WHAT DOES A TRAFFIC COMMISSIONER EXPECT FROM A TRANSPORT MANAGER?

A genuine link to the operator

The traffic commissioner looks for a real relationship between the Transport Manager and the operator. For an external Transport Manager that usually means a proper service contract setting out the role. A history of very short appointments can lead to more questions.

Continuous and effective management

They expect the Transport Manager to be involved day to day, not just on paper. They should be able to manage the operation from where they are, so living abroad or at the opposite end of the country is unlikely to satisfy the test.

Enough hours

The hours declared should be realistic for the fleet. The guidance gives indicative starting points by fleet size. If a Transport Manager cannot do the job in the hours declared, they should give more time or step down.

Recent training

Evidence of recent professional development is expected in some situations. Examples include when someone has not been named on a licence for five years, when the qualification is more than ten years old, when they are named on more than one licence, and at a public inquiry. A two day Transport Manager CPC refresher course is the guidance's starting point for this evidence.

Oversight by the operator

The operator should supervise their Transport Manager too. The guidance points to monitoring maintenance checks, annual test pass rates, prohibitions, the DVSA operator compliance risk score and drivers hours compliance.

If things go wrong

A Transport Manager who is overridden by the operator should tell the operator in writing and may ultimately need to resign. See our guide on what happens if your Transport Manager leaves for the notification rules.