About us

Traffic Commissioners are responsible for the licensing and regulation of those who operate heavy goods vehicles, buses and coaches, and the registration of local bus services. They are assisted in this work by deputy Traffic Commissioners, who preside over a number of public inquiries.

Responsibilities

Traffic Commissioners have responsibility in their region or country for:

  • the licensing of the operators of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and of buses and coaches (public service vehicles or PSVs)
  • the registration of local bus services
  • granting vocational licences and taking action against drivers of HGVs and PSVs
  • the environmental suitability of centres designated as parking locations for HGVs

Priorities

Traffic Commissioners’ shared priorities are:

  • to ensure that people operating HGVs and PSVs are reputable, competent, and adequately funded
  • to encourage all operators to adopt robust systems, so that there is fair competition and that the operation of goods and public service vehicles is safe
  • to consider on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport the fitness of drivers or those applying for passenger carrying vehicle or large goods vehicle driving licences based on their conduct
  • to consider, and where appropriate impose, traffic regulation conditions to prevent danger to road users and/or reduce traffic congestion and/or pollution
  • to ensure public inquiry proceedings are fair and free from any unjustified interference or bias
  • to engage with stakeholders - listening to industry, meeting with local authorities, trade organisations, passenger groups and operators and presenting seminars

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