An Interesting Article from "The Organisation of Horse Box and Trailer Owners"

ILLEGAL HORSE TRANSPORTERS TARGETED

The Vehicle Inspectorate has now impounded several hundred vehicles for operating without the correct licences.

Horsebox owners could also have their vehicles impounded by the Vehicle Inspectorate and then scrapped or sold – just for playing the good Samaritan after a fellow owner has broken down. It is illegal to accept any form of payment - even in kind - for transporting horses without an Operators Licence and the correct hire and reward insurance.

Over the last few years many people have been tempted to accept payment for transporting horses, often with the best intentions. Individual horsebox owners have been recruited by rescue companies to assist others in the case of breakdown. This is fine if the individual concerned has an Operators Licence and the correct hire and reward insurance. If not, they stand a very real chance of losing their vehicle altogether. Being told that the company concerned holds a licence and insurance that covers you simply is not good enough, no matter how reliable or well known that company appears to be.”

VOSA can seize any horsebox with a gross plated weight of 3.5 tonnes or unladen weight of more than 1.525 tonnes found to be contravening the legislation. Vehicles are taken to a secure compound where they remain for 21 days. The operator may appeal against wrongful impounding and any appeal must be made within 21days of the impounding

Appeals have to be made to the Traffic Commissioner and then to the transport tribunal but ignorance of the law will not help. Miranda Roberts of the Vehicle Inspectorate recently warned that “The grounds for appeal do not include the owner of the horsebox being unaware of this change in Department of Transport law.”

The Vehicle Inspectorate’s national helpline for advice is on 0870 60 60 440. This number includes a confidential line allowing drivers and members of the public to pass on information about potential lawbreakers to the VI’s Intelligence Unit. Any company that actively encourages the practice should also be reported. Information may also be given and obtained from your local VOSA Enforcement Office

If your vehicle is plated to carry over 3,500kg, you may need to apply for an operators licence. If you have any queries regarding your own vehicle, please contact your local VOSA Traffic Area Offices. 

For more information please visit "The Organisation of Horse Box and Trailer