am making efforts to target rogue operators more effectively'
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4 ik n efficient licensing service is one which gives customers good value
for money as well as ensuring that bona-fide operators who maintain vehicles well and operate them within the law get quick results. These operators are also entitled to see that entry standards to the industry are rigorously, yet fairly, applied. Backsliders must be detected and deterred from further imprudent activities which might lower professional transport standards.
As a Traffic Commissioner and Licensing Authority who has served in three traffic areas—the north western, scottish and north eastern — I am immensely encouraged to see the real vim increasingly being put into providing this service.
It seems to me that the recently adopted service standards and tighter financial disciplines, should give operators increased confidence in the licensing service. Where service standards are not met, operators should complain.
Improvements, involving a more open approach, are being pushed ahead in other work areas too. My contribution as Licensing Authority will be to make operators more aware not only of my personal responsibilities but of the supporting procedures and practices in traffic area offices.
Openness is essential if we want reputable operators to support licensing controls which are vital for road-safety reasons. I have been trying, in a recent series of talks to goods and passenger transport trade associations, to dispel misconceptions about my role or that of my supporting staff. Clear information must be given about how the licensing system works. But there are strict statutory limits to my powers and these have to be made clear too.
One crucial area is in improving the quality of licensing enforcement in the north east. Of course, there are never enough manpower and other enforcement resources for monitoring licence standards, but I am making efforts to target rogue operators more effectively.
I shall invite made associations to join in my North Eastern Traffic Area Licensing Conference this year. They will have the opportunity to talk to police forces and other enforcement agencies about their views.
As I see it, the licensing system should be about making available education s for operators, as well as about imp() penalties on licences where operato meet acceptable standards.
My aim in the north eastern trafF will be to give new operators an ear opportunity of additional advice an guidance by attending a series of or licensing seminars which I shall hol year. Thereafter, any drop in vehicl standards should be spotted as earl possible to enable operators to impi performance. I adopt a graduated a including warnings and encourage' those who are failing in their profes responsibilities, so that operators Nk transient problems may improve th standards. Those who cannot or wi improve are left in no doubt about ti consequences. If we get the educati process right it should never come g surprise to any operator who receiv disciplinary action. They will have warned!
Li If you want to sound off about a I transport issue write to features edi Patric Cunnane.