UNCERTAIN times lay ahead of Holsworthy Rural Community Transport (HRCT) as new legislation may take them off the road.

Devon County Council’s cabinet member for community and public transport Roger Croad has warned that many community transport bus schemes may be forced to close if government enforces European regulations.

The government is consulting on licensing for community transport after a commercial bus company challenged the current UK guidance in the European courts.

In response to the news, Martin Prentice, of HRCT, said: “It is unfortunate that the operations of a few very large community transport groups has upset some of the large commercial operators and the legal outcome is likely to adversely affect the hundreds of small community transport groups like Holsworthy Rural Community Transport.”

Under new regulations all drivers who operate a hirable vehicle that carries nine or more passengers and charges separate fares for a journey will be required to obtain a public service vehicle (PSV) license.

Mr Prentice said he fears these new regulations could be the end for HRCT, which has been running for 18 years.

He said: “As far as Holsworthy is concerned if the current proposals go through then HRCT will cease to exist because we will be unable to comply with the proposed rules which would require us to engage a transport manager (unnecessary), all drivers would have to be PSV qualified (unnecessary and expensive) and community groups and charities would no longer be able to hire and drive our minibuses.”

HRCT provides a Ring & Ride service, which many rely upon to get out and about in a rurally isolated area. Mr Prentice said it was the ramifications of these new regulations that would have a detrimental effect on the community.

“So potentially a disastrous outcome with no winners but plenty of losers, mainly the rurally isolated clients for who the Ring & Ride is a lifeline and this will have a detrimental knock on effect on health and wellbeing. Eight staff will lose their jobs unnecessarily.

“So much time and effort has gone into helping these people that it seems quite wrong that the few can spoil things for the many.

“The law cannot be changed but we must challenge this proposed ‘solution’ in every way possible.”

Mr Prentice said that something needs to be done, adding: “I would encourage everyone who values our services to let our MP Geoffrey Cox or our county councilllor Barry Parsons know your views. This is so wrong it can’t be allowed to happen whatever it takes.”

Devon County councillor Barry Parsons believes smaller transport teams will be hit hard by these proposals.

He said: “I am particularly disappointed to see this matter emerging now, especially following all the good work done by the Holsworthy Community Transport team on behalf of our residents and right across the many parishes in our ward; indeed, beyond.

“It seems to me that the smaller, totally devoted community transport teams may be hit by matters predominantly large town and ‘citi-centric’ where competition may be at its height in terms of transport. It is grossly unfair as well as irresponsible to even contemplate treating the smaller, especially, rural communities in the same way as the larger urban conurbation-type areas.

“The effects of bringing in legislation of the type being suggested will only harm those most in need of our support.”

However, Conservative MP for Torridge and West Devon Geoffrey Cox says he is confident there will be no repercussions for HRCT but he will continue to monitor the situation.

He said: “Having reviewed the consultation measures and received assurances from the Transport Minister, I am confident that our community transport organisations should not be affected by the proposals that will emerge from the consultation and will be able to function as they are now.

“However, I am monitoring the situation very closely and will be vigilant to ensure there will be no prejudice to the extremely valuable services the organisations provide to the community.”