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The Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain have published their Annual Report for 2025-26 alongside a new set of Strategic Objectives for 2026-2029, providing a clear indication of the priorities likely to shape the operator licensing regime over the coming years.
The overarching vision is to champion safe, fair and reliable transport for passengers and goods, whilst delivering a modern and effective operator licensing regime that supports compliant operators and promotes road safety, fair competition and environmental protection.
While many of the core themes remain familiar, including road safety, compliance and fair competition, the latest publications also highlight an increased focus on driver welfare, improved licensing services, industry engagement and the potential use of technology to modernise the regulatory system.
Faster services and a “right first time” approach
A key theme running throughout the new Strategic Objectives is improving the efficiency of the licensing system.
The Traffic Commissioners have set targets to:
- Determine goods vehicle and PSV licence applications within an average of 35 working days.
- Determining Section 19 and Section 22 permit applications within an average of 35 working days.
- Processing local bus service registrations within 10 working days.
- List public inquiries within 12 weeks of a Traffic Commissioner’s decision to call an inquiry.
- Listing driver conduct hearings within 10 weeks, with a target of reducing this to six weeks by May 2029.
The report also highlights a drive towards a “right first time” licensing process. Operators can therefore expect an increasing emphasis on submitting complete and accurate applications from the outset.
Greater engagement with operators and advisers
The Traffic Commissioners have also pledged to strengthen engagement with operators, transport managers and industry stakeholders.
The strategy highlights plans to expand educational initiatives, improve communication methods and continue industry engagement through events, workshops and targeted messaging.
Driver welfare moves higher up the agenda
One of the most significant themes in this year’s publications is the increased focus on driver welfare.
The Traffic Commissioners acknowledge the challenges facing the industry in relation to recruitment, retention, driver health and mental wellbeing. The Strategic Objectives commit to promoting driver welfare, health and safety and embedding these considerations into guidance provided to operators and transport managers.
The Annual Report also references concerns around driver isolation, driver shortages and the importance of creating supportive working environments for professional drivers.
Drug-driving and driver fitness remain under scrutiny
The report contains strong messages around driver fitness and road safety.
Traffic Commissioners note an increase in cases involving drug-driving and emphasise the importance of effective systems for education, testing and driver engagement. Operators are reminded that responsibility for ensuring drivers are fit to drive rests firmly with the business and its management systems.
Public inquiry activity increases
The latest statistics show an increase in the number of Public Inquiries completed for non-compliance across both the goods vehicle and passenger transport sectors.
Goods vehicle operators
The number of Goods Vehicle Public Inquiries completed for non-compliance increased from 682 in 2024-25 to 783 in 2025-26, representing an increase of almost 15%.
Actions arising from those Public Inquiries included:
- 201 licence revocations (up from 196)
- 73 licence suspensions (up from 66)
- 291 licence curtailments or conditions imposed (up from 221)
- 188 formal warnings (up from 176)
- 87 transport manager disqualifications (up from 81)
PSV operators
Actions arising from those Public Inquiries included:
- 42 licence revocations (up from 30)
- 22 licence suspensions (up from 13)
- 53 reductions in authorised vehicles (up from 45)
- 13 transport manager disqualifications (up from 7)
For operators and transport managers, these figures are a timely reminder that compliance systems, management oversight and effective transport manager control remain under close scrutiny.
Looking ahead
The Strategic Objectives make clear that road safety, compliance and fair competition remain central to the Traffic Commissioners’ role.
At the same time, operators can expect continued efforts to modernise licensing processes, improve service delivery and strengthen engagement with industry stakeholders.
For operators and transport managers, the message is clear: robust compliance systems, effective management oversight and a proactive approach to driver welfare will remain critical as the regulatory landscape continues to evolve.
Read the full publications here:
- Traffic Commissioner Strategic Objectives 2026-2029
- Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain Annual Report 2025-26
If you require advice on operator licensing, transport manager responsibilities, compliance reviews or representation at public inquiry, our specialist road transport team is here to help.
Call 01254 828300 or email enquiries@backhouses.co.uk.
This article was written by Charlotte Fowler.