Institute of Transport Administration

IVA Inspection Manual for Trailers updated

Thu, 07 May 2026 11:00:00 +0000

From 11 May 2026 there will be changes in the O1–O4 IVA Inspection Manual

The key updates include:

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HGV IVA Inspection Manual update

Thu, 07 May 2026 11:00:00 +0000

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DVSA has issued guidance aimed at vehicle operators or maintenance inspectors to help with the making of consistent decisions about tyre wear, defects and damage.

The guidance provides details of how tyre defects and damage on heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), buses and trailers will be dealt with at roadside inspections and MOTs (annual tests).

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Drivers are being urged to take extra care on rural roads in May, with collisions involving deer peaking in the month.

AA Accident Assist reports that, on average, 90 members are helped a month due to deer strikes, but this increases by as much as 50% in May when compared to other months.

In May 2025, a total of 205 deer were hit by AA members, compared to a monthly average of 135.
The increase in strikes in May each year as young deer leave breeding sites is in addition to the other The Road Traffic Act 1988 does not require people to report deer strikes with the police, but

AA Accident Assist is also asking drivers to inform the

Similarly, The Deer Society warns that one deer entering the carriageway usually means others could follow, so be cautious if you spot a deer near the road.

While the spike in collisions every autumn due to rutting.

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HMRC appealing court ruling on 5% public charging VAT rate for EVs

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0000

HMRC will appeal against a court ruling that the 5% ‘domestic’ VAT rate should apply for charging an electric vehicle (EV) on the public network.

Community charge point operator, Charge My Street, had argued against the 20% rate, based on advice from tax experts at Deloitte, with the The court’s decision gave hope to drivers who rely on public infrastructure – typically those without access to off-street parking – where it is subject to the full 20% rate.

HMRC confirmed to Fleet News that it is appealing the First-tier Tribunal decision, with a spokesperson explaining the Government’s position is that “standard rate VAT applies to electricity supplied through public EV charging infrastructure”.

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Road Safety Strategy

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0000

The UK is entering one of its biggest road‑safety shake‑ups in years, with new DVLA reforms, mandatory eyesight‑testing proposals, and a government strategy aimed at cutting deaths and serious injuries by 2035.
Compliance for Safer Roads: The Latest DVLA & Government Updates Shaping UK Road Safety

The UK government has launched a series of major reforms designed to strengthen road safety, modernise driver licencing, and address long‑standing enforcement gaps.
Tougher Action on Illegal Number Plates

A key focus is the crackdown on cloned and illegal number plates, which MP’s warn are increasingly linked to wider criminal activity.
Medical Licencing Delays Under Scrutiny

The DVLA has faced criticism for delays in processing medical licensing cases, delays that have left some drivers unable to work or travel.
Mandatory Eyesight Testing for Older Drivers

One of the most talked-about proposals is the introduction of mandatory eyesight tests for drivers over 70.
The government’s 2026 Road Safety Strategy includes a consultation on making eyesight testing compulsory for older drivers, part of a broader effort to reduce collisions linked to impaired vision.
Drink‑Driving Limits Under Review

The government is also considering lowering the drink‑drive limit from 80mg to 50mg per 100ml of blood, bringing England and Wales in line with Scotland.
A New Road Safety Strategy for a New Era

Published in January 2026, the Road Safety Strategy sets out ambitious targets to reduce deaths and serious injuries by 2035.

Technology and innovation

Safer infrastructure

Robust enforcement

Post‑collision care

It also launches consultations on:

Minimum learning periods for new drivers

Mandatory eyesight testing

Motorcycle training reforms

Mandated vehicle‑safety technologies

Legislative Changes Already Underway

The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 came into force in March 2025, updating key elements of the licensing framework across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Why These Changes Matter

With an average of four lives lost every day on UK roads in 2024, the government is under pressure to deliver meaningful improvements.
further information: https://assets.

STC Statutory Document Summaries

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0000

The Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain have published Statutory Document Summaries.
The Senior Traffic Commissioner’s Statutory Documents explain the legal basis and the way traffic commissioners will approach the exercise of their statutory functions.

It is hoped that the summaries will provide a readily digestible guide to what the Senior Traffic Commissioner expects of someone in the industry, whether they are an operator licence holder, transport manager, applicant or professional driver.

