No, it changed in January 2014.
Anyone who carries any waste, and that includes cable for recyling, needs to carry a waste carriers licence.
The scrap metal rules also changed last year, ICBA to find the reference, but dealing in scrap metal needs a separate Licence now too, so if you are pulled over at a spot check, and you have any waste in there, they can fine you for scrap metal dealing, or waste transfer.
In addition, electrical waste is subject to the WEEE Regs, so if a Government/Council Officer is having a bad day, and he stops you,then you could be fined for 3 separate offences, by carrying scrap cable, an old fan, and some old socket pattress boxes.
As you know, the majority of small traders do not bother to pay the £154 for 3 years, and hope they will never be pulled over.