The HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) and PSV (Public Service Vehicle) sectors are critical to the UK’s logistics and passenger transport infrastructure. However, these industries face significant seasonal demand, particularly during peak retail periods, school holidays, and agricultural cycles.
To remain compliant and efficient, operators must adapt their fleet management strategies, especially when integrating hire vehicles or using traction-only services.
Understanding Seasonal Demand
Seasonal peaks, such as Christmas, Black Friday, summer holidays, and harvest seasons, can lead to sudden spikes in demand for both freight and passenger transport. This often necessitates:
Short-term vehicle hires; increased use of subcontractors; flexible scheduling and staffing and higher maintenance capacity requirements
These fluctuations can strain maintenance schedules, compliance systems, and operational oversight, increasing the risk of non-compliance with roadworthiness standards.
When hiring vehicles to meet demand surges, operators must ensure:
Pre-use inspections are conducted before the vehicle enters service; maintenance records are obtained and reviewed, the vehicle is added to the maintenance schedule immediately and that driver walk around checks are performed daily and documented.
Operators remain responsible for the roadworthiness of hired vehicles, even if maintenance is contracted out.
Traction-Only Services: Who Holds Responsibility?
Traction-only services involve using a tractor unit to haul a trailer owned by another party. According to the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness:
The operator of the tractor unit is responsible for ensuring the trailer is roadworthy when coupled. This includes access to trailer maintenance records, safety inspection documentation, and defect reporting systems. A written agreement should clarify responsibilities for maintenance and inspections. Failure to ensure trailer compliance can result in prohibitions, fixed penalties, or points on the operator’s licence.
Key Responsibilities from the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness
Vehicle Owners
Ensure vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition at all times.
Provide access to maintenance records and documentation.
Ensure any defects are rectified promptly.
Operators
Implement a robust maintenance system, including safety inspections at appropriate intervals.
Maintain records of inspections, repairs, and driver defect reports.
Ensure drivers are trained to identify and report defects.
Use Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring Systems (EBPMS) or laden roller brake tests from April 2025 onwards.
Traction-Only Operators
Verify the roadworthiness of third-party trailers.
Maintain evidence of checks and agreements with trailer owners.
Ensure drivers are briefed on the specific trailer’s condition and documentation.
Seasonal demand in the HGV and PSV sectors requires agile, compliant fleet management. Whether expanding fleets with hire vehicles or operating under traction-only arrangements, the legal and operational responsibilities remain firmly with the operator.
