Some 200 lorry operators have applied to register under new goods vehicle regulations.

Under new rules introduced at the start of 2019, haulage firms must carry out daily checks of their vehicles and Manx-based HGV operators have to register with the Road Transport Licensing Committee.

The move is designed to improve safety standards and reduce the risk to public safety.

Under special provisions, existing operators were allowed to register with the RTLC up to February 1 this year.

From now on, any goods vehicle operator wishing to register will be required to provide more information and be subject to greater scrutiny.

Some 200 existing operators applied to register with the RTLC under the special provisions and the last of these applications will be dealt with over the next few months.

From this week, the RTLC will be scrutinising any test failures for regulated goods vehicles when they take their annual test.

Test failures suggesting a lack of adequate maintenance and safety inspections will be followed up.

A goods vehicle inspector is being recruited to examine the safety and maintenance records of operators.

The RTLC will be working with the Vehicle Testing Centre and other agencies to follow up complaints or concerns about the safe and legal operation of goods vehicles.

RTLC chairman Brendan O’Friel said it was very encouraging that the great majority of good vehicle operators are working to implement the regulations and to achieve high standards.

’We are grateful for their contribution to introducing these changes as smoothly and effectively as possible,’ he said.