Northern Ireland Assembly
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COMMITTEE CHALLENGES DEPARTMENT ON DELAYS TO IMPLEMENTING LEGISLATION

The Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for the Environment has expressed its frustration at the possibility of delays to implementing the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act (NI) 2010 by the Department of the Environment.

Committee Chair Anna Lo MLA said: “In June 2010 the Department told the Committee it would have the Act fully implemented by April 2012. However, at our meeting last week the Department advised that there is now a risk that this may be delayed.

“The legislation was first reviewed by the Assembly in 2008 and it received full support.  Members believe it will contribute significantly to improving road safety in Northern Ireland as vehicles would need to be checked for roadworthiness much more regularly.

“The Committee is concerned about the level of failure rate of Heavy Goods Vehicles, not only at first test but also on retest, and the possible impact this has on the safety of our roads.  This legislation would help address this. We have also been told it could help tackle freight crime, such as smuggling, which costs the industry and Government millions of pounds. 

“This is not the first time we have challenged the Department about delays to implementing legislation.  In July we also raised concerns about delays to implementing the 2008 Taxis Act.  We would like to see the Department placing both these pieces of legislation high on their priority list.”

Committee Membership:

Ms Anna Lo MLA (Chairperson)
Mr Simon Hamilton (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Cathal Boylan
Ms Paula Bradley
Mr Willie Clarke
Mr John Dallat
Mr Danny Kinahan
Mr Patsy McGlone
Mr Francie Molloy
Lord Morrow
Mr Peter Weir

Media enquiries to:
Jennifer Pleavin
Communications Officer
Northern Ireland Assembly
Phone: 028 9052 1606
Mobile: 07502 379339
Email:
jennifer.pleavin@niassembly.gov.uk

Caroline Moore
Deputy Communications Officer
Northern Ireland Assembly
Phone: 028 9052 1806
Mobile: 07900 053926
Email:
caroline.moore@niassembly.gov.uk

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