More vehicles to be subject to operator licensing.

The government has published its response to a consultation on extending the scope of operator licensing.  It was thought that the some of the exemptions to operator licensing may no longer be justifiable.  In particular the government consulted on removing the exemptions for vehicles with fixed plant that also carry goods, for showman’s vehicles, recovery and breakdown vehicles, mobile cranes and electrically operated vehicles.

The government has announced that it will amend the exemption such that only plant that does not carry goods will remain exempt from the requirement to hold a goods vehicle operator’s licence.  This will primarily affect mobile concrete batching plant vehicles.

It is well know that the  government is keen to promote the introduction and use of electric vehicles.  In view of this, the government’s response is to tidy up the current exemption by removing the current exemption provisions for all electrically propelled vehicles except those first registered before 1.3.15 and to introduce a new exemption for all alternatively fuelled vehicles up to 4.25 tonnes.  The exemption will apply to both hire and reward and own account operations, provided that they are not used internationally.

In the response the government state that they consider that there is no compelling case to alter the current exemptions as they relate to recovery and breakdown vehicles, showman’s vehicles and mobile cranes and these exemptions will remain unaltered.  The changes will be implemented in due course by amendments to the relevant statutory instrument.  As yet, a date as to when the changes will take effect has not been announced.

If you would like any specific advice on the recently announced changes or any other aspect of whether or not a vehicle is subject to operator licensing, please contact me on 01756 790631.

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