Roadtown, Tortola - Government is educating drivers of motor vehicles for hire on the new processes introduced with the implementation of the livery service in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulations 2009.

“Livery refers to the category of vehicle that will transport people for hire; this includes shuttle (S), tour (T), limousines (L) and community bus services, (B),” the Acting Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Mrs. Myrna Ferdinand told the Department of Information and Public Relations. 

According to Mrs. Ferdinand, the introduction of the livery licence plates is the ministry’s attempt to rectify the problems in the transportation industry by creating a new category of licenses that would establish a clear and functional definition of the industry.

“According to the law, the licensing officer shall not register and issue B, L, S, or T motor vehicle registration plates unless the owner is a BVIslander or belonger and has a valid trade license to undertake livery transportation service in the category for which the registration is required,” Mrs. Ferdinand explained.

Livery permits were also established with the passing of the Road Traffic Regulations 2009. Mrs. Ferdinand further noted that persons wishing to obtain a livery permit would need to apply to the Vehicle Licensing Department and once granted, the applicant will be authorised with a one-year permit to operate one or more of the livery services.

According to the regulations B, L, S, or T vehicle driver’s permits will be issued providing that the applicant possesses a valid driver’s licence, passes a livery operator’s test, obtains a certificate of medical fitness including an eye examination and has satisfactorily completed a training course conducted by the BVI Tourist Board for drivers of motor vehicles for hire.

“The training course is designed to educate on the history and landmarks of the BVI in an attempt to ensure that taxi and livery operators are fully informed of BVI culture and can effectively articulate it to promote the tourism product,” Mrs. Ferdinand concluded.

Government is seeking the support of all parties involved to make the transition as smooth as possible as efforts are made to provide efficient and accurate services in vehicle licensing matters and to enhance driver’s safety in compliance with the road traffic legislation of the Territory.