Transport Act, 1968 (Drivers and Operators) (Hansard, 25 July 1969)

§ Mr. Marsh

After discussions with representative operators' associations and the trade unions, I have decided that Part VI of the Transport Act which deals with drivers' hours and records should be brought into effect on 1st March, 1970, and that a start should be made on that date with the implementation of the sections of Part V which deal with operators' licensing. An Order appointing the days will be made in due course, and Regulations relating to the provisions will he placed before Parliament.

The reductions in drivers' hours are being phased in two stages, and on this 594W date stage I will be introduced for drivers of goods vehicles and passenger vehicles as provided for in the Act. In order to deal with special categories of goods transport and passenger service, it will be necessary to provide certain exemptions. In addition, we have to consider the immediate effects on essential public transport services and on earnings; to this end, certain additional exemptions may be required for the time being. I intend to discuss further with both sides of the industry the extent and nature of all these exemptions. A date for the introduction of stage II will be considered later.

The record-keeping requirements will also be subject to discussion with the industry. I do not intend at present to require the compulsory installation of tachographs.

Operators' licensing will be phased in during 1970. Holders of A (including A Contract) and B licences will have to obtain operators' licences by 1st March, 1970. Holders of C licences will be issued with operators' licences in three stages; on 1st June, 1st September and 1st December, 1970 respectively. Applications for operators' licences will be invited during the three months preceding each appointed date.

Draft regulations on the implementation of operators' licensing have already been circulated for comment to representative organisations.