Q I am a partner in a local garage and we

18th September 1970, Page 291

18th September 1970

Page 291

Page 291, 18th September 1970 — Q I am a partner in a local garage and we

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are considering specializing in heavy recovery. The points I would like you to clear up for me are.—

(1) We use a Scammell Pioneer breakdown and due to its weight (13i tons) and its road speed of 20 mph I believe it is classed as a heavy locomotive or tractor. Is it, therefore, possible to tax this at the £5 tax class and still use it as a breakdown or must we still use it with trade plates?

(2) I renewed my driving licence in September 1969; this allows me to drive heavy goods until renewal in 1972, but will I then be able to claim an hgv licence if/can prove I have driven goods vehicles for the six months' previous?

A The Scammell Pioneer at 131 tons un

laden weight is classed as a heavy locomotive. It cannot be taxed at the CE rate so either the full rate of duty must be paid or it must be used under trade plates (if it comes within the definition of recovery vehicles given in the Finance Act 1970).

On the other point, if you complete a form DLG 1B (which is part of the hgv driving licence application form) showing that you were driving vehicles of the class for which you require a licence habitually for a total of six months during the period February 2 1969 to February I 1970, then you will be able to claim an hgv driving licence when your existing Group 1 licence expires in 1972. But no other period than this can be used for claiming a licence on the basis of experience.

Your application must not be submitted more than two months in advance of the date from which the hgv driving licence is to take effect.