Licence deadline soon
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by Sally Nash
• The haulage industry has one week to decide on the future of the Operator's Licence disc—whether to improve it or scrap it in favour of a computerised system.
The Department of Transport consultation paper, Heavy Goods Vehicle Identification, issued in March, outlines two proposals. The first is for the upgrading and extension of the current disc system. The DOT suggests having a more visible and distinctive vehicle identity mark which would be tamper-proof.
Information could include the 0-licence number, operator name, issuing Traffic Area Office and serial number of the disc..
This system has the advantage of better enforcement, says the DOT, "leading in particular to improved prospects of identifying and impounding unauthorised vehicles".
The other proposal, championed by the Freight Transport Association, is for a computerised database with 24hour telephone access.
This would be available to all enforcement authorities such as the police and the Vehicle Inspectorate, and would do away with the need for identity discs.
The two proposals are not necessarily alternatives, says the DOT. New primary legislation might be needed for the database option so a transitional period is likely.
Responses are due in by 16 May.