissioners granted **3,651** new licences and published **4,709** as revoked, surrendered or terminated: about 13 ended for every 10 granted. 5. 967 licences were revoked, 1,685 surrendered and 2,057 terminated; 977 public inquiries were listed. 6. East of England granted the most new licences: **808**, 22% of Great Britain’s. 7. **228** licence-holding companies were in liquidation or administration at Companies House (0.5% of 47,601 checked). 8. **200** operators are on DVSA’s earned recognition list; their licences authorise 12% of all vehicles. ## The register today Licences by type, DVSA file 7 October 2026 - Restricted goods **30,701** 44% - Standard National goods **23,518** 34% - Standard International goods **9,737** 14% - Standard National PSV **2,184** 3% - Standard International PSV **1,686** 2% - Restricted PSV **1,203** 2% Licences by holder 1. Companies (limited companies and LLPs) **53,882** licences, 78% 2. Sole traders and partnerships **14,637** licences, 21% 3. Public bodies, charities and other organisations **510** licences, 0.7% Status in the file: 68,494 valid, 519 curtailed, 16 suspended. ## Fleet sizes Vehicles authorised per licence. Most licences are small: the big fleets sit on a few hundred licences. Goods vehicle licences by lorries authorised 1. 1 vehicles: 13,450 licences 2. 2 vehicles: 13,364 licences 3. 3–5 vehicles: 17,370 licences 4. 6–10 vehicles: 9,687 licences 5. 11–25 vehicles: 6,044 licences 6. 26–50 vehicles: 2,340 licences 7. 51–100 vehicles: 1,059 licences 8. 100+ vehicles: 641 licences Median 3. 42% authorise one or two. PSV licences by vehicles authorised 1. 1 vehicles: 933 licences 2. 2 vehicles: 1,210 licences 3. 3–5 vehicles: 890 licences 4. 6–10 vehicles: 755 licences 5. 11–25 vehicles: 753 licences 6. 26–50 vehicles: 298 licences 7. 51–100 vehicles: 115 licences 8. 100+ vehicles: 119 licences Median 4. [Biggest haulage companies](https://haulierscope.co.uk/biggest/haulage-companies) · [Biggest coach and bus operators](https://haulierscope.co.uk/biggest/coach-and-bus-operators) ## Granted and ended, January to September 2026 By the month the Traffic Commissioners published the notice (624 weekly issues read). Each licence counts once per type and month. New licences granted per month 1. January 2026: 311 licences 2. February 2026: 400 licences 3. March 2026: 439 licences 4. April 2026: 421 licences 5. May 2026: 364 licences 6. June 2026: 428 licences 7. July 2026: 475 licences 8. August 2026: 406 licences 9. September 2026: 407 licences Licences ended per month Revoked Terminated Surrendered - January 2026 526 licences: 149 revoked, 253 terminated, 124 surrendered - February 2026 583 licences: 132 revoked, 225 terminated, 226 surrendered - March 2026 535 licences: 114 revoked, 244 terminated, 177 surrendered - April 2026 529 licences: 154 revoked, 233 terminated, 142 surrendered - May 2026 615 licences: 107 revoked, 233 terminated, 275 surrendered - June 2026 535 licences: 73 revoked, 247 terminated, 215 surrendered - July 2026 473 licences: 82 revoked, 217 terminated, 174 surrendered - August 2026 460 licences: 64 revoked, 205 terminated, 191 surrendered - September 2026 453 licences: 92 revoked, 200 terminated, 161 surrendered Licences granted and ended per month, January to September 2026 | Month | Applications | Granted | Revoked | Surrendered | Terminated | Inquiries listed | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [January 2026](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences/2026-01) | 486 | 311 | 149 | 124 | 253 | 127 | | [February 2026](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences/2026-02) | 651 | 400 | 132 | 226 | 225 | 114 | | [March 2026](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences/2026-03) | 607 | 439 | 114 | 177 | 244 | 109 | | [April 2026](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences/2026-04) | 637 | 421 | 154 | 142 | 233 | 103 | | [May 2026](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences/2026-05) | 602 | 364 | 107 | 275 | 233 | 103 | | [June 2026](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences/2026-06) | 580 | 428 | 73 | 215 | 247 | 107 | | [July 2026](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences/2026-07) | 675 | 475 | 82 | 174 | 217 | 108 | | [August 2026](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences/2026-08) | 537 | 406 | 64 | 191 | 205 | 106 | | [September 2026](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences/2026-09) | 590 | 407 | 92 | 161 | 200 | 100 | ## By traffic area Operator licences by traffic area 1. [East of England **13,140** licences, 19%](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/east-of-england) 2. [North East of England **10,300** licences, 15%](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/north-east-of-england) 3. [West of England **9,827** licences, 14%](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/west-of-england) 4. [North West of England **9,396** licences, 14%](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/north-west-of-england) 5. [West Midlands **8,093** licences, 12%](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/west-midlands) 6. [London and the South East of England **7,914** licences, 11%](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/london-and-the-south-east-of-england) 7. [Scotland **5,632** licences, 8%](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/scotland) 8. [Wales **4,727** licences, 7%](https://haulierscope.co.uk/area/wales) Licences per traffic area, DVSA file 7 October 2026 Boundaries: ONS, OGL v3. Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2023. Licences and notices by traffic area, January to September 2026 | Traffic area | Licences | Vehicles | Granted | Ended | Inquiries listed | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [East of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions/east-of-england) | 13,140 | 133,827 | 808 | 979 | 158 | | [London and the South East of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions/london-and-the-south-east-of-england) | 7,914 | 86,632 | 386 | 559 | 115 | | [North East of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions/north-east-of-england) | 10,300 | 106,309 | 537 | 697 | 186 | | [North West of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions/north-west-of-england) | 9,396 | 94,671 | 533 | 608 | 123 | | [Scotland](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions/scotland) | 5,632 | 61,307 | 210 | 338 | 54 | | [Wales](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions/wales) | 4,727 | 36,427 | 197 | 269 | 63 | | [West Midlands](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions/west-midlands) | 8,093 | 74,980 | 496 | 573 | 160 | | [West of England](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions/west-of-england) | 9,827 | 95,820 | 484 | 686 | 118 | ## Companies behind the licences Limited companies holding a licence, by their status at Companies House on 30 September 2026. Companies whose name does not match the register are left out. Licence-holding companies by Companies House status 1. Active **46,763** companies, 98% 2. Strike-off proposed **385** companies, 0.8% 3. Not on the register **193** companies, 0.4% 4. In liquidation **174** companies, 0.4% 5. In administration **54** companies, 0.1% 6. Voluntary arrangement **32** companies, 0.1% - **200** operators on DVSA’s earned recognition list, 1 October 2026 - **12%** of all vehicles authorised sit on their licences - **228** companies in liquidation or administration still holding a licence ([insolvency watch](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch)) ## Method and sources Register figures come from the DVSA operator licence file dated 7 October 2026 (every licence in the file, with its vehicles authorised). Flows come from the 624 weekly Applications and Decisions and Notices and Proceedings issues published between 1 January 2026 and 30 September 2026. A licence listed twice under the same heading in one month counts once; a public inquiry listed again in a later issue counts once. Company status comes from Companies House. Earned recognition comes from DVSA’s list. The report holds aggregates only: no sole trader or partnership is named anywhere. See [methodology](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology) for how each field is read. Please cite as: “HaulierScope, State of the GB operator licence register 2026, from DVSA and Traffic Commissioner open data” with a link to this page. The figures are free to reuse under the Open Government Licence v3.0. [Download every figure (CSV)](https://haulierscope.co.uk/data/state-of-the-register-2026.csv) [All open data downloads](https://haulierscope.co.uk/data) ## More data and tools - [**Upcoming public inquiries** Traffic Commissioner public inquiries listed for companies, by traffic area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/public-inquiries) - [**Haulier insolvency watch** Licences held by companies in liquidation or administration.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/insolvency-watch) - [**Companies House filing watch** Hauliers whose accounts are overdue at Companies House.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/filing-watch) - [**Continuation dates by month** Which operator licences are due for continuation, and when.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/continuations) - [**DVSA earned recognition list** Operators in DVSA's earned recognition scheme, by traffic area.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/earned-recognition) - [**Data status** How old each source is and when we last checked it.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/status) - [**Applications and Decisions by area** The latest weekly bulletin in each traffic area: new applications, objection deadlines, grants and refusals.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions) - [**New operator licences granted** Every new goods and PSV licence granted, month by month, with the companies named.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/new-operator-licences) - [**Licences revoked, surrendered or terminated** Licences the Traffic Commissioners list each month as revoked, surrendered or terminated, in their own wording.](https://haulierscope.co.uk/licences-ended) Guides - [Types of operator licence](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/operator-licence-types) - [Applications and Decisions explained](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/applications-and-decisions) - [What curtailed, suspended and revoked mean](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/curtailed-suspended-revoked) DVSA file 7 Oct 2026 Source: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026, read 8 October 2026. We last checked DVSA for a newer file on 8 October 2026. [How we read it](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology) Company facts: Companies House register at 30 September 2026. Contains Companies House data. Earned recognition: DVSA’s list updated 1 October 2026. Traffic Commissioner decisions and weekly publications: Office of the Traffic Commissioner on GOV.UK. Insolvency notices: The Gazette. Contains public sector information licensed under the [Open Government Licence v3.0](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/). --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/reports/state-of-the-register-2026 Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains Companies House data. Contains information from The Gazette licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "A clear reading of a public file" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/about markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/about.