EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations amend the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Regulations 1995 (“the 1995 Regulations”) and the Motor Vehicles (Tests) Regulations 1981.
Regulation 2(2) inserts a new definition of “alternative fuel” into the 1995 Regulations that is required for the purposes of the new exemption provided in paragraph 31 of Schedule 3 to those Regulations for certain vehicles that use such fuels.
Regulation 2(3) inserts a provision to review the amendments made to the 1995 Regulations by these Regulations.
Regulation 2(4) amends Schedule 3 (classes of vehicles for which an operator’s licence is not required) to the 1995 Regulations so that—
the exemption in paragraph 15(a) will only apply to vehicles carrying water, fuel, accumulators and other equipment used for the purpose of propulsion or the running of the vehicle, or for the carriage of loose tools and loose equipment;
the exemption in paragraph 21 will only apply to electrically propelled vehicles in use before 1st March 2015;
new paragraph 31 exempts vehicles fuelled entirely by alternative fuels with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 4.25 tonnes and currently operated in Great Britain.
Regulation 3 amends the Motor Vehicles (Tests) Regulations 1981 to remove the exemption from roadworthiness testing for an electric goods vehicle whose design gross weight does not exceed 3500 kilograms if it was first registered on or after 1st March 2015.
A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as the impact on the private and voluntary sectors is minimal. An Explanatory Memorandum is available alongside this instrument on www.legislation .gov.uk.