Introduction
About the Traffic Commissioners
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.
Introduction from the Secretary of State
Welcome Note from Mark Harper, Secretary of State for Transport
Dear Applicant,
Thank you for your interest in the post of Traffic Commissioner
This is an important time for the Department for Transport. We are investing heavily
in infrastructure and public transport to improve journeys, boost connections, level up
the country and support economic growth. Central to our mission is delivering
transport that works for everyone in our society.
We are recruiting for a Traffic Commissioner to be based in the North-West of
England Traffic Area. Traffic Commissioners are the only tribunal function sponsored
by the Department for Transport and fulfil a vital role in keeping the public safe and
supporting industry.
The position requires being able to engage confidently with a wide range of
stakeholders, to 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.
We strongly welcome applications from all backgrounds. As part of the Department’s
commitment to diversity, we believe our public appointments should reflect our
customers - the travelling public – who come from all walks of life and have different
experiences. Traffic Commissioners have stepped into this unique role from
successful careers in the legal profession, industry, and the military; each bringing
different skills and experience to the office. We very much welcome fresh talent,
expertise, and perspectives, to help us better understand the needs of the
communities we serve and support better decision making for all. This includes
people who may have never applied for a public appointment – but could bring new
ideas, insights and energy.
If you are interested in the role of Traffic Commissioner, I would like to encourage
you to apply.
Our dedicated DfT Public Appointments Team would be happy to talk through the
process and answer your questions.
Rt Hon Mark Harper MP
Secretary of State for Transport
Role description
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 taking action 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.
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.
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.
Regulation of appointment
This post is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. For more information, please refer to the
Commissioner’s website