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Almost 33,000 drivers have had their driving licences revoked or applications refused due to failing to meet legal eyesight standards over the past four years, according to figures, obtained via Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.
While older drivers (aged 70–79) accounted for the highest number of revocations, more than 6,500 drivers under the age of 55 also lost their licences, the research suggests.
Under current 2026 regulations, police have the authority to carry out immediate roadside eyesight tests.
Drivers who fail the '20-metre' number plate test can have their licences revoked on the spot via a fast-track notification to the DVLA.

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The Government is offering councils across England access to funding to fix bridges, flyovers and tunnels as part of a £1 billion package.
The new Councils are encouraged to submit draft applications by June 19 for early feedback, giving them the opportunity to strengthen proposals before the final deadline of August 3, 2026.
Part of a £1bn package to enhance England's road network, the Structures Fund sits within the £24bn of funding allocated at the

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Vehicle emission standards are used to set strict limits on pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NO_x) and fine particulate matter (PM) to improve air quality.

The standards are also used to define in-service conformity (ISC) testing measures to check that vehicles continue to meet the emission standards they were approved to throughout their lifetime.
In Europe, emission standards are known as Euro standards, beginning with Euro 1 for light-duty vehicles (cars and vans) and Euro I for heavy-duty vehicles (trucks, buses and coaches) in the 1990s.
Euro 7 is the EU’s latest emission standard and will apply to new light-duty vehicle models from 29 November 2026 and to new heavy-duty vehicle models from 29 May 2028.
Government are proposing to update the minimum emission standard for new light and heavy-duty vehicles in Great Britain to the Euro 7 emission standard, in line with the EU.
Responses will only be accepted if received before the closing date: 11:59pm on 25 May 2026.
The easiest way to respond is to use the Email to: Write to: International Vehicle Standards, 3rd Floor, Zone 4, Great Minster House, 33 Horseferry Rd
London SW1P 4DR

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New truck toll provider for the Netherlands

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0000

The RDW has approved Telepass as a provider for the Dutch truck toll starting 1 July 2026.
TotalEnergies is already approved, with Axxes, Eurowag, Toll4Europe, and tolltickets expected soon.

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A Cheddar-based firm with an “extensive adverse history” has had its application to run three HGVs refused for the fourth time after the traffic commissioner said there had been continuous illegal operation.

TC Kevin Rooney said he was sending his decision to Team Pro Scaffolding’s primary customer due to evidence emerging that it was operating lorries without a licence, as well as a number of questions raised about a connected business’ liquidation.

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Local authorities must do more to make coaches more welcome, says the Government, including providing parking and permitting access to bus lanes where possible.

The Government is pushing local authorities and transport planners to do more to accommodate coaches as part of its Better Connected integrated transport strategy

Following campaigning by CPT, the Department for Transport says that it expects local transport authorities to “recognise and plan for the role and contribution of coach services” in their transport strategies.

Citing research published by CPT about the £8.

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The logistics sector is being urged to treat driver mental health with the same rigour as vehicle safety, after industry leaders warned that hidden “human risk” is costing billions and driving collisions, absenteeism and spiralling insurance claims.

A new pan-European used car grading system was revealed at the latest member meeting of the Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA).

News of the initiative, which is being created by the Car Remarketing Association of Europe (CARA), was presented by Gavin Shone, head of operations at Openlane.

Work had been ongoing for four months, he explained, with stakeholders looking to similar schemes in the United Kingdom, United States and Japan.

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A new legislation has been introduced in the United Kingdom, making public sexual harassment a distinct criminal offence.
The law builds upon existing public order statutes and is specifically designed to provide improved protection for women and girls.

Read here: A clean energy hub close to the M25 for commercial fleets to charge up and rely on clean fuels has been secured by Aegis Energy.
Situated at the former Littlebrook power Station in Dartford and 1.

Dartford was chosen as a key gateway for freight travelling between London, the Midlands and continental Europe via the Port of Dover, as the only motorway-grade crossing of the River Thames east of London.

Aegis said each hub would offer bookable, high-speed electric charging alongside multi-energy alternatives, including bio-CNG and HVO and they are being designed to accommodate HGVs and vans, with space for dozens of vehicles to refuel or recharge simultaneously.

Alongside secure parking, the hub will also provide driver welfare facilities with toilets, rest areas and food services.

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