O-licensing arrives for light commercial on international work

New rules set to enter into force later this month means that operators using light good vehicles to transport goods for hire or reward into or through Europe are likely to need an international operators licence.

Such good movement into or through the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, occurring on or after the 21st May will require an international O-licence when using vans with a maximum authorised mass over 2,500kg (2.5 tonnes) and up to and including 3,500kg (3.5 tonnes).

The rules also apply to vans or cars towing trailers with a gross train weight of more than 2.5 tonnes up to and including 3.5 tonnes.

The Department of Transport last month issued reminders warning affected operators who had not yet applied for an O-licence to do so immediately, in order to continue operating in the EU without interruption. The increase scope for the O-licensing system means that such operators need to prove their access to the necessary finance, and will also require a qualified transport manager – though with sufficient experience, it is possible for a staff member to gain temporary recognition as a transport manager. The colleague in question needs to apply to be temporarily recognised via the gov.uk website.

Meanwhile, DfT also reminds fleets that posting declarations are now required for goods movements for journeys between two point in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway for commercial purposes (cabotage), which require registration of the operator, driver, vehicle and various other details. These rules apply whether the journeys are for the operator’s own business use or for hire and reward, and apply whether using HGV’s, light goods vehicles of any size. or cars, whether or not trailers are being towed.

In line with extension of O-licensing to international van operators, the senior traffic commissioner’s statutory guidance and directions have been amended. They now include information on how traffic commissioners (TC) should approach the licensing of light goods vehicles, and in particular how legislation differs from that applying to HGVs; the inclusion of financial standing rates for light goods vehicle operators; and provisions on the recognition of acquired rights holders for light goods vehicles to fulfill professional competence requirements.

The documents also include a ‘general update to the requirements for all transport managers, in particular the requirement for transport managers to be resident in the United Kingdom and the introduction of a minimum disqualification period where a transport manager has been found not to be of good repute.’

Full detials of the new regulations on light vehicles operating in Europe can be found at; bit.ly/37HtHD5