Dr Gilbert's minibus plans
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PRIVATE MINIBUSES will be exempt from all provisions of EEC Regulation 543/69 if an application just lodged by Minister for Transport, Dr John Gilbert, is successful. To give more time for a decision to be taken he has in the meantime also applied for a two-year deferment of the implementation of 543/69 to all minibus journeys—whether private or not.
These facts were revealed by Dr Gilbert in answer to a question in the House of Commons asking for explanation of the legal position of drivers of minibuses after January 1, 1976, when Regulation 543/69 comes into force.
"I propose to recognise an ordinary driving licence for a motor car as proof of competence for the purpose of Article 5.2(c) of the Regulation," said the Minister. "A driver who has, or is entitled •to hold, a motor car licence on January 1, 1976, will be entitled to drive a minibus with not more than 15 persons inclusive of the driver, even if he is under 21. The EEC age limit will apply to licences issued after January 1. I would like to emphasise that a public service vehicle driver's licence will not be required to drive a minibus, unless it is being operated for hire or reward under the Road Traffic Act 1960." EEC Regulation 543/69 applies to passenger vehicles which are suitable for carrying more than nine persons including the driver, except where the vehicle is used on regular services on a route not exceeding 50km, or is a service vehicle used by a public authority, or a vehicle used for the carriage of sick or injured persons. It requires that drivers must be 21 and hold a certifi cate of professional competence; and lays down drivers' hours, rest periods, and recordkeeping obligations. The Regulation is due to come into operation on January 1, 1976, for UK internal journeys. It has been in force for international journeys since April 1973.
The Minister also emphasised the position of minibus operators with regard to tachographs.
"EEC Regulation. 1463/70 requires that passenger vehicles to which Regulation 543/69 applies, registered for the first time on or after January 1, 1976, must have a tachograph installed and in use. Older vehicles must conform from January 1, 1978. I am not at present taking steps to implement this Regulation in Great Britain, but British vehicles travelling to the Continent should continue to comply."