TCs' report slams lack of vital data
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by David Craik • The Traffic Commissioners' fight against illegal hauliers continues to be hampered by a lack of vital information from bodies such as Customs & Excise and the Benefits Agency, says senior TC Michael Betts in his 1997/98 annual report.
With a 2% increase in disciplinary public inquiries, an 18% rise in revocations, increased drivers' hours, overloading and red diesel offences and 6% more applications for Operators' Licences, Betts describes the situation as ludicrous. "We must share intelligence," he says. "Customs cannot give me information on red diesel infringements because of the Data Protection Act. Operators who cheat like this should have their repute challenged at public inquiry."
But he does praise the police and the Vehicle Registration Offices for providing "better and more detailed information".
Western TC Christopher Heaps says a "statutory duty needs to be imposed on Customs, the Department of Social Security and the Insolvency Agency to provide information". And Eastern TC Compton Boyd says there are also problems with magistrates courts: "There is still no obligation for them to inform me of convictions. We must challenge this."
Boyd calls for a national computer system to be adopted, while Betts says the Traffic Area Network has been "falling behind Government departments in information technology for several years".
However, he says the Government is to review TAOs' office processes and systems as part of a new structure for the network. "This must be introduced quickly," he warns. • In his report Betts (right} reminded the Government oF the importance of impounding, warning that the Vehicle Inspectorate's funding has been cut bock too far. With 15.9% of HGVs being prohibited at fleet and spot checks we need increased enforcement," he says.
• Applications for new goods vehicles Operator's Licences are up by 6%—halting a four-year decline in the number of new applications. New hauliers applied for 10,121 licences last year, says the report, compared with a 19% decrease last year. Overall there was an increase in the number of active licences to 112,989, compared with 112,420 last year. North Eastern TC Keith Waterworth says these figures appear to reflect growing industry confidence.
Betts identifies time-consuming VI investigations into drivers' hours offences as being one area desperate for more resources. He says a "more flexible method" of funding enforcement can be devised, adding that the TCs ore conscious that the trade associations would be prepared to see licence fees increased to fund enforcement.