Exclusive: TCs questioned legality of centralisation

Concerns among the Traffic Commissioners (TCs) about the centralisation of power relating to licensing work in 2007 prompted several of them to question its legality.

Documents released to CM under the Freedom of Information Act show that in the months leading up to the movement of licensing operations to Leeds, TCs Joan Aitken, David Dixon, Beverley Bell, Geoffrey Simmsand Tom Macartney, as well as Chris Heaps - who later resigned over the issue - were alarmed at the potential blurring of roles between VOSAand themselves.

There was also disquiet at the lack of consultation between the VOSA board and the TCs about the subject. Commenting on a draft report into the centralisation, West Midlands and Wales TC Dixon said: "We are not Luddites, nor 'the enemy' as we sometimes seem to be viewed. We could help VOSA achieve its aims."

Beverley Bell, TC for the North-West Traffic Area, submitted a 15-page document outlining her concerns about the plan, and concluded: "There has not yet been sufficient attention to the legal implications of changing the way in which TCs work and how their relationship with VOSA impacts upon us."

VOSA insists the centralisation has gone to plan and that service standard targets are being met. A spokeswoman would not comment on TC Dixon's concerns, but adds that "the legal implication were resolved."