A case for recovery
Page 13
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In trying to eliminate the former widespread misuse of trade licences the authorities have now gone beyond the bounds of common sense. Abuses of the spirit, as well as the letter, of trade licence regulations were rife for many years, but that is no argument for over-correcting to the point of imposing unreasonably harsh and restrictive regulations now.
When the new trade plate laws took effect in January this year, concern was expressed at the definition of a recovery vehicle in the Finance Act 1969, which effectively meant that such a vehicle could be used on trade plates only if it had lifting gear fitted and was not designed to carry goods. It was, however, argued by some people (without the point ever being established in court) that a vehicle towing a disabled vehicle by drawbar could operate on a trade licence.
Responding to industry pressure, the Ministry has redefined "'recovery vehicleunder the 1970 Finance Act, so that from next Tuesday, September 1, the question of whether a vehicle is constructed or designed primarily for carrying goods is irrelevant, and, other factors being met, it will qualify so long as it is not used for conveying goods. But having conceded this point, the authorities have introduced another which places operators in a worse situation than they were before. To qualify for use under a trade licence, a recovery vehicle must now be .fitted with lifting apparatus or apparatus for drawing a disabled vehicle when so raised. Immediately the towbar is ruled out, and operators are faced with having to tax non-specialist vehicles at full rate if they wish to use them for recovery purposes. The Freight Transport Association has written to the Minister of Transport expressing its grave concern at this, pointing out that it is sensible common practice for disabled commercial vehicles to be towed to a repair depot. This is not only a matter of economy and practicality but also of safety: in very many cases it would be foolhardy to attempt to lift a heavy vehicle. We urge the Ministry to concede the request for a further amendment.