Foster allays fears over licence quizzes
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PROFESSOR Christopher Foster allayed fears that 0licence applications could turn into "motorway-type public inquiries" when he spoke at the Freight Transport Associations's Greater London division annual general meeting last week.
In his speech Prof Foster explained some of the thinking that went into his report on goods vehicles operators' licensing.
One of the Main areas for improvement according to the committee was environmental. Improving the environmental conditions of road haulage could benefit reputable own-account operators because the small "cowboy" element that harmed their public image would be brought to law.
The Foster Committee's report had recommended that licensing authorities should consider objections on environmental grounds when considering 0-licences.
Bob Beckham of SPD, expressed fears that such objections may "drag out" licence applications, which would cost money. But Prof Foster said licensing authorities would reject objections that were not relevant or valid before the public inquiry stage was reached. In this way, he said, the "motorway-type inquiry" would not arise.
Prof Foster said he and his committee had looked at the systems operating in other European countries by WE comparison.
He had felt that the D and Belgian systems were flexible and not particul effective. On the other h the German system was rigid and bureaucratic. Foster remarked that Br hauliers would be horrifie the amount of paperworli volved in the German HI sing system.
As a result of this stt 'and much research in country, the report recommended changes ma in safety and environme areas.
He and his committee v not actively engaged in road haulage industry, had learnt much from listel to what the industry hac say, Prof Foster said, and many public meetings around the country had t particularly useful and h debated.
411 See "Distracted from primary task", page 28.