News

Northern Ireland's O-licensing system could be brought in line with the rest of the UK by as soon as next year.

The idea of introducing Traffic Commissioners to regulate the industry in Northern Ireland has been touted for a while (CM 7 June) - and now Minister for the Environment Arlene Foster plans to bring the proposed legislation before the Northern Ireland Assembly in September.

Foster revealed her intention to do so when she met representatives from the Freight  Transport Association (FTA) and Road Haulage Association (RHA) last week.

Tom Wilson, regional policy manager for Northern Ireland at the FTA, says it is unclear whether Foster hopes to push through primary legislation in September or table the idea for debate in October or November.

"However, it's encouraging that we're dealing with a minister who is so enthusiastic about this planned legislation to bring Northern Ireland in line with the rest of the UK," he adds.

Phil Flanders, RHA director for Northern Ireland, says it looks hopeful that the legislation could be implemented next spring.

"Currently there is confusion because of the different rules in Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK."

Operators are also in favour of the changes. George Gordon Senior, senior partner at GS Gordon and Sons, says the changes "cannot be anything but a good thing" for the industry.

"I should think  it will clean up the industry [in Northern Ireland], although it might take a bit of time."

A representative from the Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland (DOE NI) says: "Work is progressing in the preparation of legislation that will bring the regulation of road freight operators in Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK.

"An opportunity to have the draft legislation placed before the Assembly will be sought with a view to it being made in 2008. Following that, a programme of subordinate legislation will bring the measures into operation."