The person responsible for effective licensing and regulation of the commercial vehicle industries in Scotland is calling for extra resources to cope with implementing new legislation in the country.

Scotland’s Traffic Commissioner Claire Gilmore says that her office has faced considerable extra pressure due to administering temporary bus service regulation in Scotland during the pandemic, and that’s highlighted the need to modernise current arrangements. She says this will give rise to a considerable increase in resource demand in her office.

The commissioner says the Scottish Government does not make any financial contribution for her office’s work and that “Sufficient resource must now be made available in order that we are able to deliver upon the existing, and burgeoning, devolved remit of my office” adding that, “I will continue to engage with the Scottish Government in this regard.”

She talks of environmental advancements in Scotland with Low Emission Zones are soon to be introduced in Scotland’s four major cities. COP26 will offer an opportunity for operators across Scotland to showcase the work which they have already undertaken to reduce emissions as we strive to reach net zero.

“These are challenging, but exciting, times for the transport industries,” she adds. “The resilience, spirit, and dedication to task of operators and drivers in the Scottish Traffic Area is second to none. As the country looks toward economic recovery, maintaining road safety and ensuring fair competition will remain my priorities. I look forward to collaborating with partners and stakeholders this coming year to ensure that those priorities are to the fore as we work to shape our industry for the future.”

(Picture – Yay Images)