Beverley Bell to continue as STC until Spring 2017

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

The  decision means that Beverley will continue to perform the role of STC, whilst  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.

Beverley 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.”