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The wisdom of Man
Page 20
Page 21
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It's just 13 miles wide, but the Isle of Man has generated plenty of headlines during 2009, including how it intends to introduce an 0-licensing system.
Words: Chris Tindall
ARGUABLY THE ISLE of Man's most famous resident is comedian and actor Sir Norman Wisdom, whose bronze statue sits on the steps leading into the bar in the capital Douglas's town hall.
Wisdom won his first Bafta award in the 1953 comedy film Trouble in Store. Today. that is a phrase on the lips of many Manx hauliers who are watching nervously as its government attempts to introduce an 0-licensing system.
However, the history to the legislative move is far from comical. Four years ago, a promising teenage cyclist was killed when he was struck by a wheel that had become detached from a truck's axle.
Thirteen-year-old James Berry was one of the island's leading cyclists. He was with riders from the British Northern Talent Team when he was hit.
The incident prompted the island's Department of Transport (DoT) into action amid calls for a system that ensures operators have enough finance available to safely maintain their vehicles and to properly administer the business.
On edge
But since the DoT took its first step towards achieving this, with an announcement in October 2008 that transport lawyer Murray Oliver would draft the legislation, island hauliers have watched with growing alarm at the progress being made.
Chief among their concerns is how the rules will be enforced effectively when the legislation is rolled out during 2011. CM's interviews with hauliers on the island reveal concerns over the government's ability to achieve this, prompting one inhabitant to sum up his fears by describing the island as being run by "farmers and postmen': Jon Bennett, chairman of the Island Road Transport Association (IRTA ) and boss of B&C Transport, says he's worried the UK government's recent spotlight on the Isle of Man's status as a supposed tax haven could scupper any chance of success. He explains: "The Isle of Man is under extreme pressure because it has to repay money to the British government. There is major belt tightening going on in government departments."
Bennett continues: "We do need some kind of regulation, but my concern is how people are going to enforce it. If it was VOSA, I would have no issue, but we are not part of the UK, so it will be done by our DoT and it doesn't seem to understand its own regulations."
Bennett says he is more concerned by enforcement incompetence rather than any potential financial burden, although he adds: "Lots of people argue it will cost more, but I don't see it, we don't know how much it will cost yet.They [the Doll have been very, very cagey about it."
Misplaced loyalties
A potential lack of funds is not the only issue. Many operators are still angry after being apparently overlooked in a lucrative government construction project. A go-slow protest was organised in October by hauliers, but suspicion remains over where the government's responsibilities lie.
One local haulier, who asked not to be named says he is in favour of an 0-licensing system. but he adds: -As long as it is run sensibly, that's the main thing. But I don't think there's any professionalism within the government or the people it employs" However, the island's DoT says its regulatory system will be "based upon the concept of protection of road safety and the level playing field used in the regulatory system in the UK': A spokesman adds: "Operators on the Isle of Man will be expected to give their vehicles and trailers regular preventative maintenance inspections to ensure that the vehicles are kept in a fit and roadworthy condition. Annual roadworthiness test and prohibition information will be collected by the regulator.
"If this information identifies an operator that is failing to comply with the regulatory regime, then it will be asked to appear at a hearing similar to a public inquiry in the UK."
The UK Traffic Commissioners don't appear to harbour any concerns either. A spokeswoman states that the TCs "are aware of the excellent work done by both the GB and the Isle of Man's enforcement agencies': She adds: "They ensure all vehicles and their drivers travelling to and from the island are safe."
Engaging in dialogue The spokeswoman also reveals that North West TC Beverley Bell "has been engaged in dialogue with officials to ensure a consistent approach, and also engaged with them to explain any relevant provisions of GB legislation." Norman Wisdom made a career out of acting like a clown in slapstick films, and now some hauliers claim they are being governed in a similar way. But there is a serious side to all of this.
Bennett concludes:"! would say 90% of operators over here do follow best practice. But there is a minority that runs vehicles into the ground because they know they can get away with it. These are the guys you want to teach." •