Welcome to the latest of our regular enforcement updates - where we'll share:
- court cases – a real example of DVSA’s enforcement work in action
- practical tips – advice on making a report to DVSA
Our priority is to keep everyone protected from unsafe vehicles and drivers and we conduct investigations into non-compliance issues as part of our ongoing enforcement activity.
We want to share a recent court case with you that demonstrates what happens where non-compliance is detected, so you can see what action we can take to help maintain the safety of our roads.
 Haulage company fined £15,000 for operating without a licenceOur enforcement colleagues have successfully prosecuted ASG Recovery and Transport Ltd after it was found operating without an operator’s licence. The company first came to DVSA’s attention following a roadside check on the M5 in Exeter on 17 September 2025. ASG Recovery and Transport Ltd was carrying out vehicle haulage, including transporting vehicles to auctions. The vehicles being transported were in working order and therefore did not fall within a recovery operation. During the roadside check, DVSA found that the company was operating without the required operator’s licence. Further enquiries identified three separate vehicles associated with the company and, excluding the sole director, two separate drivers. The director was invited to attend an interview on two occasions but did not attend either appointment. On 28 October 2025, the director told DVSA that the company was no longer trading. However, on 6 January 2026, another vehicle operating on behalf of ASG Recovery and Transport Ltd was stopped. The company was again found to be operating without an operator’s licence, despite already facing prosecution for the same offence. This showed that the company had continued to carry out transport work after its director said it had stopped trading. The case was heard at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 26 February 2026, where the company pleaded not guilty. The case was adjourned to 21 May 2026. Following the hearing, ASG Recovery and Transport Ltd was found guilty of operating without an operator’s licence. The company was fined £15,000. It was also ordered to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge and £1,620 in costs. This brought the total amount to £18,620, to be paid within 28 days. No separate penalty was imposed for operating without a goods vehicle test certificate. This outcome is a strong example of how roadside checks and continued enforcement action can identify businesses that are operating outside the law. A case like this shows the importance of proper licensing – this is a system that sets the framework for all requirements – roadworthiness, vehicle loading, drivers’ hours and more - keeping the roads safe for everyone. This is a clear message that operators must have the correct licence in place before carrying out haulage work.  If you think a driver or a vehicle operator is breaking safety rules or conditions of their driving or operator licence, you can report them to us. This includes if they are:
- breaking drivers’ hours rules
- overloading vehicles
- using vehicles that are not safe to drive (not roadworthy)
- using emission cheat devices
- carrying dangerous or hazardous goods without permission
We will review the information you have provided and decide what to do next. Report a lorry or HGV driver or company on GOV.UK. |
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