大象传媒

East Yorkshire's community transport groups say they could face closure if planned Government changes go ahead. The Department for Transport has written to all community transport providers across the country saying that some drivers within community transport groups may soon be required to hold a Public Service Vehicle licence which can cost around one thousand pounds to obtain. Community transport is non-profit making and it is used by those who do not have access to conventional public services. It's widely used in rural areas and coastal towns. Jane Evison, who is an East Riding of Yorkshire Councillor and Chair of the Holderness Area Rural Transport Group, says "If this legislation does go through and they're proposing a consultation on it, the changes that they're going to bring about will damage community transport beyond belief." Sheila Lockwood, 82, is a Hornsea resident who relies on community transport due to her ill health. She tells 大象传媒 Political Reporter Sarah Sanderson in this interview what it means to her. A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "We recognise that buses provide a vital service in communities, and particularly in more remote areas. Some community transport operators will need to ensure they and their drivers have professional licenses, especially if they compete for commercial contracts. We have to make these changes because of EU law and plan to consult later this year on which operators will require professional licences. We expect that most smaller operators will not be affected."