Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely has said new proposed government regulations on licensing community transport need to be rethought as they could damage services on the Island.
A consultation on the issue by the Department for Transport has recently ended but community groups, who are championing keeping existing light touch rules, are concerned the new regulations – in line with EU rules – will be implemented and damage organisations like dial-a-ride and community bus services.
Speaking in a parliamentary debate on community transport earlier this week, Bob said that the Isle of Wight’s successful FYT Bus service covering Freshwater, Yarmouth and Totland could be hit by more stringent rules for not-for-profit providers.
He told MPs:
“This very heavy handed and bizarre approach to regulation puts a question mark on the future of the FYT Bus service, which I think is very unnecessary.
“We need to be encouraging voluntary drivers and encouraging the community sector and not hitting them in this way.”
Research by the Community Transport Association found that 95% of not-for-profit permit holders expected to be affected by the new rules, if they come into force, and would face additional costs of almost £400m.
The Transport Select Committee has also said that there is little evidence not-for-profit transport providers have created unfair competition for commercial operators – one for the reasons the DfT is looking at tougher rules.
In reply, transport minister Jesse Norman said community transport was vital and supported by the Government:
“We have been very carefully listening all the way through this process,” he told MPs. “The Government has not a formulated and final policy on this matter.”
He said the Government would reflect on the experiences that have come out of the consultation and “we will publish a response to the consultation and take action on that”.
Speaking after the debate Bob said:
“In a rural constituency like the Island, community transport is vital and needs to be given all the help it can to thrive. I am pleased the Government is saying it has listened and I hope ministers look again their plans.”
