To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what powers the traffic commissioners have to grant vehicle operator licences; and whether these powers have been delegated to other officials. (141152)

Traffic Commissioners have powers under the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 and the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, to grant and take disciplinary action against operator licences for public service vehicles and large goods vehicles.

For many years, Traffic Commissioners have delegated responsibility for issuing licences, in cases where the application is straightforward and it is clear that the eligibility criteria are met, to administrative staff employed by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency.