The European Commission is considering action against the UK over its failure to implement standardised licensing and testing for all minibus operators, including section 19 and 22 permit holders.
It issued infringement proceedings against the UK in April 2015, with a grace period, to bring an end to the UK’s exemption to the licensing regime for operators carrying out not-for-profit travel.
As this has not happened, it will publish a ‘reasoned opinion’ on what further action to take in the next few weeks.
Under the current system charities, schools and community transport networks can operate minibuses without an O-Licence.
Charlotte Hughes of the Community Transport Association says: “The next move on this sits with the UK government. We trust that our case for the sector and continued support of Community Transport is with decision makers.
"Without any official information or consultation about a change in government policy or practice members should assume they can conduct business as usual unless they are informed otherwise by a credible authority or the CTA."
