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The Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain have published their Annual Report for 2024–25, setting out progress against their strategic objectives, key industry trends and challenges, and notable enforcement outcomes.
This year’s publication is the final report from the outgoing Senior Traffic Commissioner, Richard Turfitt, who reflected on eight years in post, emphasising the role of the Commissioners in safeguarding road safety, ensuring fair competition and maintaining public confidence in the licensing system.
Key points from the report include:
- Licensing performance – average decision times improved to 31 working days for goods vehicle licences and 34 days for PSV licences.
- Digitalisation – online licence continuation, transport manager changes, and digital case bundling are now in place.
- Maintenance Provider Rating Scheme launched to help operators identify competent maintenance suppliers.
- Support for franchising – significant engagement with Greater Manchester, Scotland, and Wales as new bus service models are introduced.
Enforcement themes
The 1066 public inquiries and 244 preliminary hearings revealed recurring issues including:
- Failure to declare previous compliance history.
- Use of non-direct driver engagement methods, such as self-employment, leading to loss of oversight.
- Poor maintenance standards, including missed brake testing and dangerous defects.
- Drivers’ hours offences and inadequate record-keeping.
- Bridge strikes – 1,532 incidents in 2023–24, prompting reissued guidance.
As with last year’s report, links to relevant cases including findings and decisions are included to highlight these issues.
Emerging issues
The Traffic Commissioners highlight the continuing HGV driver shortage, rising organised crime targeting freight (over £1bn in losses since 2020), financial pressures leading to insolvencies, and the need for infrastructure to support the transition to electric and autonomous vehicles.
Looking ahead
The Traffic Commissioners stress the need for:
- Legislative reform to streamline processes and support innovation.
- Sustainable funding models, including a review of operator licence fees.
- Continued investment in digital services.
- Stronger partnerships with enforcement bodies to improve targeting of non-compliance.
The report closes with acknowledgements to OTC staff, industry stakeholders, and enforcement partners, marking the 95th anniversary of the Traffic Commissioner role.
Read the full report here.
Need guidance on staying compliant and ahead of regulatory changes? Call us on 01254 828300 or email enquiries@backhouses.co.uk.
This article was written by Laura Campbell.