As the pandemic recedes into history, the Traffic Commissioners’ latest annual report shows that progress is being made on reform, but there is still more that can be done to improve services on both sides
The Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain have released their Annual Report for the year to 31 March 2023 on 20 July, alongside a new strategy for the period until 2025 and which evaluates the success of the previous objectives. Issues addressed include the availability of drivers and maintenance suppliers, CPCs, managing risks and local bus services.
Reflecting on the report, the Senior Traffic Commissioner Richard Turfitt said: “It is a privilege to serve the communities of Great Britain and to make this contribution to the safety of road users. The Minister’s commendation in the recent review of the Traffic Commissioners, the staff in the OTC, and our delivery partners is most welcome. It recognises the hard work over the course of the last three years and that we continue to work on strengthening the delivery of services, and the willingness of my colleagues to improve outcomes for the industry and the public.”
The report records the regulatory activity of the Commissioners and support staff during the year, of which some key figures include 14,133 operator licence applications and variations processed, 13,747 local bus registrations processed, and 1,347 Public Inquiries determined. 3.1 billion local bus service passenger journeys were made during the period, with 1.3 billion miles operated by local buses. There were 5,809 valid PSV operator licences, authorised to operate 86,371 passenger vehicles.
Moving forwards, the Office of the Traffic Commissioner states that it will aim to deliver a modern and effective operator licensing regime that ensures operators are fit to hold a licence whilst minimising the regulatory burden on the compliant, whilst promoting and developing a safe road transport industry, which delivers compliance, fair competition and protects the environment. It will also seek legislative change for an improved operator licensing system by promoting opportunities which will contribute towards reducing the cost of entry to the transport industry, managing the regulatory burden arising from changes to operator licensing legislation, and supporting innovation to prepare for future means of transport, such as autonomous and electric vehicles.
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