More deadly sins?

In 2011 changes were made to operator licensing following the introduction of EU Regulation 1071/2009.  These included  the power to call transport managers to a public inquiry and the introduction of the 7 most serious infringements which would lead to automatic loss of good repute, unless the loss of good repute would be a disproportionate response.  The Regulation authorised the Commission to draw up a list of other serious infringements, which in addition to the “seven deadly sins”, may lead to loss of good repute.

Draft proposals have now been drawn up by the Commission which include categorising breaches of the drivers hours rules, installation and use of tachograph equipment, working time rules and licensing into most serious infringements, very serious infringements and serious infringements.  For example driving a vehicle without a CPC card is classed as a serious infringement, as is failing to produce the CPC card.  However, what is worrying is that three serious infringements per driver per year equals one very serious infringement and three very serious infringements per driver per year, which could include failing to produce charts or driver’s card for the previous 28 days,  equals the launch of a national procedure on good repute, ie a public inquiry.  The proposals are due to come into effect on 1 January 2016.

 

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