BORING BUT INTERESTING AND IMPORTANT: READ
ON
An Interesting Article from "The Organisation of Horse Box and Trailer Owners"
ILLEGAL HORSE TRANSPORTERS TARGETED
The Vehicle Inspectorate has now impounded several hundred vehicles for
operating without the correct licences.
Horsebox owners could also have their vehicles impounded by the Vehicle
Inspectorate and then scrapped or sold – just for playing the good Samaritan
after a fellow owner has broken down. It is illegal to accept any form of
payment - even in kind - for transporting horses without an Operators Licence
and the correct hire and reward insurance.
Over the last few years many people have been tempted to accept payment for
transporting horses, often with the best intentions. Individual horsebox owners
have been recruited by rescue companies to assist others in the case of
breakdown. This is fine if the individual concerned has an Operators Licence and
the correct hire and reward insurance. If not, they stand a very real chance of
losing their vehicle altogether. Being told that the company concerned holds a
licence and insurance that covers you simply is not good enough, no matter how
reliable or well known that company appears to be.”
VOSA can seize any horsebox with a gross plated weight of 3.5 tonnes or
unladen weight of more than 1.525 tonnes found to be contravening the
legislation. Vehicles are taken to a secure compound where they remain for 21
days. The operator may appeal against wrongful impounding and any appeal must be
made within 21days of the impounding
Appeals have to be made to the Traffic Commissioner and then to the transport
tribunal but ignorance of the law will not help. Miranda Roberts of the Vehicle
Inspectorate recently warned that “The grounds for appeal do not include the
owner of the horsebox being unaware of this change in Department of Transport
law.”
The Vehicle Inspectorate’s national helpline for advice is on 0870 60 60 440.
This number includes a confidential line allowing drivers and members of the
public to pass on information about potential lawbreakers to the VI’s
Intelligence Unit. Any company that actively encourages the practice should also
be reported. Information may also be given and obtained from your local VOSA Enforcement Office
If your vehicle is plated to carry over 3,500kg, you may need to apply for an
operators licence. If you have any queries regarding your own vehicle,
please contact your local VOSA Traffic Area Offices.
For more information please visit "The Organisation of Horse Box and Trailer
