Report: Logistics UK Public Services conference – April 2025

The event was chaired by Jonathan Walker, Logistics UK's Head of Cities and Infrastructure Policy and featured the following panel discussions:

Industry panel: Effectively managing compliance challenges

Adrian Wanford, Group Transport Compliance Manager, Balfour Beatty.

Mike Jones, Head of Fleet Compliance and UK Driver Training, Veolia

This session focussed on the top queries handled by logistics UK’s Member Advice Centre for the public services sector.

- Drivers hours represented the largest percentage of queries and the panel discussion revolved around transitioning from using a log book to capture domestic drivers hours, to using the tachograph device and the challenges this presented, particularly with a large remote fleet.

- Operator licensing was the next most common subject and the discussion here related to notifying the traffic commissioner, when you need to and when you don’t.

- Driver licensing was the third most common query subject and the discussion revolved around the use of the Road Traffic Act – Section 88, a system to allow drivers to continue driving when their licence has expired during the renewal period and the risks created by utilising this.

- Driver CPC next up, with subject matter driven both by the five yearly cycle ending in September last year and the recent changes to form ‘National DCPC’ options. Discussion revolved around the operator choices made by operators and the rationale behind the decisions.

- Health and safety was the next most common topic, specifically operative abuse and the consequences. Some shocking examples of human behaviour towards work operatives were detailed, plus the resultant effect on operatives. Employee support systems and methods of managing these situations were then discussed.

The session wound up with a discussion on the use of tractors for non-agriculture activities, bridge strike challenges, the development of Logistics UK’s waste forums bridge strike best practice guide and how it is being used.

Decarbonisation case studies: hear from the operators

Stephen Offley, Transport Lead – Net Zero team, Wales and West Utilities

Richard Muirhead, Director of Commercial Services, West Mercia Police

- Stephens’s presentation revolved around the sector's need for hydrogen and zero emission vehicles, where battery electric vehicles are not best suited to the requirement to tow large commercial vehicles and various ICE powered equipment. Many of the vehicles are taken home and fleet study revealed less than 50% of their duty cycles could be carried out by battery electric while 90% could be carried out by hydrogen fuel cell. Hydrogen – either fuel cell or ICE is needed.

- Richards’s presentation focused on fleet electrification and a transition to battery electric vehicles, including the challenges and costs when considering whole life costs. The conclusion was that electric vehicles work out to be the more cost effective option. It was also confirmed that it is important to study existing vehicle cycles to understand where there are opportunities to incorporate charging, potentially partnering with other organisations to share infrastructure.

Changes to ADR exemptions

Percy Thrower, Manager - Dangerous Goods Information, Logistics UK

- Percy provided an update on dangerous goods rules which are likely to affect the sector, including limited quantities and load documentation. There was also an update on ‘small load exemptions’ which applies to many of the products transported in the sector including fuel cans, bottled gas and tins of paint.

Vehicle maintenance standards

Martin Candish, Head of Compliance Information, Logistics UK

- This session focussed on DVSA’s industry guide to maintaining roadworthiness and the recent changes, with particular focus on brake testing changes, the need for laden brake testing and the challenges this presents.

Operating passenger carrying vehicles for local authorities

Andrew Hague, Transport Manager - Fleet and Transport Services, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council

- Andrew highlighted the challenges of managing transport for passengers - with varying levels of needs - under a section 19 permit. They move 1242 passengers each day, using 320 routes. He identified that over 80 of their routes are single occupancy and combining those single occupancy journeys brings massive efficiency savings. 

-  The discussion covered training for drivers such as manual handling, safeguarding and first aid using own in house trainer. The costs detailed are considerable necessary. 

How to benefit from industry apprenticeships scheme

Annie Graham, Apprenticeship Manager, Logistics UK

- Annie started by engaging with the audience using slido (interactive audience participation app) to establish how many had apprentices. Only 20% said they did. Discussion then focussed on the level of knowledge the audience had on the specific details of aprrenticeships - such as age limits and off the job training requirements.

- She then described exactly what an apprenticeship is, why they are important and how they are funded as well as providing some top tips for choosing a provider. Annie also highlighted Logistics UK’s own level 3 apprenticeship standard for Transport Operations Supervisor.

De-risking complex public service operations: driver management, fleet control and O licence compliance

Chris Powell, Partner, Weightmans

- Chris highlighted the difference between complex public services operations compared to the private sector, asking the question - is it a square peg trying to fit into a round hole?

- He began with a history on operator licensing and highlighted that the system is best suited to goods vehicle operators. Public services have a challenging mix of many exemptions, varying drivers’ hours rules and a multitude of vehicles presenting many risks, but the same O licence conditions.

- The risks of managing drivers and being familiar with your drivers. For example would an operator know if one of their drivers is having issues at home? Fictional log book entries were also discussed as well as industrial issues associated with change.

- Work force shortages – competing with the private sector for staff.

- The move to net zero – risks associated with own workshops and alternatively fuelled vehicles.

- Notification to the transport manager – relevant convictions and matters that could affect good repute.

- Notices of intended prosecution – risk of not knowing who was behind the wheel of a company vehicle, for example a speeding offence.

- Vehicle maintenance and desk-based assessments – the differences in vehicle size, shape and type loads this area with challenges. Desk-based assessments require evidence of internal audit processes - who is checking inspection reports before filing?

- Load security and overloading – risk increased due to the varying size and shape of loads, level 5 offence for overloading, unlimited fine.

- Public/private partnerships - regulation 30 allows for the newly formed business request to operate under the umbrella of a local authority operator licence. Management and compliance becomes much more complicated and provides added risk.

- Transport manager 'musical chairs' – it was discussed how frequent movements of vehicles and managers means that if an issue crops up, the responsible TM may not have kept up to speed and seosn't realise that it has become their responsibility.

- Exemptions – are they still relevant? It's important to regularly review exemptions to ensure they are still applicable. The burden of proof sits with the individual claiming the exemption.

Sponsors

AA

Brigade

Allstar

Lex Autolease

Weightmans

Close Brothers

Logistics UK Recovery

Port of Dover

Wise

Published On: 10/04/2025 14:33:51