Thousands of Operators Could Face PSV Changes

Thousands of  limousine and chauffeur operators could go out of business if newly discussed PSV licence rules are enforced, according to the National Limousine and Chauffeur Association.

The plans, which have not yet been confirmed by the Traffic Commissioner and DfT, could mean that PSV licenses will no longer be issued for the operation of vehicles with less than nine seats, and those who already do, will be readdressed by the commissioner.

Legislation Officer for the NLCA, Bill Bowling told us; “For years we have campaigned for more, better and specific legislation, and after being consistently refused and told to work within the existing licensing framework, we find that the goal posts have not only moved, but may have been taken off the pitch.”

He added; “I have not as yet received the courtesy of any formal contact from the Traffic Commissioners regarding their statement of intent, despite their own mission statement which states is it committed to being a good partner. As both a stakeholder and the legislation officer for the National Trade Association for limousines, I have not been involved with any of the considerations or decision making process.”

After years of working with VOSA, the Traffic Commissioners and the DfT, Mr Bowling feels the Traffic Commissioners have abdicated their responsibilities on the lines that it is easier to refuse than to sort it out. After a joint stance between VOSA and the NLCA to promote the licensing of limousines, and the past support of the Traffic Commissioners, Bill has expressed his disappointment as he believes the whole panel of Traffic Commissioners have seemed to have ‘withdrawn their support’.

The NLCA will be calling an urgent meeting on 17th March near Birmingham to establish the way forward and every limousine operator in the UK will be invited to attend.

Thechauffeur.com has been unable to confirm the changes with the Department for Transport as yet.

HOW DOES THIS EFFECT YOUR BUSINESS? Tell us what these regulations would mean to your business and its future. We will publish them right here for the world and government organisations to see. Your comments will also help towards the NLCA campaign which has been launched on the back of this news. Email your story to info@thechauffeur.com