Iveco Daily FC fp ad.indd - Export & Freight

12newsA regular column from Donald Armstrong, Head of the Transport Regulation UnitThe Goods VehiclesAct - Operating CentresWhen the new goods vehicles operator licensing legislation comes intoeffect in July 2012, one of the key changes will relate to operating centres.The Goods Vehicle (Licensing ofOperators) Act (NI) 2010 states thata person may not use a place as anoperating centre under a licence issuedto that person unless that place isspecified as an operating centre in thatlicence; here, we seek to give someclarity to the keys issues relating tooperating centres under the new Act.So, what is an operating centre? It isthe base or centre at which the vehicleis normally kept when not in use.The suitability of a proposed operatingcentre is just one of a number ofmatters which the DOE TransportRegulation Unit must considerbefore granting an application. Anoperating centre may range froma depot that includes maintenancefacilities and storage right down tothe driveway at the side of a house.No on street operating centresor parking will be approved.One of the main changes is thatenvironmental conditions atoperating centres will be taken intoconsideration by the Department whendetermining licence applications.AdvertisingUnder the new legislation all newoperators will have to advertisetheir application in the local press.This will give statutory objectorsthe opportunity to comment on theapplicant’s suitability. It will also allowlocal residents the chance to makerepresentations against the grant of theapplication on environmental grounds.It is important to note that for existingoperators, both hire or reward andown account, the requirement toadvertise has been waived as atransitional measure. The Departmentwill, however, consider any complaintsreceived from local residents about anoperating centre during the currency ofa licence and as a result may decide toreview that operating centre as a result.What environmental issues in relationto operating centres have to be takeninto account? Environmental aspectsthe TRU will have to consider before itcan grant an operator’s licence include:• The effect or harm that grantingan application would have on thePutting your fleet firstwith electronic tollingRunning a fleet is a big enough job without worrying about tolling.With dedicated account managers, eFlow* takes care of it, so youcan get on with what matters. We offer a range of payment optionsand services to make life easier for drivers and fleet managers alike.See how eFlow can be of real benefit to your fleet;request a brochure or talk to us today!ContacteFlow FleetManagement at:Ph: +353 1 877 0470Email: businessaccount@eflow.ieWebsite: www.eflow.ie*eFlow uses video and tag tolling on the M50 and our tags work on all toll roads throughout the Republic of Ireland.nature and use of any other land inthe vicinity of the operating centre.• Any planning permission (orplanning application) relatingto the operating centre orthe land in its vicinity• The number, type and size of theauthorised vehicles that will usethe operating centre, the totalnumber vehicles entering andleaving the operating centre,and how often they do so• The parking arrangements forthe authorised vehicles that willuse the operating centre.• The effect that the natureand times of activities anduse of the equipment in theoperating centre may have onresidents living in its vicinity.Who can object to the grantingof an application? Objections canbe made by statutory objectorssuch as local authorities, planningauthorities, the police and certainTrade Associations and Trade Unions.Owners and occupiers of land orbuildings near an operating centrewho feel the use or enjoyment oftheir property would be adverselyaffected by the proposed operatingcentre use have a right to maketheir views known to the TRU.They are called representorsHow would anyone find out about anapplication? An applicant for a newlicence or for a change to a licencewhich would affect an operatingcentre must advertise the proposeduse in a local newspaper in thelocality of the operating centre. Thisgives people a chance to respond.The TRU will also publish details of allapplications from new operators andall variation applications. This is doneby using a publication “Applicationsand Decisions” issued every two weeksConsideration ofObjections andRepresentationsThe Department will consider allobjections and representations as wellas other relevant information about theproposed site before making a decisionon the application. The applicant willnormally be asked for his views on thematters raised by any representors andwhere appropriate he will be asked toliaise direct with representors to see ifany differences can be resolved withoutformal intervention by the TRU.The TRU may also ask Driver & VehicleAgency Enforcement Section to visitand report on an operating centre’ssuitability. The TRU will then considerif it needs to hold a Public Inquiryto hear the evidence of both sidesbefore reaching a decision or whetherthere is sufficient evidence to makea decision. On making a decisionthe TRU can grant the application asapplied for or with modifications.If it is decided to grant the applicationthe TRU can impose environmentalconditions on the use of an operatingcentre to prevent or reduce adverseeffects. It can also impose roadsafety conditions if it is considerednecessary to prevent vehicles causingdanger at any point where theyjoin a public road on their way toand from an operating centre.If it is decided to hear the applicationat a Public inquiry the representorswill be invited to put their case. If thedecision can be made on the basis ofthe written evidence received the TRUwill advise representors of the finaldecision in writing including any specialconditions attached to the licence.in briefDAF European Technicianof the Year 2012The DAF European Technician of theYear 2012 Award has been won byRinze Louwsma of Cosmo Bolsward,the Netherlands. The single runnerup,beaten into second place onlynarrowly, was Tom Yelland from UKdealer Wessex DAF, headquarteredin Newton Abbott, Devon.The European final took placeat DAF Trucks in Eindhoven.The trophy was presentedby Johan Drenth, After-SalesDirector of DAF Trucks N.V.“DAF organizes the EuropeanTechnician of the Year competitionto underline the importance ofprofessional workshop technicians,“said Johan Drenth. “First andforemost it is recognition of theirprofession. Modern trucks arehigh-tech vehicles and a broadand deep technical knowledgeis needed to be able to work onthem. In addition, a mechanic is thebusiness card in the workshop ofthe DAF dealer and he or she playsan important role when it comesto customer satisfaction. It’s aboutdelivering service and quality up toand including the smallest detail.”News pgs.indd 12 19/03/2012 16:28