Dear Mrs Bell...
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First, may we congratulate you on your appointment as senior traffic commissioner. Holding an O-licence should not be taken lightly; a statement equally applicable to the holder and those enforcing the law. We trust you will not just maintain, but improve, on the high standards of compliance the majority of UK operators uphold on a daily basis. However, Commercial Motor urges you to address four
crucial issues that threaten to undermine law-abiding O-licence holders.
1) Enforcing good repute must be a priority. Phoenix firms have blighted the reputation of the industry and raised the ire of those who run their business on an even financial keel. Now the increasing use of company voluntary arrangements threatens to do the same. The repute of directors of such firms should be questioned more thoroughly.
2) Work closer with Europe. The often poor compliance standards of foreignregistered vehicles is a threat to the reputation of the UK industry. Harmonised enforcement across all states is a necessity. Europe must learn from the high standards of enforcement in the UK and we note Vosa’s lead role in the Trace project (see page 8). TCs can lead the Continent in best practice, not follow.
3) Clear up financial standing rules to avoid confusion.
4) Wipe out the cowboys. This can be done through the good work the TCs conduct every day, but guidance needs to be more open. Fewer, inadvertent breaches of the law clogging up the public inquiry system allows more time for the most serious of breaches. Make the statutory guidance and statutory directions easily accessible – make your expectations of operators as clear as possible. We wish you all the best in your new role. Christopher Walton
Commercial Motor – the official UK journal of the International Truck of the Year and International Van of the Year Awards