The Secretary of State for Transport has appointed Richard Turfitt as Acting Traffic Commissioner for Scotland.
This appointment is a temporary measure pending the recruitment of a full time Traffic Commissioner for Scotland. This recruitment campaign is currently underway.
This appointment ensures that Scotland is supported by a dedicated Traffic Commissioner for devolved matters.
Mr Turfitt has already been covering the jurisdiction in his current capacity as Deputy Traffic Commissioner for Scotland and Senior Traffic Commissioner since the resignation of the previous Traffic Commissioner for Scotland. He will continue to be supported in this role by deputy traffic commissioners.
The role of the traffic commissioners
Traffic commissioners are responsible for the licensing and regulation of bus, coach and goods vehicle operators, and registration of local bus services. Where appropriate, they can call operators to a public inquiry to examine concerns about vehicle and driver safety.
They also deal with professional drivers at conduct hearings.
Matters related to local bus services is devolved to the Scottish Government. The Traffic Commissioner for Scotland is also uniquely responsible for Taxi Farescale appeals.