Solent Spring Dinner

The Solent Centre Spring Dinner, held at the Holiday Inn in Southsea, was attended by almost 40 members and guests.

Ray Rowsell, the Centre Chairman welcomed; guests from other regions, Dr Michael Asteris, the Institute President, and Guest of Honour, Mr Philip Brown, the Senior Traffic Commissioner from the Department for Transport.

After an excellent meal, Dr Asteris spoke briefly on the history of the Traffic Commissioner role which was introduced in the last century and is one of the most powerful in transport.

He then introduced Mr Brown who gave a short history of his life as a Traffic Commissioner, undertaken in a number of regions. Mr Brown explained that he was familiar with the local area, having been born in Chichester and attended St John’s College, not far from the venue for the evening. He went on to describe some of the work he does as the Senior Traffic Commissioner, including that associated with enforcing drivers’ hours and tachograph regulations. Each initiative being aimed at ensuring commercial goods and passenger carrying vehicles operate within laws that help ensure the UK’s roads remain among the safest in the world.

A full report of Philip Brown’s address will be given in a future issue of the Solent newsletter.