A grey area

摘要

The definition of an operating centre is simple: according to the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995 it's the place where a lorry is normally kept. A company may have several centres, but EC regulations require at least one of these to function as a stable establishment - to be the correspondence address and where the business keeps essential documents including accounts, test records, tachographs, copies of driving licences and the transport manager's certificate of competence. An operating centre can be a sophisticated affair where goods are stored and vehicles are loaded, where routes are planned and drivers receive training. It may also contain workshop facilities and offices.