RHA concerned for TCs’ independence
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roger.brown@rbi.co.uk THE ROAD HAULAGE Association (RHA) says new guidance issued by the Department for Transport (DfT) relating to Trafic Commissioners (TCs) could result in their independence being undermined.
Geoff Dunning, RHA chief executive, has expressed concern that a letter from the DfT to Senior TC Philip Brown, dated 26 November 2010, on the reporting of expenses, leave, working time and hospitality, could give VOSA a “supervisory line management role” over TCs.
Last month, in a case concerning the impounding of vehicles run by Esco B.V, Western TC Sarah Bell said the DfT guidance could fundamentally change the constitutional position of the TCs. North West TC Beverley Bell expressed similar concerns during the case of Lombard North Central and Carl Hutchinson, also heard in December.
Dunning says: “The O-licensing system is right at the heart of the haulage industry, and the independence of the TCs is a central part of this. VOSA must not inluence the commissioners in any shape or form.” A DfT spokeswoman says the guidance does not affect the TCs’ independence: “The department entirely supports the TCs’ independent status. However, it is right that public bodies are held accountable for how they spend public money.
“To improve the transparency of the TCs’ use of public resources, the Senior TC has issued new guidance on the reporting of expenses, leave, working time and hospitality.” Brown says he has taken into account the contents of the DfT letter: “In my view, the arrangements that I have put in place are designed to protect the independence of TCs.”
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