DVSA’s recent impounding of a foreign coach for working illegally caused much interest, with some minds recalling days of overseas vehicles spending entire summers here with carefree regard for cabotage and drivers’ hours regulations.
There are indications that the practice is much less common than in its ‘heyday’. A legal specialist suggests that DVSA is robust on illegal operation by non-UK vehicles.
Carrying UK-based groups when not entitled to do so clearly flouts the law. The recommendation is that it is reported to DVSA. But some caution comes in the other direction.
The Interbus Agreement governs such work and takes significant effort to read and understand. It gives limited scope for UK operators of occasional services into the EU to do anything other than carry the same party home as was taken out to begin with.
Misunderstanding and falling afoul of Interbus rules is easy, a legal mind notes. What was known as cabotage during the UK’s time in the EU is irrelevant to many operators working internationally, but it is something to trip over for others.
Against that sit warnings of more chaos at Dover and a spread of problems with the Entry/Exit System to checks at Calais on the way back. Two operators cite long delays and missed ferries at the latter.
What is the modern skillset for international coach operation? Patience, flexibility, ability to read and understand complex legislation. That is before selling your services and delivering them in a high-quality, compliant way. Doing so time after time warrants a doffing of anyone’s cap.
