Operator licensing rolled out in NI from April
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Posted by Peter Atkinson
Environment minister Alex Attwood MLA has reassured Northern Ireland (NI) that operator licensing (O-licensing) will be rolled out in the country by April.
Speaking to the Freight Transport Association (FTA), Mr Attwood stated that he was confident that the O-licensing programme will be implemented in NI, following industry pressure after the policy was passed in January 2010.
The O-licensing system is aimed at ensuring the proper use of goods vehicles. In the UK, most HGVs that weigh over 3.5 tonnes require a license and allow the holder - or operator - to use up to a maximum total number of motor vehicles and trailers, and to use specific operating centres.
FTA officials have persistently aired their frustration over the lack of progress in bringing the programme to NI.
During the meeting with Mr Attwood, Tom Wilson, FTA's head of policy for NI, explained that in all meetings with assembly ministers the FTA has put O-licensing for all truck operators at the top of the agenda.
"We believe that through [O-licensing] we can significantly improve the safety standards of HGVs [heavy goods vehicles] on Northern Ireland's roads."
