ARTICLE: Changes to van international operator licensing
In May 2022, there will be changes to the UK operator licensing regime. The expansions will include Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) operating internationally that meet the specific criteria laid out below.
Included in the new operator licensing regime:
- LCVs operating internationally, including The Republic of Ireland, weighing between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes - if a journey starts and ends in the UK and transits through a different country, e.g. the Republic of Ireland, it counts as an international journey)
- A combined van and towing trailer weight of >2.5t
- Only if operating for hire and reward
- LCV definition includes pick-ups.
Out of scope:
- LCVs that are only used domestically within the UK (including Northern Ireland)
- Vehicles that are incidentally used only as part of someone’s work, e.g. vans used by plumbers, electricians, or other tradespeople to transport themselves and their tools
- Passenger vehicles, e.g. minibuses.
Requirements for International Operator Licensing:
- A suitably qualified Transport Manager with relevant professional competencies
- LCVs to be specified on the licence
- The business must be legally established in the UK
- The operator in charge must be of good repute
- Access to a specific financial sum dependent on the size of fleet (LCVs are at a lower level than HGVs)
- LCVs must be kept in a safe and good condition at all times, with records of all safety inspections and maintenance undertaken to be stored for a minimum of 15 months
- From 1 July 2026, the fitting and use of tachographs, as well as recordings of driving and working time and compliance with the EU drivers’ hours rules, will be required under the new regime.
Government consultation and next steps
The Government carefully consulted directly with the industry to collect evidence and views on these changes to the regime within the UK. The consultation is now complete and the information gathered is being used to make final recommendations on how this mobility package will be implemented in the UK. Legislation will be communicated and a targeted consultation held, to allow representative organisations time to comment on the specific legal implementation.
This document is an overview of the changes and implications for UK operators - it should be emphasised that only LCVs operating internationally for hire and reward are affected.
Full details can be found on the Government website via this link.
