Enforcement tops unions' requests
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• Union officials are to push for better enforcement as part of their submission to the review team working on the future of the Traffic Area Offices.
Union leaders, concerned that the Government's remit for the review failed to consider demands for tougher enforcement standards, are to urge the review team to consider how to improve commercial vehicle road safety.
In a joint submission expected soon, the National Union of Civil and Public Servants and the Civil and Public Servants Association will express fear that the remit to find a more "cost-effective" service will lead to the TAOs being slashed.
"The job of the TAOs needs to be built up and publicised so that the public are aware that they can go to them to complain against the industry," says one union source.
The Department of Transport appointed the review team in December to improve efficiency and effectiveness within the eight TAOs while providing an "effective and efficient enforcement regime".
The TAOs process Operator Licences and support the seven Licensing Authorities in their disciplinary duties.