The Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain has published its Annual Report to the Secretary of State for 2025-2026 and Senior Traffic Commissioner, Kevin Rooney, has used the foreword to highlight the challenges facing the transport industries, as well as some of the opportunities emerging from a rapidly changing operating environment.
Mr Rooney notes that the past year has brought significant pressures for operators, with hostilities in the Gulf affecting shipping and fuel prices, while narrowing profit margins are creating difficulties across sectors including general haulage and rural bus services. Businesses facing lengthy payment terms, he says, are particularly exposed.
At the same time, the foreword points to the growing use of artificial intelligence within the transport sector. Businesses are turning to AI to help solve operational problems, while the Traffic Commissioners are working with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to explore how the technology could assist the operator licensing process. Trials are already under way using AI to read bank statements.
Against this backdrop, the Traffic Commissioners have refreshed their strategic objectives. Rooney acknowledges that the objectives may appear relatively modest given the scale and pace of change in the industry, but says the Commissioners are constrained by existing legislation and the pressures on parliamentary legislative time.
The Commissioners have been working with the Department for Transport on a package of measures intended to improve the service they provide, with the foreword expressing hope that a consultation and call for evidence will follow later this year.
In the meantime, the Office of the Traffic Commissioner (OTC) is continuing to pursue improvements within its existing powers, including changes to advice and guidance and processes intended to make the tribunal system more effective. There is also a greater focus on how businesses look after their employees as a whole, rather than concentrating solely on drivers.
The foreword also highlights changes within the Traffic Commissioner team. During the past year, three Commissioners – one full-time and two fee-paid – have left the jurisdiction to take up judicial roles elsewhere. Rooney says all three remained positive about the work of a Traffic Commissioner, but found the flexibility and benefits available in other roles more suited to their circumstances.
He argues that flexible working is now widespread, including among senior civil servants, and suggests that it will be an important factor in creating a stable team of Traffic Commissioners.
Another significant development highlighted in the foreword is the first full year in which the OTC has had its own Chief Operating Officer reporting directly to the DVSA’s Chief Executive Officer.
Mr Rooney says this has provided greater separation between OTC support staff and DVSA enforcement officers, addressing an issue that had previously been lacking. He also points to a different approach and greater senior-level interest in developing the OTC, with this beginning to translate into practical improvements, including increased development of the Vehicle Operator Licensing system.
The foreword provides an indication of some of the issues and developments explored in greater detail in the Traffic Commissioners’ annual report.
The full report sets out the Commissioners’ work and priorities over the past year, as well as the wider challenges facing the operator licensing system. Readers can explore the report in full to see how the Traffic Commissioners assess the issues facing the sector and the changes being pursued for the future.
Click HERE to access the full report.
(Picture: GOV.UK)
