Operator licensing for Northern Ireland could be in place as soon as April this year, according to Environment Minister Alex Attwood MLA. It is believe that, through this, safety standards of HGVs on Northern Ireland’s roads will be significantly improved.
Under the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010, operators using vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, as part of a trade or business, will be required to be licensed. Failure to adhere to the rules may lead to revocations, suspensions or disqualification from holding a licence. Enforcement powers also allow the authorities to impound vehicles being used without an operator’s licence.
For advice on any transport law issues, please contact Jared Dunbar at Dyne Solicitors on 01829 773 100.