BCC: pan-mini 0 lic
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ALL MINIBUSES other than those used as private cars should be controlled by an extension to the psv operator licensing system, according to the Bus and Coach Council in its response to the minibuses consultation paper published by the Department of Transport in connection with its buses White Paper.
The BCC believes that all minibuses should pass the same annual roadworthiness test for psv minibuses and it proposes that all existing licences, permits and authorisations should be replaced by a small passenger-carrying vehicle (spy) licence.
It wants this licence to be applied to all small passengercarrying vehicles adapted to carry more than eight but fewer than 14 passengers.
It wants all spy operators to be required to hold an spy operator's licence and comply with British domestic drivers' hours regulations.
Bigger minibuses should, according to the BCC, be treated in all respects as public service vehicles except when their use is purely private.
Three different categories of spy 0-licence are suggested.
• For operators engaged in hire or reward for profit it would be similar to a psv 0licence but would include selfdrive hire companies.
• For operators engaged in hire or reward with no profit motive and operators not engaged in hire or reward would still involve the applicant organisation in satisfying the licensing authority that it has made adequate arrangements for the inspection, maintenance and servicing of vehicles in its ownership or use.
The BCC also suggests that a separate spy licence should be issued to all minibus drivers.