Chichester is a very rural area with a large elderly population and as a consequence many of our communities and individuals are at risk of becoming isolated. To tackle this, we are lucky to have a thriving network of local and community transport. These services provide vital links to local amenities, schools and provide great social excursions for those who may otherwise find themselves isolated.
Many constituents and service providers have been in touch to raise concerns about the Department for Transport’s consultation ‘Section 19 and 22 permits, and the effect this may have on the organisation’s providing these services. This is in large part due to some uncertainty about how some aspects of the community transport providers activities may be classified and whether they will be exempt from having to hold a Public Service Vehicle Licence, which commercial operators must hold. Most of the organisations that have been in touch provide a free community service, however they also organise day trips and hire out their vehicles to help generate income to contribute towards the running costs and this is where the uncertainty lays.
Broadly speaking the current guidance is based on the Transport Act of 1985, which has been light touch and therefore allowed community transport to thrive with the minimal regulation and licencing. This has been positive especially in areas like Chichester where we do have especially remote areas.
The proposed changes are being made to update UK legislation and guidance that has not kept pace with EU regulations. The regulation in question, EC1071/2009, requires there to be a common set of rules for road transport operators whether profit making or not. There is justifiable concern as many community groups have a commercial element, such as organising day trips or hiring out their vehicles to generate a small income that is reinvested to help run these key services.
I have shared my concerns and those of the communities I represent with the Secretary of State for Transport, The Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP and asked for assurance that the Department are giving due consideration to the organisations that operate in this way as part of the consultation.
I have submitted a written question on this issue and I will share the response when I hear back from the Department for Transport.