New office for traffic commissioner

THE Traffic Commissioner for Wales has opened a new office in north Wales.

Developed thanks to a partnership between the Welsh Government and Gwynedd Council, it means the Commissioner will now be able to work from Caernarfon as well as her other office in Cardiff.

Based at Gwynedd Council’s Penrallt building, it is shared with a small team of bilingual staff working for the Driver Vehicle Standards Agency and will have three permanent members of staff.

AMs had previously been critical of delays in the previous commissioner setting up a Walesbased office, having previously covered Wales and the West Midlands from an office in Birmingham.

Minister for North Wales Ken Skates, who officially opened the office on Thursday, said: “I am extremely pleased to see that the Traffic Commissioner now has an office in Caernarfon as well as in Cardiff.

“This ensures that the Traffic Commissioner is within easy reach to the whole of Wales.

“It’s good to see local bilingual staff working here. It benefits the local economy and also allows people to contact the Traffic Commissioner’s office in their preferred language.

“This is the result of collaboration and co-operation between Welsh Government, Gwynedd Council and the office of the Traffic Commissioner, and shows what can be achieved when public bodies work together.”

Responsibilities of the Traffic Commissioner include licensing the operators of Heavy Goods Vehicles and buses and coaches known as Public Service Vehicles, the registration of local bus services and granting vocational licences and taking action against drivers of HGVs and PSVs

Victoria Davies, who was appointed in January after replacing Nick Jones as Traffic Commissioner for Wales, said: “I’m looking forward to working with OTC staff and key transport stakeholders to promote road safety and fair competition throughout Wales.”

Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for property matters, Cllr Craig ab Iago, said: “As well as being a welcome boost to the local economy, it also ensures that people throughout the country will be able to receive the services they require through the medium of Welsh.”