The IRTE Northern Centre commenced its new season of CPD lectures with a presentation by David Collins and Neil Lever of Traffic Law Solutions to members and guests at the Barton Manor Hotel near Preston.
David and Neil of Traffic Law Solutions began their presentation by giving the audience an insight into their history by sharing details of their careers as Traffic Officers on the Lancashire motorway network, and later as specialists within the Commercial Vehicle Unit of Lancashire Police until their retirement over a decade ago.
They discussed their experiences working alongside the DVSA, formerly known as VOSA, and liaising with the Office of the Traffic Commissioner, which inspired them to establish Traffic Law Solutions in March 2011. They recognised an opportunity to apply their skills and expertise within the transport industry as consultants, auditors, and specialist trainers. Their reputation quickly grew due to their reputation of quality, integrity, and thoroughness of their audits. This included work for operators who had previously been non-compliant and had been subject to enforcement actions by David and Neil during their time with Lancashire Police.
The audience was then guided through the audit procedures that Traffic Law Solutions follow when their services are requested due to an unsatisfactory DVSA investigation or by the operator's own decision to obtain an independent assessment of their compliance status. David Collins and Neil Lever explained how their work aligns with the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness and other key compliance publications, addressing all aspects of transport operations, including maintenance systems, driver hours compliance, the Working Time Directive, and other relevant components of their clients' transport activities.
They went on to detail the additional services they provide, not only for operators in Great Britain but also in Northern Ireland and the wider EU. These services include incident investigation, representation at Public Inquiries, reviewing prosecutions or fixed penalty actions, and delivering approved training for drivers under the CPC scheme and for Transport Managers.
The evening concluded with an engaging question and answer session between the speakers and the audience. Followed by the IRTE Northern Centre Hon. Vice Chairman, Tom Reed, expressing his gratitude to David and Neil for their insightful presentation. Hon. Chairman of the Centre, Danny Fisher, then presented the speakers with a commemorative framed certificate of appreciation on behalf of the Northern Centre committee and its members.