It has been announced the Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps has appointed an acting traffic commissioner for England and Wales. Miles Dorrington will be assuming the role as acting traffic commissioner, under paragraph 5A of Schedule 2 to the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981, after the decision by Nick Denton to retire from the role.
When the office of any traffic commissioner becomes vacant, the Secretary of State can appoint a person to act as a traffic commissioner for England and Wales pending the appointment of a new traffic commissioner.
The Senior Traffic Commissioner, Richard Turfitt, has positioned Miles Dorrington as traffic commissioner for the West Midlands from 22 August 2022. This temporary appointment will end once a new traffic commissioner has been established on a permanent basis.
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 necessary, 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.