RHA moves on newcomers
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• The Road Haulage Association aims to improve the calibre of new hauliers by pushing Traffic Commissioners to impose tougher financial conditions on new 0-licences.
But Senior TC Michael Betts points out that the financial qualifications are set by the European Commission, with the Government's backing.
He also accuses the RHA of not using its powers. Of the 12,000 new LGV 0-licence applications last year only three attracted objections from the association. "We're well aware the RHA wants higher financial standards and it is up to them to lobby for them," says Betts.
However, the RHA's northern region warns an exact ruling from the Transport Tribunal on the finances required by new applicants. It plans to appeal to the Transport Tribunal against the granting of an 0-licence if it believes an applicant has insufficient financial standing.
RHA northern regional director Geoff Dunning accuses traffic area staff nationwide and their TCs of accepting the "flimsiest" financial evidence. The RHA wants new operators to have around £14,000 in the bank for each 38-tonne truck; the TCs want £2,000 per vehicle.