Call a spade a spade

I have been following your various articles regarding Sections 19 and 22 of the Transport Act and getting a little frustrated.

I believe the majority of small coach companies like myself, and possibly the bigger ones, would like to know the exact rules and regulations of these two sections in the act.

But I would like to know in laymen terms:

1. Who can do what under Section 19
2. Who can do what under Section 22
3. Can money be taken under any of the above if for non-profit or for profit?

My company has been operating since 1911. When rules and regulation came in, O-Licences etc. my father followed all legal regulations. I just remember having to have local excursion licences from West Yorkshire Road Car Company to run day excursions. 

I am sure that many small operators throughout this country are very much the same. And for those who know me, I call a spade a spade.

I was pleased to hear a Traffic Commissioner stated that if money is changing hands then an O-Licence is required.

Now everything is being “discussed” and the latest is London is getting worried about Section 19s operating tendered contracts.

Someone – and I don’t care who – needs to get a grip, act tough, and get it sorted.

If you take money – for profit or non-profit you need an O-Licence with everything that goes with it. No more hiding under this canopy of Sections 19 and 22.

Andrew Howick,
Hargreaves Coaches, Skipton