These Regulations are made under the powers conferred by the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010.

The Regulations set out the process for obtaining a Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence.

Part 1 (regulations 1 and 2) contains general commencement and interpretation provisions.

Part 2 (regulations 3 to 8 and Schedules 1 and 2) prescribes matters relating to applications for Operator Licences and in particular, the manner, and time, in which applications are to be made.

Part 3 (regulations 9 to 12) prescribes various matters relating to objections and representations. In particular, they specify which trade union and associations may make objection and the manner and time within which objections or representations shall be made.

Part 4 (regulations 13 to 17) contains provisions about operating centres and the conditions as to use of the operating centre which may be attached to a licence (including number, type and size of goods vehicles, parking and access arrangements and times of operation).

Part 5 (regulation 18 and Schedule 3) prescribes various matters relating to inquiries held by the Department of the Environment (the Department).

Part 6 (regulation 19 and 20) prescribe matters relating to the content, publication and availability of statements (known as “Applications and Decisions”) by the Department, and relating to the provision of reasons for its decisions.

Part 7 (regulations 21 to 32 and Schedule 4) prescribe other matters relating to Operator Licences and, in particular, regulation 30 creates an offence for contravening or failing to comply with specified obligations contained in these Regulations.

A Regulatory Impact Assessment has been prepared and copies are available from Transport Regulation Unit, Department of the Environment, Bedford House, 16 – 22 Bedford Street, Town Parks, Belfast BT2 7FD or viewed online at http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr