A S Miles Consulting Limited

08/09/2026

🔧 Don't Underestimate The Importance of Job Sheets

Following a recent operator licence compliance audit after a DVSA maintenance investigation, one message stood out once again:
Job sheets matter.

When completed correctly, they provide valuable evidence of:
✔ When work was completed
✔ Who carried out the work
✔ Parts used during repairs
✔ Defect assessments and rectification decisions

Too often they are treated as an administrative task rather than a critical compliance document.

In maintenance investigations, robust job sheets can make the difference between demonstrating effective maintenance management and facing difficult questions from enforcement authorities.

Could your maintenance records withstand scrutiny today?



Be Safe, Compliant & Profitable

03/09/2026

Back from holiday and back in London today catching up with clients and colleagues Confederation of Passenger Transport great to see you today as well as Paul Sainthouse
A S Miles Consulting Limited

01/09/2026

⚖️ Section 88: Do Your Drivers Understand The Rules?

Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 can allow drivers to continue driving while a licence renewal or medical application is being processed by the DVLA.

However, many operators and drivers misunderstand the conditions that must be met.

Getting it wrong could result in unlawful driving and unnecessary compliance risks.

Understanding the do's and don'ts of Section 88 is essential for operators, transport managers and drivers alike.

Have you reviewed your procedures recently?



Be Safe, Compliant & Profitable

25/08/2026

☀️ Annual Leave Still Counts Towards Working Time

As summer holiday season gets underway, it's worth revisiting how annual leave should be recorded for Working Time Directive monitoring.

If you're using tachograph analysis software to calculate average weekly working time:
📌 1 week annual leave = 48 hours working time
📌 1 day annual leave = 8 hours working time

Failing to record annual leave and other absences can create incomplete records and inaccurate working time calculations.
Remember, drivers must maintain a complete record of their activities and should record annual leave as rest on their driver card using the vehicle tachograph.



Be Safe, Compliant & Profitable

18/08/2026

🚛 Do You Have a Smart Gen 2 Tachograph?

From 1st July 2026, vehicles over 2.5 tonnes used for hire and reward on international journeys must be fitted with a Smart Gen 2 Tachograph.

Not sure what’s fitted in your vehicle?
✅ Take a tachograph printout
✅ Check the top of the printout
✅ Look for "GEN 2 V2"

If it's there, you're ready for international journeys.

If not, your vehicle may require a retrofit before it can legally operate internationally.

A question every operator should ask: If only part of your fleet is compliant for international work, what controls do you have in place to ensure the correct vehicles are allocated to the correct journeys?



Be Safe, Compliant & Profitable

11/08/2026

Are Your Vehicle Files Inspection-Ready or Hiding Compliance Risks?

Well-structured and accurate records are essential for demonstrating compliance. Disorganised or incomplete files can quickly become a risk, especially during a DVSA inspection.

A simple “spring clean” can help you stay in control:
✔ Audit at least 10% of your files to check quality and consistency
✔ Remove or archive outdated records
✔ Keep a clear and consistent file structure
✔ Check for missing documents or gaps
✔ Confirm all information is accurate and up to date
✔ Ensure defect rectification is fully recorded and signed off

If your records are digital, ask yourself one key question. Could you access and share them quickly if DVSA requested them?

Strong record keeping is not just admin. It is evidence of a well-managed, compliant operation.



Be Safe, Compliant & Profitable

05/08/2026

For us this was a great show.
Looking forward to more shows

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

04/08/2026

PMI Sheet Reviews – Tick Box Exercise or Real Safeguard?

PMI sheets and brake test reports may feel routine, but familiarity can quickly lead to complacency. When reviews go onto autopilot, risks can be missed.

These checks are not just paperwork. Done properly, they act as an early warning system for developing defects and compliance issues.

To keep your reviews effective:
✔ Follow a consistent, methodical process
✔ Look for trends, not just individual defects
✔ Question repeated issues and recurring repairs
✔ Cross-check against previous reports
✔ Record what actions were taken

A meaningful review is about asking the right questions, not just confirming what you expect to see.

Strong review processes demonstrate real management control and play a vital role in keeping your operation safe and compliant.



Be Safe, Compliant & Profitable

28/07/2026

KPIs – Are You Tracking Performance or Just Collecting Data?

KPIs are one of the most effective tools for staying ahead of compliance risk, but only if they are used to drive action.

The right KPIs act as early warning signs, helping you identify issues before they escalate into enforcement action. They highlight trends, behaviours and areas where performance may be slipping.

Beyond the basics, consider tracking:
✔ Late or missed PMIs
✔ Repeat defects
✔ Defect rectification times
✔ Brake performance trends
✔ Driver infringement trends
✔ Debrief timelines
✔ MOT first-time pass rates

Good KPIs should prompt questions. If a number changes, do you know why? And more importantly, what are you doing about it?

Consistent KPI monitoring helps you spot patterns, take early action and strengthen your overall compliance before problems develop.



Be Safe, Compliant & Profitable

20/07/2026

Could Last Night's Celebration Affect Today's Drive? ⚽

A big match, a late finish and a few drinks can have a bigger impact on road safety than many drivers realise.
Alcohol can remain in your system long after the celebrations have ended, affecting reaction times, concentration and decision-making.
For professional drivers, even small amounts of alcohol can create significant risks for themselves and other road users.

Before getting behind the wheel:
✅ Allow enough time to recover
✅ Never assume you're fit to drive
✅ Plan ahead if you intend to drink
✅ Remember that "the morning after" can still be a risk

Your decisions protect you, your colleagues and everyone else on the road.



Be Safe, Compliant & Profitable