DVSA chief backs plans to address TCs' function

The DVSA’s chief executive told an influential group of MPs it would be working with the government on proposals to address the current role of the traffic commissioners.

A recent review into the function of the TCs made 12 recommendations, including replacing them with one independent tribunal body, overhauling the current fee structure and changing their name to better reflect their role.

Giving evidence to the transport select committee this week, DVSA chief executive Loveday Ryder described the review as “very welcome”.

She said: “We gave evidence into that [review]. We will be working very closely with the department to take those recommendations forward.

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“A number require parliamentary time to do,” she added.

Road transport lawyers have questioned whether some of the recommendations will be acted on, given that new primary legislation would be required with limited parliamentary time and a general election expected by January 2025.

“If anything will be prioritised, it seems likely it will be licence fee reform given that this would deliver a cost-neutral regulatory body, funded by industry, rather than one that currently operates at a deficit,” said Chris Powell, principal associate at Weightmans.