To ask the Minister of the Environment what action the Driver and Vehicle Agency is taking against the owners of vehicles that do not meet road traffic regulations, but are operating from illegal car parks around Belfast International Airport.

The Department has primary responsibility for the enforcement of regulations that pertain to the use of buses and coaches on Northern Ireland’s roads.

A series of enforcement spot checks have been carried out in recent months on passenger carrying vehicles used for the conveyance of passengers travelling from car parks located close to the Belfast International Airport. During these operations 4 car park operators were detected operating courtesy vehicles without proper PSV licenses or insurance. These detections have resulted in prosecution files being prepared for the Public Prosecution Service covering a variety of offences including: using a public service vehicle without a road service licence in force; using a public service vehicle without a public service licence in force; using a public service vehicle without a certificate of motor insurance in force; and driving a public service vehicle without being the holder of an appropriate licence.

The Department will continue to monitor this situation in conjunction with the Belfast International Airport Constabulary and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, and where vehicles are detected that do not meet road traffic regulations appropriate enforcement action will be taken.

I believe that DOE planning and DOE DVA have critical responsibilities to ensure full and proper compliance with the law. I intend to ensure both live up to these duties.