New acting traffic commissioner for the west Midlands appointed

Miles Dorrington will be taking on the role as acting traffic commissioner, under paragraph 5A of Schedule 2 to the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981, following the decision by Nick Denton to retire from the role.

Where the office of any traffic commissioner becomes vacant, the Secretary of State may appoint a person to act as a traffic commissioner for England and Wales pending the appointment of a new traffic commissioner.

The Senior Traffic Commissioner, Richard Turfitt, has deployed Miles Dorrington as traffic commissioner for the west Midlands from 22 August 2022. This temporary appointment will terminate once a new traffic commissioner takes up the post on a permanent basis.

The role of the traffic commissioners

Traffic commissioners are responsible for the licensing and regulation of bus, coach and goods vehicle operators, and registration of local bus services.

Where appropriate, they can call operators to a public inquiry to examine concerns about vehicle and driver safety.

They also deal with professional drivers at conduct hearings.