More backing for confiscation plan
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by Jane Sayer • The impounding of illegal vehicles came a step closer this week with the announcement by re-appointed Roads Minister Steven Norris that he is still considering the seizure of unlicensed vehicles—a move that would be universally welcomed by Licensing Authorities.
Responding to a question from shadow Transport Minister Joan Walley, Norris said: "The issue of some heavy goods vehicles not being covered by operators' licensing is very serious. I have undertaken, with the illegal operations working party, to look at the whole issue of confiscation. I agree with Mrs Walley to the extent that in some cases confiscation may be the only mechanism capable of deterring those for whom the law is clearly irrelevant." A Department of Transport report has confirmed that a quarter of all accidents involve unlicensed trucks.
Senior LA Air Vice-Marshall Ronald Ashford is "delighted" Norris: Confiscation review. that Norris is considering truck impounding as a deterrent. "I find it extremely frustrating when I revoke a licence and the operator continues to operate," he says. "Nobody actually has a firm handle on the number of unlicensed vehicles operating. The DoT stated recently it was about 9% but I don't believe it is as high as that. My guess is that it could be 5%—still a substantial number."
Richard Turner, executive director of transport policy at the Freight Transport Association, believes it is only "a small minority of operators who operate wholly outside the law". But he adds: "The FTA would not oppose truck seizure."