'All this red tape is quite horrendous' Future of Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard truck convoy at risk
A popular truck convoy and family fair that has raised thousands for charity could be called off over increased costs and bureaucracy.
The Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard truck convoy, which last year raised £25,000 for good causes, is due to take place on June 13.
But organisers say it is in “serious jeopardy”, and have written to Alex Mayer, the Labour MP for Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard, appealing for help.
In the letter Sue Robinson, the chief executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association, explained: "The event usually requires a temporary events licence that costs £21, however this year organisers have been told by local authorities that they will need a premises licence which will cost £100.
"The organisers have also been informed that they will be unable to use their motorcycle outriders to support the convoy as they usually do.
"All these additional costs and increased bureaucracy have put the event in serious jeopardy as the organising team try to navigate conversations with a variety of different local authorities.
"The event’s total run is only due to be an hour and a half and it would be a great shame if it has to be cancelled due to additional red tape, costing the chosen charities, the local economy and the community."
The letter concludes by asking the MP to raise the issues with the authorities in the hope that a compromise can be reached to enable the event to go ahead.
Ms Mayer said: “The Dunstable truck convoy is a valued fixture in the local calendar, bringing people together and raising significant sums for charity.
"I am in touch with Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedfordshire Police to make clear the strength of local feeling. I am seeking clarification about their licensing requirements and the position on motorcycle outriders.
"We need to understand the reasoning behind their decisions. I very much hope a constructive way forward can be found.”
Graham Munt, who leads the organising team, said: "Central Bedfordshire Council seem to be putting every obstacle in our way, and are explaining it as a change of regulation.
"All this red tape is quite horrendous, and we are hoping the authorities will ease up on it.
"We would need to make a decision in the next month to enable us to book facilities, such as portable toilets, and organise security for the event.
"We are hoping we can reach a compromise because it would be the charities that lose out and all the people who enjoy watching it."
Last year’s event included a convoy of more than 200 trucks pass through the county, with crowds enjoying dry and sunny weather as they watched the vehicles.
The convoy was then followed by a family fun day at the showground, which included live music and fairground rides.
A Central Bedfordshire Council spokesman said: "A Temporary Event Notice (TEN) can only be used for events with fewer than 500 attendees.
"In this case, the organisers have indicated that attendance is expected to exceed that limit.
"As a result, a TEN is not appropriate and the event will require a premises licence.
"This is a legal requirement, and the council has no discretion to waive it. The organisers have sufficient time to submit a licence application should they wish to proceed.”