Reduction reported in O-licence numbers

23rd January 2014

The number of O-licences in circulation continues to fall.  The latest official figures in a Traffic Commissioners’ report show that just 80,894 licences were issued in 2012/13, compared to 84,072 in the previous year.  In 1999-2000 there were 110,067.

The report also reveals that 303 O-licences were revoked in 2012-13, compared with 322 in 2011-12, and that the number of suspensions increased from 97 to 135.  Licence holder disqualifications went up from 37 to 45, while those for transport managers rose from 57 to 67.

“It is impossible to miss the continuing downsizing of the GB commercial vehicle fleet, both in terms of vehicles specified and numbers of operators,” Traffic Commissioner Kevin Rooney said.  “The business realities that cause this shrinkage play themselves out day-in, day-out in the public inquiry room, whether it be an application following a pre-pack administration or an operator who has cut costs on maintenance or not replaced his fleet,” he said.