PSVAR exemptions announced by DfT
DfT is introducing an application process for temporary exemptions for vehicles on specific services that currently do not meet PSVAR regulations.
The PSVAR exemption will be for two years and is available via the organisation procuring the service where a separate fare is paid by (or for) 20% or less of those entitled to travel. If the two-year period proves insufficient, DfT is proposing that those who procure home to school (HTS) services may be given a further two-year exemption period (from 2022) but only 50% of services procured by a provider could have such an exemption.
Operators that run a HTS service that runs to a timetable and for which separate fares are payable – and which meets the 20% or less criterion – will need to ensure that details of any vehicles that they are seeking an exemption for are provided to the local authority or school in order that a special authorisation can be granted.
This only applies to HTS services.
CPT Operations Director, Keith McNally, said: “There is still much to be done to ensure there is clarity for services that fall outside the scope of this exemption, including rail replacement services. We continue to speak to the Department for Transport about this issue and those home to school services which fall outside the scope for an exemption.
“All operators that provide home to school services that are in scope of PSVAR should contact their procuring organisation directly if they do not hear from them in the next few days.”