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Presenting a poor image

29th November 1968
Page 31
Page 31, 29th November 1968 — Presenting a poor image
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

When plating and testing begins in Scotland on Monday it will be three months later than the date originally planned. A similar delay occurred in England and Wales.

In the early stages plating and testing received little support from the hauliers and there appears to be only a fractional improvement today. Apparently some operators could see little point in submitting vehicles for testing when the odds against discovery were long. Now the Minister has said that he hopes to introduce legislation to make it necessary for a vehicle to have a test certificate before it. can be re-taxed.

On November 18 the first commencement order giving effect to a number of sections of the Transport Act 1968 was laid before Parliament. As a result section 30 became law on that day. This section provides operators of coaches designed for not more than 12 passengers with the opportunity of operating without a road service licence. Instead these vehicles can be operated under permits.

On November 22 Commercial Motor published the official timetable for the introduction of the various sections of the Act; five days later an operator asked us how he could obtain a permit. But there is no direction in the Act regarding the procedure for application. Even the Metropolitan Traffic Area office could not tell us—hardly surprising because the Ministry of Transport has yet to decide what procedure will be adopted and what documentation will be required. In the meantime those who wish to avail themselves of the opportunity to operate on a permit will have to wait and no-one can say how long the wait will be.

Delays, indecisiOn and unpreparedness are all damaging the image of the Transport Act. Public opinion was turning towards the Act but if it has to be regarded seriously and to be granted the respect which legislation should merit it cannot afford criticism on such basic issues.

Before the second commencement order is made the Ministry would do well to ensure that its content is legislation which can be implemented immediately.

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Organisations: Ministry of Transport

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