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Consultations on removing certain exemptions from operator licensing and annual roadworthiness testing

I am today announcing the publication of two related public consultations that will close on 5^th March 2015.

· HGV Periodic Testing and Inspections Exemptions

· Goods Vehicle Operator Licensing Exemptions Consultation

Historically certain heavier vehicles have been exempt from operator licensing and or road worthiness testing. Some of the current exemptions are proposed for removal or modification either because of possible non-compliance with EU legislation or to correct anomalies between certain vehicles types that are currently exempt and those that are not.

The HGV testing scheme provides exemption for 37 classes of vehicle. We are proposing to remove or modify exemptions covering 10 categories of vehicle

We are considering a modification to exemption number 15 in the current list of exemptions under operator licensing. Vehicles using this exemption operate in direct competition with other non-exempt vehicles and perform the same core function. Due to the commonalities between operator licensing exemptions and annual test exemptions the consultations will run in tandem.

The measures proposed are expected to improve road safety, update the legislation to reflect modern practices and ensure a fairer and more uniform approach for operators.

I have placed copies of the documents in the Libraries of both Houses and they will also be available on gov.uk.