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n the interim...
Page 36
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Interim licences are designed to help new operators get off to a quick start — but it doesn't always work out that way. Adam Hill reports.
AI though the circumstances under which a Traffic Commissioner awards an interim 0-licence are not specified in law, operators often seek interim licences so a contract offer can be taken up without a delay that could jeopardise the business.
That's certainly what owner-driver Aneurin Jones was hoping for. He applied for an 0-licence and an interim licence on 17 October last year, but reports that the interim licence was only awarded on 5 December.
Jones believes that this delay cost him about £10,000 in lost business."When I asked for the interim, they wouldn't give it to me," he adds.
Reason for a delay
The main reason for the delayappears to be that not all the financial information requested was included in the application — an easy oversight but a costly one. Even so,seven weeks to receive an interim licence seems a little excessive.
A spokesman for the TCs says that, generally: "No specified time is given for the application to be completed although every effort is made to process interim licence applications as soon as possible —we appreciate the business need. It is important that all the information required in the application is complete, as no application will be granted if information is outstanding."
As well as the need to carefully prepare your application, Jones' case highlights another key point: when dealing with your local Traffic Area Office (TAO), as with any bureaucratic system, allow as much time as possible. The 0-licence application system, including interims, is due to be centralised in Leeds later this year,but for now hauliers should contact their local TAO& Under the new system TCs will continue to award the licences; the main change. according to Vosa, will he "more consistent handling of applications and an improved service with one correspondence address".
Remember that there is no connection between the number of vehicles being applied for on the full licence and the interim. If you want an 0licence to run 11 vehicles, for example,you can apply for an interim licence to run just one.
After examining the completed interim application, the TC will assess a haulier's financial standing, professional competence, fitness and repute, plus any opposition to the application, in the usual way. The non-refundable, up-front cost of applying for a full licence is £215. A separate fee of £57, plus £11.30 per vehicle applied for on the interim, is required for an interim licence. However, this is only payable after a decision is given.
So much for the mechanics of the process; how can hauliers impress upon the authorities that they need an interim licence quickly? The first step is to look for the section within the full licence application that asks whether an interim licence is required.
Reason for a licence
The TCs' spokesman says: "In this section the haulier should clearly state the reasons why an interim licence is needed. Section 2.8 of the guidance recommends that hauliers write to their TAO stating why they need the interim licence urgently [see panel]. Every effort is made to process licence applications promptly. Ensuring applications are complete will help hauliers receive a timely answer by reducing unnecessary delays to the process."
This advice is echoed by Jones, who is now happily in business. His advice to anyone applying for an interim licence is clear: "Make sure you put in every financial detail.'That was my main stumbling block.•