The rules on operator licensing, applied in Great Britain by the traffic commissioners, are based on an existing EC Directive  that sets out common rules that all EC member states must apply to their domestic O-licensing systems. That Directive will be replaced by a new EC Regulation  – which will apply from 4 December 2011. This regulation makes a number of changes to the rules on O-licensing that will affect how the requirements to apply for and hold an O-licence will operate in future.

Mike Penning said: 'The operator licensing system exists to make sure that the buses, lorries and coaches using our roads are operated safely and legally.

'These new EU measures will help to level the playing field for UK operators by making sure that there are effective mechanisms in all member states to allow enforcement agencies to report illegal activity by foreign vehicles.

'Our proposals for the implementation of these new EU rules will help to strengthen the operator licensing system and improve road safety without imposing unnecessary burdens on industry.'

The consultation on the new EU rules starts today (4 April) and seeks views on how the new rules can best be implemented by the Traffic Commissioners, who issue operator licences and take enforcement action against those who break those rules.

The consultation can be found at http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/2011-11/ and will close on 20 May 2011.