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Road haulage solicitors and clandestine entrants? Has your truck or load been seized by the UK authorities? Securing the return of your vehicle or load will involve complex legal wrangling. Strict time limits apply and, if the truck isn’t recovered, the authorities can legally sell or destroy the vehicle. At Smith Bowyer Clarke, our transport lawyers specialise in reclaiming vehicles and loads seized and impounded by the UK Border Force, HMRC, Police and DVSA. You can find some of our recent vehicle and load recovery cases here. The procedure for reclaiming a seized vehicle or load will depend on the reasons for the seizure and which UK enforcement agency seized your vehicle.

An Appeal to the County Court. This consists of a court hearing at which the Judge will consider all of the evidence including whether the penalty should have been imposed at all and, if so, whether it was too high. Both routes may be followed independently, or at the same time, and if a Notice of Objection fails you can still appeal to the County Court. Be warned however – strict time limits apply to the appeal process. At Smith Bowyer Clarke, our road transport lawyers regularly conduct appeals both through the review process and in the County Court and have an impressive track record of cancelled or reduced penalties.

Welcome to Smith Bowyer Clarke. We provide, simple, straightforward, and practical legal solutions to all your transport problems. How can you protect yourself and your employees? Drivers ought to receive training and be required to comply with a driver handbook. This may refer to an obligation to report accidents or incidents in the vehicle, changes to driving licences/eligibility to drive and a robust drink/drug driving policy. It is good practice to include a walk around check to avoid issues with mechanical or physical defects. Find even more info at dvsa investigations.

What Should I Do After They Have Left? When the DVSA leave you will feel as though a typhoon has struck. Do not think that you can relax once you have restored all your documentation to its proper place. Invariably the DVSA officer will have made some suggestions so ACT ON THEM. Do not stick your head in the sand because if the visit was not a happy one then the machinery will grind remorselessly on unless you have taken steps to stop it. If you haven’t already done so, your first step should be a free initial consultation with a specialist transport lawyer . They will be able to advise on what needs to be done to give you the best chance of resolving matters before they go before the Traffic Commissioner.

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