THE PROPOSED CHANGES Legislation to change the 0-licensing system for
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Northern Ireland will bring it into line with the rest of the UK. It is hoped this will 'level the playing field', reduce the number of unroadworthy vehicles on the roads and prevent cowboy hauliers from operating.
A spokeswoman from the Department for Environment says that following consultation in 2003, all proposals but the introduction of a Traffic Commissioner were approved by the then minister, Angela Smith. She adds: "The date for the introductton of the proposals will depend on the place the legislation has in the Assembly's legislative programme." The changes include: • The introduction of restricted 0-licences for own-account operators • The recording of transgressions against operators' 0-licences • The introduction of the requirement to give undertakings in respect of maintenance and compliance with road traffic and transport law • The introduction of an impounding scheme for illegally operating heavy goods vehicles • The establishment of new disciplinary action and appeal procedures