Isle of Man operators in dark over licensing plan
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ev [hrsTirc
OPERATORS ON THE Isle of Man say they have been left in the dark over plans to introduce an 0-licensing system on the island following a consultation last year.
The Department of Transport (DoT) has been under increasing pressure to introduce legislation since a cyclist was struck and killed by a wheel that came off a tipper truck in 2006 on the island.
Transport lawyer Murray Oliver was appointed to oversee the formation of new rules, and the government published responses to its consultation in February. However, haulier Jonathan Barmen says that since then, information has not been forthcoming.
Bannettchairman of the Island Road Transport Association, a group set up to provide a voice for hauliers about the changes, also says he has concerns about the plans.
"I am very interested to know how they will police something like an 0-licence," he says. -We want it to be policed. but how are they going to do it?
Bannett adds that the proposed system should also be simplified, and that the date for its introduction should be brought forward from September 2011.
"On the whole, we are happy with the result of the consultation, although a few points need tweaking with regard to training: how they will determine who is and isn't a reputable haulier; and grandfather rights."
Road Haulage Association area manager Jeff Marriott says he hasn't had a response to his call for the island's weight limits to be modernised.
The DoT did not respond to CM:s. calls.