DfT seeks EU regulation feedback
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THE DEPARTMENT FOR Transport (DfT) has launched a consultation into proposed new EU rules covering the licensing of haulage operators.
In its consultation, which runs until 20 May, the government is looking for feedback on EC Regulation 1071/2009 “Access to the Occupation of Road Transport Operator”, which comes into force on 4 December.
Under the regulation, transport managers could receive EUwide bans if they break the rules. Hauliers that operate without a valid O-licence and fail to declare offences could also receive increased fines.
The regulation also covers the creation of a national register of operators that each EU member state would need to keep. VOSA would have to act on information from other member states’ enforcement agencies when operators commit infringements.
However, new regulations on access to the industry will relax the financial standing rules so that operators no longer need to prove they have cash in the bank.
Instead, the requirement can be met by means of a financial guarantee from a bank or other financial institution.
Currently, an operator must be able to prove through its annual accounts that it has £8,100 for the first truck and £4,500 for additional vehicles in capital and reserves to meet the requirement.
A haulier running 10 vehicles would need to show they had £48,600 available to keep the fleet in a roadworthy condition.
The DfT says that Traffic Commissioners currently also accept proof of a credit facility or invoice finance agreement as proof of financial standing.