This Act became law on 22nd October, 1977, and I have been having some correspondence as to its operation with the authorities concerned. The position is that those congregations who make no charge for their minibuses but finance them out of general congregational funds are not affected, so no action need be taken by them. If, however, a congregation decides to make a charge to passengers in the running of their mini-buses, an application must be made for a permit to the Traffic Commissioners for the area in which the minibus is normally kept. This permit will allow a charge to be made to passengers without coming under public service vehicle licensing arrangements. An administrative charge of £7 is made for each permit issued. If any congregation decides to make a charge such as indicated above, I suggest they should get in touch with me when I can supply them with the detailed information required.
(Rev.) Donald MacLean,
Clerk of Synod.