So finally, after many years of obfuscation and stone-walling, the Department for Transport (DfT) has decided to apply the law and level the playing field between Permit 19 and 22 operators and PCV O-Licence holders.
Congratulations go to all those who have relentlessly campaigned to put an end to this iniquity.
At the heart of this interminable delay have been two issues: Public safety, and the desire to save public money by lowering regulatory standards for some bus services but not others.
As we stand at the threshold of Brexit, it is ironic that it is the EU machine that has finally made DfT wave its white flag – yet herein lies a golden opportunity to do what is right for the UK.
If the evidence shows that some buses can be operated safely with fewer regulations than others, then now is our opportunity to simplify the regulatory regime and apply it to every operator of particular types of bus services, operated by specified types of vehicle.
That way we can still make savings of scarce public money and also create the level playing field that healthy competition demands. If we do it properly we can produce wins for everyone; government, the industry and most importantly those of our customers who might otherwise have no bus service.
After all, isn't this what Brexit is meant to be about?
Tim Gibson
Leeds
