AQW 2319/17-22

Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 18/02/2020
Answered On Date: 04/03/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail whether she has plans to ensure drivers of vehicles operated under a 10b permit will have the same rights as those in Great Britain.

Answer:

Prior to my appointment, the Department consulted with key stakeholders on 10b Bus Permits and minibus driving licences in 2017. Following the consultation the Department wrote to 10b Permit stakeholders clarifying the circumstances in which non- profit making organisations may require a Bus Operator Licence.

https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/letter-regarding-issue-and-use-section-10b-permits-road-passenger-transport-and-minibus-driving

The Department also published driving licence guidance to clarify the Department’s interpretation on the general requirements for driving minibuses.

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/publications/driver-licensing-requirements-minibuses

In December 2019 the High Court in London provided an important judgement in respect of community bus service permits. Officials are working with DFT officials to determine the outworkings of this judgement in consideration of my options going forward.