The Annual Traffic Commissioners report for 2018-2019 had recently been published.  The report looks at what the Commissioners have achieved as well as setting out their plans for the future.

The first Minister for Transport was appointed in 1919, with legislation establishing the role of traffic commissioners introduced by 1929.  The first Annual Report was published in 1932.

In the foreword by the Senior Traffic Commissioner, Mr. Richard Turfitt, he emphasises that one of the key "attractions" back in 1932 was "the setting up of an independent tribunal to consider applications for road service licences" - in other words, the creation of a level playing field and a consistent set of rules equably applicable to all licence holders.  Mr. Turfitt goes on to point out that this aim is very much front and centre of the regulatory regime today; the same sentiment having been echoed recently by the Senior President of Tribunals (Ernest Ryder) when he described access to justice as an indivisible right where "there can be no second class".

The areas of compliance that have been cited by Traffic Commissioners as causing most concern during the year are: brake test performance, transport manager accountability, digital tachographs and driver management and lastly bridge strike incidents - which are apparently on the rise.

2018 - 2019 has been a busy year for the traffic commissioners, with nearly 1,600 public inquiries held, 335 preliminary hearings and 126 Senior Team Leader interviews conducted.

The report states that there are currently nearly 71,000 goods vehicle operator licences and just under 8,000 PSV operator licenses.  Within the UK there are over 25 million journeys on scheduled coach operations each year and 78% of all domestic freight is moved by hauliers.

If you would like to read the latest Traffic Commissioners report click here to go through to the Government website.

Looking to the future, the two key objectives the Traffic Commissioners have listed for the year 2020-2021 are to;

  • Deliver a modern, effective operator's licence regime that ensures operators are fit to hold a licence whilst minimising the regulatory burden on the compliant; and to
  • Promote a safe road transport industry, which supports compliance, fair competition and protects the environment.

If you would like to discuss any issues relating to the new report, or about your business in general, then call us on 01279 818280 or click here to send an email.

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