Proposals to implement changes to licence requirements for minibus drivers have prompted widespread concerns among schools, health trusts, community associations and sports clubs – who rely on members and volunteers to drive their minibuses.
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is set to decide this month if the new restrictions on who can drive a minibus will come into force. The changes could mean that drivers who currently use a car licence when driving a minibus would need a full minibus driver’s licence and Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) to continue doing so.
DfI previously said that the new interpretation of existing law would not come into effect until at least 1 January 2018, but it now intends to clarify the legal position at the end of October since receiving a legal challenge against the current arrangements.
A consultation on minibus driving requirements is currently underway, with DfI working with those most likely to be affected by the changes and other interested organisations including the Equality Commission, about the delivery of key services.
Barry Mullholland, Chief Executive of the Controlled School’ Support Council (CSSC) said that the number of staff affected by any change “runs into thousands” with schools forced to either pay for drivers to complete the necessary requirements or rely on private providers or curtail activities requiring minibus transport.
Ulster Unionist Councillor David Taylor said the new licensing proposals “would have a devastating impact on a range of groups who rely on volunteers with car licences to drive mini-buses.”
Mr Taylor said there are genuine concerns that the Department will take advantage of the current political impasse to impose the new regulations.
“It is clear this decision would have a very serious impact on a range of voluntary groups including church, charity and community organisations in the local area and its implementation must be resisted,” he added.
Sinn Fein’s Megan Fearon revealed that her party had met with the Department last week to urge them to engage with the Equality and Human Rights Commission and she welcomed confirmation that this engagement has now begun.
“Rural community transport partnerships, which currently provide over 200,000 trips a year to elderly people, disabled people and the most isolated and vulnerable communities across the north, will be particularly badly affected. Potentially, the future feasibility of these services is under threat,” she said.
Meanwhile, SDLP Assembly Member for Newry and Armagh, Justin McNulty has also called for Stormont officials to scrap the proposals. Speaking after attending a public meeting in Lisburn last week, organised by the Community Transport Network, Mr McNulty underlined the importance of Rural Transport “for the most vulnerable citizens in our society.” “I firmly believe these new rules are a wrong interpretation of EU guidance and do not suit us,” he said, branding the proposals “nonsensical.”
“I am calling on Peter May, the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Infrastructure to withdraw these proposed changes immediately,” said the SDLP MLA.