Payment up front
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T have been a general road 'haulage contractor for 13 years and run eight vehicles.
Do other operators share my view that the current system of payment of licence fees is unfair and an abuse of the position held by the licensing authority,. I believe the system is unfair because:
1) Payment must be made in advance for the full term of the licence, usually five years.
2) There is no means of a refund unless the licence is surrendered.
3) If, during the term of the licence, deletions are made to the fleet, a credit is issued to the licence. This credit is not transferred but simply expires during the term of the licence.
4) A charge is made for the grant of the licence.
I would like to hear other operators' views. I intend to take this case again to the licensing authority; this time with the support of others, and try to force a change to the payment policy.
Please contact me on 091 488 5400 or at Irving Transport Services, Unit 4, Whickham Industrial Estate, Swalwell, Newcastle upon Tyne NEI6 3DA.
Clint Irving Managing director