Truck, bus and coach licensing to be reviewed04 April 2011

A consultation on the implementation of new EU rules covering the licensing of truck, bus and coach operators has been announced today by Roads Minister Mike Penning.

Penning explains that the European rules under which hire and reward operators are licensed are being changed by a new EC Regulation coming into force in December this year – with a requirement for all member states to establish a national register of operators, as already exists in the UK. It will also require other member states to act on information from UK enforcement agencies when operators commit infringements.

"These new EU measures will help to level the playing field for UK operators, by making sure that there are effective mechanisms in all member states to allow enforcement agencies to report illegal activity by foreign vehicles," states Penning.

"Our proposals for the implementation of these new EU rules will help to strengthen the operator licensing system and improve road safety, without imposing unnecessary burdens on industry," he adds.

Aspects to be covered by the consultation include the role of transport managers, how operators can demonstrate sufficient financial standing and how transport managers can demonstrate professional competence.

The Department for Transport consultation starts today and seeks views on how the new rules can best be implemented by the Traffic Commissioners, who issue operator licences and take enforcement action against those who break those rules.

Go to http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/2011-11/ to get information and to get involved.

The consultation period closes on 20 May 2011.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Department for Transport

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