Hire drive in danger?
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• Hire-drive companies are concerned about the effect of the 1968 Transport Act on their business. These companies—there are about six major ones, and many smaller, in Great Britain—hire vehicles without drivers mainly to own-account operators, who supply the drivers.
In terms of Section 60 of the Act an operator's licence is necessary for persons –who use" goods vehicles. Vehicles authorized on an operator's licence under Section 61 of the Act are those belonging to the holder of the licence or in his possession under an agreement for hire purchase, hire or loan. The Ministry of Transport confirmed to CM this week that the holder of the operator's licence will be held
responsible for the mechanical condition of the vehicles which he has hired. Mr. W. G. Hovey of Hertz truck rental said that this interpretation of the Act could have serious repercussions on the rental business. "One of our strongest selling points is that we offer the hirer freedom from maintenance worries". He went on to say that the entire rental concept would require to be looked at.
The Ministry of Transport pointed out that any person hiring a vehicle, with or without a driver, under existing law could be charged as a "user" in connection with any breach of the construction and use regulations.