Q I sent my renewal form for a p.s.v.
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licence to the local Traffic Commissioners six weeks ago and have not yet had a reply. The clerk in the traffic office of my firm states that as an application has gone in I am still covered. Could I have your opinion, please?
A Technically your licence has expired and if you drive a public service vehicle on service you contravene section 144 of the Road Traffic Act 1960. However, we feel six weeks is an abnormally long time and in view of the "14 days before expiry" time limit mentioned on p.s.v. licence reminder forms we feel you should immediately contact the Traffic Commissioners.
We would draw your attention to section 145 of the Road Traffic Act 1960, sub-section 1 of which provides that an applicant for a p.s.v. licence who feels aggrieved by the refusal or failure of the Commissioners (or commissioners of police of the metropolis) to grant such a licence. may, by notice in writing to the Commissioners, require them to reconsider the matter and also grant a personal hearing. Subsection 3 further states that an existing licence shall continue in force till an appeal has been disposed of.
However, in your case we feel that the delay is purely administrative, and a personal call should suffice.