Traffic Commissioner opens North Wales office

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 that 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 (DVSA) and will have three permanent members of staff.
AM’s had previously been critical of delays in the previous commissioner setting up a Wales-based office, having previously covered both Wales and the West Midlands from an office in Birmingham.
The 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.”
The responsibilities of the Traffic Commmissioner include the licensing of the operators of Heavy Goods Vehicles and of 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.
“The opening of the new OTC office in Caernarfon will enhance our ability to provide a bilingual service to the people of Wales.”
Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for property matters, Councillor Craig ab Iago, said: “As a Council, we are pleased to see the opening of the Traffic Commissioner’s office here in the north of the country.
“This follows considerable joint-working with a number of partners. By working together with the Welsh Government, the Traffic Commissioner’s office and DVSA a number of important posts will be located at our offices here in Gwynedd.
“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.”

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter