What Is an Operating Centre? A Plain English Guide for Small Fleet Owners

If you hold an Operator Licence — even a Restricted one — you’ll have named at least one Operating Centre on your application. But what actually is an Operating Centre? And what are the rules around where you can park your vehicles?

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• What an Operating Centre is

• How it differs from a depot, office or base

• The legal requirements

• What DVSA and the Traffic Commissioner expect

• Common compliance issues (and how to avoid them)

• FAQs about home parking, complaints, and changes

Let’s take the confusion out of Operating Centres.

What Is an Operating Centre?

An Operating Centre is the place where you normally park your vehicles when they’re not in use — such as overnight or when off duty.

It must be:

• Clearly declared on your Operator Licence

• Suitable for the type and number of vehicles you operate

• Safe, legal and not likely to cause nuisance

• Owned, leased or used with the written permission of the owner

You can have more than one Operating Centre, and each centre must be listed on your licence with the maximum number of vehicles and trailers you plan to keep there.

How Is It Different From My Business Address?

Your Operating Centre might be:

• The same as your trading or registered office

• A separate yard or compound

• Part of a shared site (e.g. industrial estate, farm, or workshop)

• A rented space from another business

It does not have to be where you do paperwork or admin — but it must be where your vehicles are based when not in use.

Why Does It Matter So Much?

DVSA and the Traffic Commissioner use Operating Centre details to:

• Determine whether your licence should be granted

• Check your vehicles can be kept safely and securely

• Ensure your operation does not cause disturbance to neighbours

• Plan inspections and enforcement visits

If you use an unauthorised site, or cause a nuisance, you could face:

• Complaints from the public or local council

• Vehicle prohibitions

• A Public Inquiry

• Licence suspension, curtailment or revocation

What Makes a Good Operating Centre?

To be compliant, your operating centre should:

✅ Have enough space for your listed vehicles and trailers

✅ Provide safe entry and exit, preferably with off-road parking

✅ Have a solid or surfaced area suitable for HGVs

✅ Be within your control or have permission from the owner

✅ Cause minimal noise or disruption to neighbours

✅ Be appropriate for the vehicle size and activity level

Can I Park at Home?

That depends on the vehicle, location and circumstances.

✅ Home parking can be accepted if:

• You have a driveway or private yard with suitable access

• It’s off the public highway

• There’s no nuisance or complaints

• You’ve declared it as your Operating Centre

• Planning permission isn't required or is already granted

❌ Home parking is not allowed if:

• You’re parking on the street or verge

• Neighbours have complained

• The site isn’t on your licence

• There’s a risk of obstruction, noise or environmental harm

If you’re unsure, check with the local planning authority or consult a transport compliance specialist.

Do I Need Planning Permission for an Operating Centre?

In some cases, yes — particularly if:

• You’re using land that hasn’t previously been used for commercial parking

• Neighbours or councils object

• The site is in a residential area or within a conservation zone

The Traffic Commissioner doesn’t grant planning permission — that’s a separate process through your local authority.

⚠️ If you operate from a site without permission, and complaints arise, you risk losing your licence.

How Do I Add or Change an Operating Centre?

You must apply to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner using:

• Form GV81 (or use the online service)

• Include new site address and vehicle/trailer numbers

• Provide evidence of permission (e.g. lease, written confirmation)

• Publish a notice in a local newspaper (if adding to a Standard licence)

For Restricted Licences, newspaper adverts aren’t normally required, but all changes must still be approved.

What Happens If I Use an Undeclared Centre?

Using a site not listed on your licence is a serious breach. If discovered, you could face:

• A DVSA investigation

• Reprimand or penalty at Public Inquiry

• Vehicle prohibition notices

• Suspension or curtailment of your licence

• Reputational damage

Always keep your licence up to date.

Real-World Example: What Can Go Wrong

Operator: Small landscaping firm with a Restricted LicenceIssue: Began parking a second lorry at an employee’s home due to space issuesProblem: Employee lived on a residential street — complaints made to council and DVSAOutcome: DVSA investigation → Public Inquiry → Licence curtailed to one vehicle, formal warning issued

Tips for Managing Your Operating Centre Properly

Task	Frequency
✅ Keep site clean, tidy and safe	Ongoing
✅ Check space is adequate for all vehicles/trailers	Every year or on fleet changes
✅ Reconfirm permission from landlord (if rented)	Annually
✅ Review neighbour relations (noise, hours, lighting)	Ongoing
✅ Notify Traffic Commissioner of changes	Immediately
✅ Store copy of lease or site permission	Permanently while active

FAQs

❓ Can I use more than one Operating Centre?

Yes — but each must be declared and approved.

❓ Can I park on a public road?

No. Public roads or verges are not accepted as operating centres.

❓ I only have one van. Do I still need an Operating Centre?

Yes — any vehicle over 3.5t MAM requires a base declared on your licence.

❓ Can I share a yard with another business?

Yes, as long as you have written permission and there is space for your vehicles.

❓ Can I park somewhere temporarily?

Only if that site is already listed on your licence. Otherwise, apply to add it.

Conclusion

An Operating Centre isn’t just a parking space — it’s a critical part of your Operator Licence. Whether you run one lorry from your home or five vehicles from a rented yard, you must:

• Declare it

• Keep it suitable

• Update it when things change

Operating from the wrong place — even unintentionally — could cost you your licence.

Next in the series:👉 How to Change or Add an Operating Centre on Your Licence