I have read in the latest issue of the new intention to enforce regulations concerning operations under Section 19 and 22 permits.
Well well, at long last. Well overdue, for the operations of these permits has been a travesty for as long as they have been allowed.
Unfortunately the government has for far too long chosen to turn a blind eye to what has blatantly been a total disregard for the law. Why has this been allowed to fester away for so long?
Very simple really, local authorities have undoubtedly put pressure on the government to ignore the illegality in order to keep costs artificially low.
A succession of ministers from all sides of the political spectrum have been prepared to accept this without consideration to the undoubted damage that professional operators have suffered for several decades.
It is against all norms of natural justice to expect professional operators to compete with one arm tied behind their back, but it seems that at last this has been recognised, and that a level playing field is to be restored.
Ron Whittle
Former operator
Whittles Coaches
Kidderminster
