*Closes 03rd March*

Traffic Commissioners and Deputy Traffic Commissioners are appointed by the Secretary of State for Transport but are independent public post holders. They act both as independent regulators and in a judicial role, as single person tribunals when conducting public inquiries in relation to licence applications and disciplinary matters and demonstrate impartiality in all aspects of decision making.

Traffic Commissioners were historically the ‘competent authority’ fulfilling the requirements of EU Regulation 1071/2009, and undertaking the regulation of road transport undertakings, including the power to set conditions, impose sanctions and remove the authorisation to operate. They continue to hold this essential function for the UK and have important regulatory functions in relation to the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

Through deployment each Traffic Commissioner has a responsibility for a defined geographical area and is regionally based. There are eight traffic areas in Great Britain. Traffic Commissioners must have regard to the Statutory Guidance issued by the Senior Traffic Commissioner and act under general directions. Traffic Commissioners work together to deliver consistent and transparent national regulation, whilst maintaining localised service and knowledge. Deputies are also associated with a specific area, but as with full-time Traffic Commissioners, may hear cases in other parts of the country depending on demand.

Traffic Commissioners are supported by a team of staff (employed by the DVSA) based regionally and in the centralised licensing team in Leeds. The team deals with the administration of the licensing systems and carries out routine licensing functions under the delegated authority of the Traffic Commissioners.

Deputy Traffic Commissioner x3 (North of England)

Time commitment x 4 day(s) per month

Remuneration: £570.55 per day

Length of term: Rolling 4 year terms

We are recruiting for up to three Deputy Traffic Commissioners for the North of England. Traffic Commissioners, and their deputies, are the only tribunal function sponsored by the Department for Transport and fulfil a vital role in keeping the public safe and supporting industry. 

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Traffic Commissioners have responsibility in their traffic area for:

  • The licensing of the operators of goods vehicles and of buses and coaches (public service vehicles or PSVs);
  • The registration of local bus services;
  • Granting vocational licences and acting against drivers of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and PSVs;
  • The environmental suitability of centres designated as parking locations for HGVs.
Traffic Commissioners promote:
  • The safe operation of goods vehicles and PSVs;
  • Fair competition between operators;
  • Reducing the burden on compliant operators;
  • The safe and responsible conduct of HGV and PSV drivers.
The Traffic Commissioners’ main functions can be summarised as follows:
  • To ensure that people operating goods vehicles and PSVs are reputable (fit), competent, and adequately funded;
  • To encourage all operators to adopt robust systems, so that there is fair competition and that the operation of goods and public service vehicles is safe;
  • To consider on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport the fitness of drivers or those applying for public service vehicle or heavy goods vehicle driving licences based on their conduct;
  • To consider, and where appropriate impose traffic regulation conditions to prevent danger to road users and/or reduce traffic congestion and/or pollution;
  • To ensure public inquiry proceedings are fair and free from any unjustified interference or bias;
  • To engage with stakeholders – listening to industry, meeting with local authorities, trade organisations, passenger groups and operators and presenting seminars.

The Traffic Commissioners’ role is important to both commercial vehicle operators and the wider public. Commissioners operate in an exposed and sensitive position. They must maintain the confidence of a wide range of stakeholders and ensure personal integrity as well as sound judgement and impartiality in all aspects of decision-making. Traffic Commissioners must also have regard to helping the growth of the economy through the Regulators Code and The Economic Growth (Regulatory Functions) Order 2017.

Additional guidance detailing how various administrative matters shall be handled by the Traffic Commissioners can be found here.

In the performance of their duties Traffic Commissioners seek to act in accordance with the standards expected of those in public life, namely proportionality; accountability; consistency; transparency and targeting. Those values underpin their approach as modern regulators. Traffic Commissioners are subject to regular appraisals and peer review in line with the competencies identified for equivalent members of the tribunal judiciary.

Scotland

In addition to the duties of a Traffic Commissioner in England and Wales, a person appointed as Traffic Commissioner, or a Deputy Traffic Commissioner for Scotland will also conduct hearings under The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 in respect of taxi fare scale appeals. The Traffic Commissioner and Deputy Traffic Commissioners for Scotland also have functions and powers under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 in relation to bus services within Scotland.

Note: If a candidate holds or acquires a financial interest in a transport undertaking which carries passengers or goods by road or rail within Great Britain it is required that they within four weeks give notice of that acquisition in writing to the Secretary of State specifying the interest you have acquired. This is required in accordance with paragraph 2 of schedule 2 to the Passenger Vehicles Act 1981.

Organisation description

Traffic Commissioners are appointed by the Secretary of State for Transport but are independent public post holders. They act both as independent regulators and in a judicial role, as single person tribunals when conducting public inquiries in relation to licence applications and disciplinary matters and demonstrate impartiality in all aspects of decision making.

Traffic Commissioners were historically the ‘competent authority’ fulfilling the requirements of EU Regulation 1071/2009, and undertaking the regulation of road transport undertakings, including the power to set conditions, impose sanctions and remove the authorisation to operate. They continue to hold this essential function for the UK and have important regulatory functions in relation to the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

Through deployment each Traffic Commissioner has a responsibility for a defined geographical area and is regionally based. There are eight traffic areas in Great Britain. Traffic Commissioners must have regard to the Statutory Guidance issued by the Senior Traffic Commissioner and act under general directions. Traffic Commissioners work together to deliver consistent and transparent national regulation, whilst maintaining localised service and knowledge. Deputies are also associated with a specific area, but as with full-time Traffic Commissioners, may hear cases in other parts of the country depending on demand.

Traffic Commissioners are supported by a team of staff (employed by the DVSA) based regionally and in the centralised licensing team in Leeds. The team deals with the administration of the licensing systems and carries out routine licensing functions under the delegated authority of the Traffic Commissioners.

Person specification

Essential criteria

Part One: Experience – Essential criteria:

  • Demonstrate an ability to understand complex legal issues, to reach sound and impartial, evidence-based decisions and to employ excellent problem solving, analysis and evaluation skills.
  • Demonstrable experience of operating at a senior level in industry or government, ideally with a road transport focus, or qualified as a lawyer.
  • Evidenced experience of working with a variety of internal and external senior stakeholders and to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels in a confident and respectful manner to deliver on a shared vision or priority.
  • Demonstrating excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Self-confident and being politically astute.
  • Demonstrating the ability to put complex legal issues or proceedings into clear and concise language (both verbally and in writing).

Part Two: Ability to demonstrate the following key behaviours

  • Ability to grasp the principles of administrative law and to conduct legal proceedings and investigations in public.
  • Able to question insightfully and provide constructive challenge to get to the heart of the matter quickly;
  • Willingness to embrace change, including early adoption of new technologies and contribute to the development and modernisation of the operator licensing system. Commitment to continuous improvement and maintaining the quality and consistency of service standards.
  • Able to work in a highly collegiate manner including participation at the Board level and, where appropriate, with other public authorities.
  • A solid commitment to high ethical standards of integrity and honesty, and an understanding of the value and importance of the Seven Principles of Public Life.

How to Apply

In order to apply you will need to create an account or sign in.

Once you are logged into your account, click on ‘apply for this role’ and follow the on-screen instructions To apply, all candidates are required to provide:

  • equality information
  • information relating to any outside interests or reputational issues
  • a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • a supporting statement
  • a short professional biography (150 words)

We will ask you to check and confirm your personal details to ensure your application is accurate.

You will also have the opportunity to make a reasonable adjustment request or apply under the disability confident scheme before you submit your application.