Preliminary findings show a ‘significant number’ fail the main occupation test
Findings from a pilot investigation into the extent to which restricted O-Licence holders do not satisfy the main occupation test have confirmed concerns that a “significant number” of them fail to meet the criteria.
The disclosure is made in the Traffic Commissioners’ (TCs) annual report (see Big Story, p6-7). They describe the issue as something that “they want to regularise urgently.” Some additional temporary resource has been made available to begin doing so.
Additionally, TCs want to introduce main occupation checks as part of the five-yearly continuation process for restricted O-Licence holders. That will mirror the financial declarations already in place.
They also say that opportunities to review main occupation evidence will be taken during routine encounters with restricted operators, such as when a licence is varied or when action is proposed.
The investigation was conducted in the North East and North West of England, where there is a high proportion of restricted PSV O-Licence holders. Its results show that there is a need to “review the status” of such licences across Britain.
Although that process has begun, the TCs warn that resource constrains mean it will not be concluded quickly. Where restricted O-Licence holders cannot provide satisfactory evidence of their main occupation they will face regulatory action and be required to apply for a standard licence to continue operating.
