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DOT plans to close two Traffic Offices

23rd November 1995
Page 6
Page 6, 23rd November 1995 — DOT plans to close two Traffic Offices
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

by Miles Brignall • Two Traffic Area Offices will almost certainly close as part of the Government's plan to reform the network. Offices in Leeds and Manchester look set to be merged, while Birmingham is the most likely casualty in the closure programme. Office closures are central to the review, designed to save at least Zirn a year.

The plan has been produced as the Government's response to the Traffic Area Network Review published in the summer by head of the Traffic Area Network Scrutiny Team, Stephen Curtis (CM 22-28 June).

Principal changes to the structure of LAs will see the appointment of one senior Traffic Commissioner, to whom the regional LAs would report. This, as well as the proposed office closures is expected, but still to be confirmed.

Overall the changes appear to be designed to take more of the responsibility away from the LAs. Current clerks are expected to assume a role similar to the present deputy LAs. One controversial area of the plan states the offices should work in the name of the Commissioner "while minimising the need to trouble him".

This means the Department of Transport is taking the work in house, reducing the independence of the LAs.

Office closures might he halted by political pressures. The Scottish and Welsh offices would be favourites for closure on numerical grounds, but may be untouchable for political reasons.

The Freight Transport Association is disappointed that the plan does not go further, A spokesman says: "While we welcome measures to make enforcement more efficient, we had hoped for the formation of one body able to issue one national licence."


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