Operators of goods vehicles including larger vans have been urged to get registered by the end of the year - or face a substantial fine.

Some 60 operators have so far applied to be placed on the new register.

Goods vehicle regulation has been in place for many years in neighbouring jurisdictions. But while it was planned here under the 2001 Road Transport Act, it was never implemented until July last year when regulations were approved by Tynwald.

The new rules aim to reduce the risk to public safety by introducing standards for island-based goods vehicle operators, for the maintenance of their vehicles and for their operating centres.

They were introduced following the tragic accident in 2005, when a 13-year-old cyclist died when he was hit by a wheel that became detached from a moving lorry.

Under the new regulations, being implemented by the Road Transport Licensing Committee, operators are required to have ’good repute’ and must maintain their vehicles, to conduct regular safety inspections and to keep maintenance records.

They will also be required to have planning permission or equivalent for their operating centres.

A one year transitional period began in January this year. Operators applying for registration during 2019 qualified for a number of incentives including free registration for on-island operators.

As there is no previous reliable list , it is not know how many of goods vehicle operators there are in the island.

Substantial fine

RTLC chairman Brendan O’Friel said that as at August this year, some 60 operators have applied to be placed on the register with more than 350 vehicles and over 170 trailers. So what happens to unregistered operators after December 31 this year?

Mr O’Friel said: ’They will be breaking the law - section 8 of the RTA 2001 - and liable for a substantial fine.

’Because the transitional incentives will not apply after December 31, any unregistered operator wishing to apply for registration will be subject to a more extensive application process.’

This will also apply to any new operator wishing to register from next year.

In general terms, the new legislation applies to goods vehicles with a maximum laden weight of over 3,500kg.

Mr O’Friel said: ’This means some larger vans with long wheel bases and/or high roofs may be covered by the legislation and their operators will need to register.’

The question of which vehicles are covered by the regulation is quite complex.

Operators are urged to check details on the RTLC website or call 651564 for guidance.