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What is the IOPD?
For event organisers and promoters, the IOPD provides
Authorisation Permits to help ensure event organisers, and
promoters involved in any type of auto or motorcycle
leisure, comply with the law and the 1991 Road Traffic Act
in particular. Failure to do so can now result in heavy
fines or imprisonment in worst cases, for event organisers,
staff and participants alike.
This affects ANY event to which the public has access and
involving ANY mechanically propelled vehicle, from
micro-bikes to monster trucks).
The International Organisation of Professional Drivers
was established nearly 20 years ago to enable responsible
event organisers to conform to the new regulations, which
commenced from 1992. Today, with the escalation of vehicles
used in what is seen by many to be anti-social behaviour and
the resultant dangers; the IOPD role has never been more
relevant in contributing a regime of safety to ensure legal
conformity and legitimisation.
In fulfilling its role to its Affiliates, the IOPD can see
the way the wind is blowing, on issues that are now getting
national focus. It is now becoming clearly evident that the
only exemption for organisers from the Road Traffic Act is
permit Authorisation, in order to avoid conflicting with
the law and health & safety issues.
“A mechanically propelled vehicle in public place”
The term ‘Mechanically Propelled Vehicle' (MPV) encompass all
auto-related vehicles, whether they standing on one, two,
three, four, six, eight or any combination of wheels,
tracks, skids or skis.
A ‘public place’ is defined by the Road Traffic Act as any
place to which the public can gain access (with or without
admission charge) and is beyond 15 yards from the public
highway.
The IOPD has seen a sea change, brought about by
mounting pressure from the law and health & safety, to a
diversity of auto and leisure activities.
The International Organisation of Professional Drivers (IOPD)
was established as a voice for leisure, motorsport, arena
and other recreation events using any kind of motor vehicle
activity. In 1991 things began to change for the organisers,
promoters and drivers at these events, with the introduction
of the Road Traffic Act of 1991.
In the intervening years there has been a gradual
increase in the enforcement of existing legislation, which
has increasingly been used against ‘rogue operators’, or
where a serious incident has occurred, or where complaints
have been received. These enforcements have increased to the
extent that the majority of IOPD’s work is related to the
issuing of Authorisation Permits to its Affiliates; because
the IOPD is also a Statutory Governing Body, authorised by
the Secretary of State, these Permits EXEMPT the IOPD
Affiliates from prosecution under the Road Traffic Act.
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is an authorising body for off-highway auto related
events recognised by the Department of Transport
under the terms of Statutory Instrument 1370 of the
Road Traffic Act 1992. |
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is recognised as a governing association for
off-road auto related activities including motor
sport, motorcycle sport and auto leisure activities. |
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is empowered by the statute to inspect, approve and
sanction off highway venues and issues authorising
permits under Road Traffic Act (RTA) legislation
given under regulations made by the Secretary of
State.
This exempts participants and organisers from
prosecution for breaches of many of the sections of
the Road Traffic Acts applied in public places
off-road and specifically for dangerous, careless or
reckless driving including causing death by
dangerous, careless or reckless driving.
Authorisation removes the legal requirement for 3rd
party road risk insurance for all vehicles
off-the-highway. |
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may issue permits of authorisation to individuals,
partnerships, organising clubs, promoters, event
organisers, a company or a local authority,
including a police authority and provides advice,
rules, regulations, codes of practice and
documentation covering all aspects of mechanically
propelled vehicle activities. |
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The IOPD’s ‘can do’ culture has the expertise
for events for all vehicles, 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 wheels,
or with tracks, all types of power plant including
jet thrust. We help enable you to make an event
happen and enhance your professionalism. |
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Are you involved with these activities?
This is the new guidance issued for leisure activity organisers,
drivers / riders of mechanically propelled vehicles off-the-highway
Activities particularly affected include those using Quads, Mini
Motos, MotoX, 4x4, Bangers, Grass Track, Auto Test, Drifting,
Trials, Safaris, Corporate Entertainment, Shows and Arena Displays,
Experience Days, Trade Demonstrations, Track Test Days etc. . .
1. If a person should proceed more than 15 yards from a road with a
mechanically propelled vehicle they are committing an offence!
-Unless they are taking part in an off-highway activity authorised
by a Statutory Governing Body (such as the IOPD) or have the express
permission of the landowner.
2. Off-highway event or activity organisers should be aware that
they and their participants are now potentially facing prosecution
and substantial penalties if their event or activity operates
without a Road Traffic Act Off Road Event Authorisation Permit
issued by a Statutory Governing Body. Several un-authorised event
and activity organisers have already been charged with corporate
manslaughter offences.
3. If an activity or event off-highway is not authorised by a
Statutory Governing Body then vehicles must be fully road legal
(registered, insured and MOT tested) and driven in a careful,
considerate and road like manner. Drivers and riders must be fully
licensed and of an appropriate age!
4. Persons found guilty of Road Traffic Act offences at off-highway
events and activities not authorised by a Statutory Governing Body
may receive points, banning orders or custodial sentences, even if
under age or un-licensed!
5. Where a police constable in uniform has reasonable grounds to
believe that a mechanically propelled vehicle is or has been used in
a manner which contravenes certain sections of the Road Traffic Act
whether on or off highway and including at venues, events and
activities not authorised by a Statutory Governing Body may stop,
seize, remove and destroy the vehicle and has the powers to enter
using reasonable force any premises, including a garage adjoining a
house, to seize, remove and destroy vehicles! Over 100 vehicles have
already been seized covering 8 separate constabulary areas.
Summary:
An Authorisation Permit is required for temporary venues (e.g.
show grounds) and permanent venues (e.g. stadium, circuits and
activity centres). It changes the legal status of an event or
activity under regulations made by the Secretary of State. The
Permit exempts organisers and participants from prosecutions arising
from the Road Traffic Acts. All mechanically propelled vehicle
activities and events taking place off-highway involving any non
road legal vehicles, non fully licensed drivers or driving in a
manner different to the public highway (fast or challenging comes
within this) should be authorised under permit of a Statutory
Governing Body, such as IOPD. |
| As each case or situation may have many variables, this information is offered as general guidance only. For specific guidance, which is to be relied on, please engage an appropriate legal practitioner.
© IOPD International
Organisation of Professional Drivers. All rights reserved. |
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