Unlicensed transport operators to face additional penalties come next month

The Transport Authority is urging unlicensed transport operators who missed the April 1 renewal deadline to become regularised.

The authority says 16, 979 operators have not renewed their licences.

Under Section 61 of Road Traffic Act it is an offence to operate a motor vehicle without a road licence.

Additionally, under Section 78 (1) of the Act, it is also an offence to use a commercial motor vehicle on a road for the carriage of goods or services without a carrier's licence.

Vehicles being operated without the requisite licence are subject to seizure.

The transport regulator is warning that operators who fail to renew their road licences before the June 3, 2019 start of the liberalisation of the public transportation system will be subject to a late fee of $10,000.00.

This is in keeping with the authority’s Regional Licensing Approval Policy and procedures which also take effect on June 3, 2019.

The agency explains that framework is intended to significantly reduce the processing time for road licence applications by decentralising and automating the licence approval process.

Meanwhile, the authority is urging passengers to be vigilant in selecting their transportation providers and to choose only safe, licensed, legitimate operators.

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