Beverley Bell vows to continue targeting the ‘serially and seriously non-compliant’

Beverley Bell has had her term as Senior Traffic Commissioner (STC) for Great Britain extended until spring, 2017.

The decision means that she will continue to perform the role of STC, while also holding the post of Traffic Commissioner for the North West of England.

The responsibilities of the STC are set out in the Local Transport Act 2008 which allows the  STC to give guidance and general directions to traffic commissioners and deputies, after   consulting with them and key stakeholders, and determine which statutory functions traffic commissioners work on.

Bell said: “I am delighted to serve as Senior Traffic Commissioner and look forward to working with the Department and my fellow commissioners as we work through the changes that will follow as a result of the Triennial Review.

“Over the past four years, traffic commissioners have dealt with a range of significant issues arising in the operator licensing regime but there is still more to be done.

“Over the next 12 months we will concentrate on continuing to deliver our key objectives of reducing the burden on the compliant industry and targeting the serially and seriously non-compliant to ensure our twin objectives of the promotion of road safety and fair competition.

“As part of my decision to continue as STC for another year, I have informed the Department for Transport that I do not intend to seek reappointment as STC in spring, 2017.

“In reflecting on my work as STC I feel that real progress has been made in challenging times for traffic commissioners and operators alike.

“I consider that, next spring, the time will be right for the future challenges of fee and legislative reform to be taken forward under new leadership.

“Consequently, I also intend to step down from my post as Traffic Commissioner for the North West of England at the same time.

“Since my appointment as TC I have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this important role and there is no doubt that I shall miss the cut and thrust of the public inquiry room as well as attending stakeholder events.

“Each case is unique and I have always tried to strike a balance between knowing when an operator or driver needs to be put back on the road to compliance and cases where the operator or driver poses the greatest risk to road safety and fair competition and needs to be excluded from the industry.”