This Order brings into operation all of the provisions of the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010 (“the 2010 Act”) insofar as they are not already in operation.

Article 3 makes transitional arrangements to allow applications for an operator’s licence made under the Transport Act (Northern Ireland) 1967 (“the 1967 Act”) but not determined by the coming into operation date of the 2010 Act to continue to be determined under the provisions of the 1967 Act.

Article 4 makes transitional arrangements for the holders of road freight operator’s licences issued under section 14 of the 1967 Act so that those licences are treated as standard licences under the 2010 Act until they expire.

Article 5 makes transitional arrangements for road freight vehicle licences issued under section 17 of the 1967 Act so that those licences are treated as vehicle identification discs issued under the 2010 Act until they expire.

Article 6 makes provision for the issue of temporary permits to those operators who apply for a restricted licence and who have been operating their business immediately prior to the coming into the operation of the Act until such time as their application has been processed.

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