'Disastrous' rule for psv industry
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IF JANUARY 1 is still the agreed date for the introduction of EEC "Social" driving hours regulations, it will have a disastrous effect on the British passenger transport industry.
Denis Quin, director general of the Confederation of British Road Passenger Transport (CPT) claims implementation of the EEC hours regulations 543/69 will cost the British Industry between £85 and £90million.
This amount could be made up by cuts in services and increases in subsidies.
Transport Minister William Rogers has however been approached with a request for compensation. Although a firm figure for compensation has not been presented, it is hoped that pressure can be brought to bear on the European Commission.
Negotiatibns for a package deal on the phasing in of regulations for Britain and Ireland were agreed by all but France at a council of Transport .Ministers' meeting in June. The last chance of agreement will be at a meeting in October.
Regulations 543/69 will involve the National Bus Company and all British operators in massive rescheduling and revision of timetables of services.
Stage carriage services of less than 50km are exempt from the proposed legislation.
In view of the recent White Paper and the Government's attitude to public transport, it seems likely that any compensation forthcoming would be payable exclusively to stage carriage operators.
Coach operators, by the very nature of their operations, seem likely to be left out in the cold.
Implementation of hours regulations could mean the end of many day trips and extended tour operations.
Mr Quin is now urging private coach operators to approach local authorities, MPs and customers to protest over imposition of the Act.