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Low-key launch for the TAN-21 website
Page 6
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• by Miles Brignall The long awaited Traffic Area Network website is now on line and is about to be trialled by a select group of operators.
Two weeks ago www.tan.gov.uk went live on the web to a very quiet reception. The Department of Transport made no announcement that it was up and running—CMdiscovered it only by chance.
The website features all the information you'd expect to see about the Traffic Area Offices and Traffic Commissioners, but the important part is the secure entry into operators files. About 20 operators have been selected to run a pilot scheme into its effectiveness. Once the trial starts, those on it will be able enter their details and a password to make changes—such as pitting vehicles onto their Operator's Licences. It is expected to work in a similar way to Internet banking.
The air of mystery surrounding the project is heightened by the fact that no one knows the identity of the operators testing the system. Of understands that they have all been required to sign a confidentiality agreement that stops them revealing any details of the pilot project to a third party. Even the Freight Transport Association's Gavin Scott, who has been monitoring the project closely, has net been told who is participating.
A spokesman for the DoT says no timescale has been set as the emphasis is on getting the system running perfectly, rather than meeting a deadline.
"We are about to start the trial with the first 20 organisations." he says. "Once we have taken on board the feedback we get as a result of the trial and the system is running flawlessly we will open it up for general use."
One reason for the secrecy, according to Scott, is that these behind the TAR-21 project were heavily criticised In the press when it was delayed because of technical problems.
"You can understand why they are keeping this close to their chest until they've got it right," he says.