‘All this red tape is quite horrendous’ Future of Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard truck convoy at risk
‘All this red tape is quite horrendous’ Future of Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard truck convoy at risk.
A famous truck convoy and family fair that has earned thousands for charity may be cancelled due to increased expenses and bureaucracy.
The Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard truck convoy, which earned £25,000 for good causes last year, is set to take place on June 13.
However, organisers believe it is in “serious jeopardy” and have written to Alex Mayer, the Labour MP for Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard, requesting assistance.
Sue Robinson, CEO of the National Franchised Dealers Association, explained in a letter that this year’s event requires a premises licence, which costs £100, rather than the usual £21 temporary events licence.
The organisers have also been warned that they will be unable to utilise their motorbike outriders to assist the convoy as they normally do.
“All of these additional costs and increased bureaucracy have put the event in severe peril as the organising team tries to negotiate with a variety of different municipal administrations.”
The event’s total run is only due to be an hour and a half and it would be a great shame if it has to be cancelled due to additional red tape, costing the chosen charities, the local economy and the community.”
The letter closes by requesting the MP to discuss the issues with the authorities in the hopes of reaching a compromise that will allow the event to proceed.
Ms. Mayer stated, “The Dunstable truck convoy is a valued fixture in the local calendar, bringing people together and raising significant sums for charity.
I am in contact with Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedfordshire Police to express the strength of local feeling.” I’m looking for clarification on their licensing requirements and policy regarding motorcycle outriders.
“We must comprehend the logic behind their decisions. I sincerely hope a constructive way forward may be found.”
The organising team’s leader, Graham Munt, expressed frustration with Central Bedfordshire Council’s attempts to stymie the event by citing regulatory changes.All of this red tape is horrible, and we hope the government would reduce it.
“We’d need to make a decision within the next month to book amenities like portable toilets and arrange security for the event.
“We are hoping we can reach a compromise because it would be the charities that lose out and all the people who enjoy watching it.”
Last year’s event saw a convoy of over 200 trucks passing through the county, with spectators enjoying the dry and beautiful weather while watching the vehicles.
The convoy was followed by a day of family fun at the showground, complete with live music and fairground rides.
A Central Bedfordshire Council representative stated that a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) can only be used for events with fewer than 500 attendees. “In this circumstance, the organisers have stated that attendance is projected to surpass the limit.
“As a result, a TEN is not appropriate and the event will require a premises licence.”This is a legal necessity, and the council cannot waive it.If the organisers choose to proceed, they have enough time to submit a licence application.
“This is a legal requirement, and the council has no discretion to waive it. The organisers have sufficient time to submit a licence application should they wish to proceed.”
Read more on Straightwinfortoday.com
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.