0-licence revamp hits owner-drivers
Page 6
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
by Amanda Bradbury • Hauliers operating fewer than four vehicles are set to pay a average 6% more for a new Operators Licence from next November.
But companies with more than four vehicles could pay less when 0-licences do not have to be renewed every five years.
Larger fleets therefore look set to benefit from the Government's drive to cut red tape and administration costs—but at the expense of the smaller operator.
The principle of a continuous 0-licence is part of the Deregulation Bill which became law after receiving Royal Assent a week ago (3 November). Secondary legislation in the form of a "statutory instrument" will now be raised enabling the new system to come on stream—at the earliest in November 1995, The Department of Transport is now consulting the industry on details of the new system, which includes a new £50 nonrefundable application charge (CM 13-19 Oct).
Proposed
The suggested fees 140 shown here were calculated by the DOT on the 390 back of proposals in the 78 0-licensing consultation document. These suggest a company operating 100 vehicles could pay nearly £400 a year less than it does now; but an ownerdriver would pay a more a year (see panel).
This is because the number of types of charges which are applicable to all sizes of haulier have been increased; but the vehicle fee payable per quarter per vehicle has decreased.