Hauliers launch clampdown on unlicensed operators

HAULAGE companies and the Government have launched a joint action plan to clamp down on companies operating without a valid goods vehicle licence.

The Irish Road Hauliers Association and the Department of Transport will lobby the insurance industry to stop giving cover to unlicensed operators.

At the association’s annual conference in Cork, Junior Transport Minister Ivor Callelly urged drivers to team up with his department’s enforcement office to rid the roads of rogue operators.

On the spot fines of €200 are to be introduced from November but those operating without a licence cannot have their vehicles seized. A haulage industry steering group is investigating whether particular lorries can be banned from the roads if they have been driven without a goods vehicle operating licence.

Minister Callelly said: “The strategy recognises that information is the key to success in the battle against illegal haulage. My Department needs the continuing help of the industry in order to identify those that are operating illegally. Solid and reliable information will enable us to target these operators effectively and to pursue successful prosecutions.”

In the past two years, 1,100 reports of breaches of haulage regulations have been investigated.

As a result of complaints received, the detection rate of unauthorised use of vehicles has increased by some 47% in 2004 and the total number of operators inspected at premises increased by 24%.

IRHA President Eamonn Morrissey, in his address to the conference, agreed rogue operators were a major problem for the industry, along with rising fuel prices.

He added that drivers are also facing increasing aggressiveness on the roads.

He condemned the attack on driver Paddy Roche, who was injured after someone a shot through his cab window as he drover along the M50.

In his address, Minister Callelly promised an industry regulator will be appointed but could not give a time scale.