The government is seeking views on the introduction and design of a VAT relief on goods donated to charities to give away free of charge or use in the delivery of their services. Closes on 21/07/2025.
17/04/2025 – OTC - Senior Traffic Commissioner launches consultation to review approach in determining a driver’s suitability - GOV.UK
The purpose of the driver conduct process is to ensure lorry, bus and coach drivers are fit to drive large commercial vehicles. The Statutory Document, which guides the approach Traffic Commissioners take to regulating drivers, has remained largely unchanged for years. Closes on 29/05/2025.
17/04/2025 - OTC - Review of the Senior Traffic Commissioner’s Statutory Document: Vocational Driver Conduct
Seeking views on proposed revisions to the Senior Traffic Commissioner’s statutory document on vocational driver conduct. Closes on 29/05/2025.
Consultations which closed in April 2025
26/02/2025 - DFT - GB type approval scheme: cyber-security and software update requirements
Sought views on proposals to mandate approval of vehicles to two internationally recognised technical regulations under the GB type approval scheme. Closed on 25/04/2025
18/02/2025 - DfT - A railway fit for Britain's future
Sought views on new policies to be included in the forthcoming Railways Bill, which will enable the establishment of Great British Railways (GBR). Closed on 15/04/2025
28/03/2025 – CMA - Consultation on proposed commitments in respect of the Atlantic Joint Business Agreement
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) invited representations from third parties on commitments offered by American Airlines; subsidiaries of International Consolidated Airlines Group: British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus; and Finnair. Closed on 23/04/2025.
06/02/2025 – DfBT - UK Internal Market Act 2020: review and consultation relating to Parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 - GOV.UK
This consultation was to assess how well it is performing – i.e. has it prevented regulatory divergence across England, Scotland and Wales which would have resulted in new barriers/additional costs for UK businesses moving goods and trading within the UK internal market. Closed on 03/04/2025 .
Announcements, April 2025
28/04/2025 – DVSA - Keeping commercial vehicles safe to drive (roadworthy)
Updated to the latest version of the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness.
23/04/2025 – DVSA - Drivers’ hours and tachographs: goods vehicles
Tachograph rules – Updated section 4.3, ‘For a fixed week with no driving regulated under assimilated rules’.
22/04/2025 – DVSA - Apply for a PSV certificate of initial fitness (COIF)
Updated to include the latest version of the application form.
22/04/2025 – DVSA - Replace a bus or coach fitness, accessibility or capacity certificate
Updated to include the latest version of the application form.
22/04/2025 – DVSA - Drivers’ hours and tachographs: goods vehicles
Annex 2. Working time rules – EU rules for drivers’ hours have been replaced with assimilated rules for drivers’ hours.
22/04/2025 – DVSA - Drivers’ hours and tachographs: buses and coaches
Annex 2: Working time rules – EU rules for drivers’ hours have been replaced with assimilated rules for drivers’ hours. Updated definition of “adequate rest”.
15/04/2025 – DVSA - Changes to the drivers’ hours rules for PSV operators
New regulations came into force on 21 April which require changes to the drivers’ hours rules for PSV operators.
15/04/2025 – DVSA - Changes to the drivers’ hours rules for HGV operators
New regulations came into force on 21 April which require changes to the drivers’ hours rules for HGV operators.
16/04/2025 - HMRC - VAT road fuel scale charges from 1 May 2025 to 30 April 2026
Use these road fuel charges from 1 May 2025 on your VAT return, to account for private consumption of fuel on a business vehicle.
10/04/2025 – DfT - Replace HGV or trailer plating certificates or ministry plates
Updated to latest version of form.
10/04/2025 – DfT - The Highway Code
Updated rule 243 to clarify that drivers must not park anywhere the kerb has been lowered in Scotland. Updated rule 244 to clarify that drivers must not park partially or wholly on the pavement in Scotland.
09/04/2025 – DfT - Government backs mayor to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport
The South Yorkshire Mayor has announced a £30m devolved funding investment into reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport, in a major economic boost for the region.
09/04/2025 – OTC - Vehicle operator licence application processing times
Updated with latest figures (March 2025).
08/04/2025 – OTC - Acting Traffic Commissioner for Scotland appointed
The Secretary of State for Transport has appointed Richard Turfitt as Acting Traffic Commissioner for Scotland.
07/04/2025 – DfT - Transporting dangerous goods: ADR tunnel categories
Categories for tunnels in Great Britain when transporting dangerous goods.
01/04/2025 – Multi Department - Workers in Northern Ireland set for pay rise with new National Minimum Wage rates
The new rates come into effect from Tuesday 1 April.
01/04/2025 - DfT - How to use the HGV levy service
Levy rates increased in line with UK inflation.
