Merit seen in change in transport licensing

Press, 19 April 1982, Page 12

Merit seen in change in transport licensing

PA Wellington The Minister of Transport (Mr Gair) has seen some merit in moving towards a system of “qualitative” transport licensing, rather than the present “quantitative” licensing for passengers and goods. Mr Gair said that qualitative licensing meant that an

applicant for a transport licence had to “demonstrate competency, financial stability, and a sufficient degree of equity backing in order to be considered! “The onus is not on him to prove that there exists a given amount of demand for a service," he told the central branch of the Chartered Institute of Transport. Mr Gair said he had not reached any firm conclusion on the licensing question, but had seen the merit of the change in material he had read. The Minister said transport licensing was a major question which must soon be faced.

"I know that the subject has been a contentious one for many years. But there is even stronger pressure now than before from those who want more flexibility and a freer approach to the market forces at work in our transport industry.”' Mr Gair said that in the coming months he would seek comments from the industry. He also said he had been told that the shipping industry might benefit from a comprehensive review “such as we have had'with aviation and the future of the Railways.” “I will be picking up this theme within the next month or so,” Mr Gair said.