Trade associations welcome Senior Traffic Commissioner appointment

Road transport trade associations the FTA and RHA have welcomed the appointment of Beverley Bell as Senior Traffic Commissioner (STC).

Bell, who has been acting STC since Philip Brown’s retirement last October, takes on her new role for at least the next four years. She will also continue as TC for the North West of England.

Jack Semple, RHA policy director, says: "We welcome the appointment of Beverley Bell as STC, she knows the transport industry well and as acting STC has already demonstrated a commitment towards progressive regulation of the industry."

Theo de Pencier, FTA chief executive, adds: "We are absolutely delighted with the news.

"We think Beverley Bell will make an outstanding STC who will be able to maintain the independence of the TCs and lead and inspire her colleagues."

Bell says: “I look forward to working with the CEO of Vosa to achieve the traffic commissioners’ mission statement of championing safe, fair and reliable passenger and goods transport."

The responsibilities of the STC are set out by the Local Transport Act 2008. It allows the holder of the post to give guidance and general directions on a range of matters to fellow commissioners in England, Scotland and Wales.