Five-year authorisations issued in 2012 are now due. As this is not an automatic process, the NFU recommends farmers check their licence expiry date.
Transport advisor Thomas Price said: “There are two types of licence for animal transportation. Type 1 applies journeys of more than 65km, up to eight hours in duration and applies to all types vehicles. Type 2 is for longer journeys over eight hours in duration.
“When processing their animal transport licence renewals, farmers should also bear in mind that the number of authorisations required can vary upon each farmer’s business arrangements. You must have an authorisation for each business you operate. So if you transport as a sole trader, but also as a partnership, each business arrangement will need its own authorisation.”
All drivers, including those that have changed within the past five years, must hold a certificate of competence before a farmer can receive an animal transport authorisation.
To gain the certificate of competence, the driver will complete a half day, multiple-choice exam, covering general rules as well as transportation of different animal categories, including cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and poultry. A list of certified trainers for this course and exam can be found on www.lantra.co.uk.