Doubts over VOSA’s ability to handle NI licence apps
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chris.tindall@rbi.co.uk DOUBTS HAVE BEEN raised over VOSA’s ability to handle a deluge of licence applications from Northern Ireland, after the Freight Transport Association (FTA) said it was “very likely” the agency would shoulder the extra work.
The country’s new O-licensing system is due to start next year, but a decision over who will process hauliers’ applications has not yet been announced.
However, Tom Wilson, FTA head of policy for Northern Ireland, says the unit set up to implement the O-licensing Act has concerns over training staff based in the country.
“I am told it is very likely that all applications will be processed in Leeds, the same as in the UK,” he says. “Otherwise there would need to be quite a lot of staff recruited and trained.” But concerns have been raised that VOSA staff could struggle to deal with hundreds of new licence applications, particularly when the agency is trying to scrap 250 jobs.
“The last I heard it’s coming [to Leeds], but there’s no budget for it,” says Aaron and Partners transport lawyer Tim Culpin. “If they suddenly snow Leeds with applications and no extra resource then I am sure it will have an impact.
“I don’t know how they are going to phase those applications in. There are going to be a lot of ownaccount operators applying.” Anton Balkitis, at lawyers Rothera Dowson, says: “It remains to be seen how any increase in caseload will exacerbate the already stretched service, but given our experience this option needs careful thought, planning and resources.” Both VOSA and the head of the Northern Ireland transport regulation unit, Donald Armstrong, say the options are still being investigated. “In providing licensing functions, we have to look at a variety of issues; mainly what’s best for the people of Northern Ireland,” says Armstrong. If we outsource to Leeds there are issues of traceability. We also have to look at setting up a new IT system as well and how much that would cost. These are the considerations.” A VOSA spokesman adds: “In relation to VOSA’s restructuring, there have been no changes to staff numbers in the licensing team in Leeds.” ● For a full investigation into this issue see next week’s CM