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # A clear reading of a public file > HaulierScope is an independent UK (Great Britain) operator licence lookup built on DVSA open data. Who we are, what we do and what we never publish. About Freight forwarders, shippers and compliance teams check that the hauliers they use hold the right operator licence. The data is public, but it comes as eight large spreadsheets that change every week. HaulierScope turns it into one page per licence, with its history. ## What we do We read each operator licence file DVSA publishes as open data, covering every goods vehicle and bus and coach operator licence in the UK (Great Britain). The newest file we hold is dated 7 October 2026 and lists 69,029 licences. We keep a dated copy of every file and compare each one with the one before, so you can see when a licence changed, not only what it says today. Looking up a licence is free and needs no account. Monitoring, a paid service for businesses, watches a list of operators and emails you when a new file shows a change. ## What we are not We are an independent service. We are not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners, and nothing here is the official register. When a decision depends on a licence, confirm it with the Office of the Traffic Commissioner. ## How we treat personal data About one licence in five belongs to a sole trader or partnership, so the operator name is a person’s name. We never store or show directors, partners, transport managers or correspondence addresses. Sole trader and partnership pages are kept out of search engines and show the town and postcode district only. Anyone named on a licence can ask us to withhold it. Read the [privacy notice](https://haulierscope.co.uk/privacy) and the [methodology](https://haulierscope.co.uk/methodology). ## Get in touch [Contact us](https://haulierscope.co.uk/contact), or use the [corrections page](https://haulierscope.co.uk/corrections) to report a mistake or object to a record. --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/about Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly. --- title: "Data sources and attribution" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/attribution markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/attribution.md dvsa_file_date: 2026-10-07 publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Data sources and attribution > The open data HaulierScope uses, its licences (including the Open Government Licence v3.0) and the attribution statements we carry. Source: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 October 2026 (https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records). Data Where our data comes from: DVSA, Traffic Commissioner, Companies House and Gazette records, and the licences they are used under. Last updated 2 October 2026 ## Operator licence data HaulierScope uses the dataset **"Traffic Commissioners: goods and public service vehicle operator licence records"**, published by the **Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)** on [data.gov.uk](https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/2a67d1ee-8f1b-43a3-8bc6-e8772d162a3c/traffic-commissioners-goods-and-public-service-vehicle-operator-licence-records). It lists goods vehicle and public service vehicle (PSV) operator licence holders in Great Britain, from the Vehicle Operator Licensing (VOL) system. DVSA says the records are updated weekly, every Sunday. We check for new files twice a day and show the date of the DVSA file on every data page. **Contains public sector information licensed under the [Open Government Licence v3.0](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/).** ### What we do with it We import each new file, check it, and present it as searchable pages. We add our own work: a history of changes between files, classification of operator types, links to Companies House, and summaries by area. To protect people's privacy, we **remove** the names of directors, partners and transport managers and the correspondence addresses, and we show only the town and postcode district for sole traders and partnerships. See our [privacy notice](https://haulierscope.co.uk/privacy). ### Independence HaulierScope is an independent service. It is **not** provided, approved or endorsed by DVSA, the Traffic Commissioners, the Office of the Traffic Commissioner or any other part of government. Our data is not an official record. To confirm a licence, use the official [Vehicle Operator Licensing search](https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/). The Open Government Licence does not cover personal data in the dataset. Our use of personal data is covered by data protection law, as set out in our [privacy notice](https://haulierscope.co.uk/privacy). ## Companies House For limited companies and LLPs we show facts from the Companies House **Free Company Data Product** (the monthly "Basic Company Data" file): company status, incorporation date, accounts and confirmation statement due dates, nature of business (SIC codes) and the registered office postcode district. Each panel shows the date of the register it comes from. We never copy officer, director or other personal details. Contains Companies House data. Companies House states that it imposes no rules or requirements on how the information in this product is used; data protection law still applies. ## DVSA earned recognition The earned recognition badge and list come from the **DVSA earned recognition operator list** published on GOV.UK. Contains public sector information licensed under the [Open Government Licence v3.0](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/). ## Traffic Commissioner publications Traffic Commissioner decisions, and entries from the weekly **Applications and Decisions** (goods) and **Notices and Proceedings** (PSV) publications, come from the Office of the Traffic Commissioner on GOV.UK. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. We store operator-level facts only (licence number, date, type of entry, link to the official document) and never the names of individuals. ## The Gazette Corporate insolvency notices come from **The Gazette**, the UK's official public record, matched to operators by company number only. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. We follow The Gazette's fair-use and crawling rules. ## County lookup County pages use the ONS Postcode Directory (August 2026). Source: Office for National Statistics licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2026. Contains Royal Mail data © Royal Mail copyright and database right 2026. ## Our own content Our guides, change reports, design and software are our own work and are not covered by the Open Government Licence. See our [terms](https://haulierscope.co.uk/terms). ## No logos We do not use the logos or crests of DVSA, the Traffic Commissioners or GOV.UK. The Open Government Licence does not cover them. --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/attribution Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains Companies House data. Contains information from The Gazette licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly.