New regulations for goods vehicles have been introduced by NI Environment Minister Arlene Foster, aimed at tackling illegal operators.

The purpose of the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Bills is to legislate on the proper use of vehicles, to ensure fair competition within the industry, and to guarantee the protection of the environment around operating centres.

The new bill will also help the fight against organised crime and ensure greater enforcement powers.

Minister Foster said Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) surveys carried out in 2005 and 2007 indicated an "intolerably high level of non-compliance" of road-worthiness standards by the users of freight vehicles in Northern Ireland.

-- Advertisement --

Ms Foster said that these issues, together with illegal freight operation, must be addressed.

"I recognise that the freight industry is of significant importance to the commercial life of Northern Ireland," said the Minister.

Ms Foster outlined her five main intentions for industry through the implementation of the bill: "An industry that is safe for its own sake and for all other road users; fair in that the whole industry can operate in a competitive environment; clean, making its own contribution to a better environment,"

"Attractive, an industry that people will want a career in and be proud to work in; valued, by its customers and respected by all, and; highly regarded as being one of the best in Europe not one of the worst."

The NI Bill will create a new framework of operator licensing for all those who use goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes in the course of their business.

It will also set out new requirements for maintenance and operating centres, with stronger enforcement powers and tougher penalties to deal with non-compliance.

The NI Assembly is due to debate the Bill later this month.

If passed the new legislation will be in place by Spring 2009.

(PR/JM)