§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will investigate the role of the Transport Commissioners and their ability to impose particular conditions in the operation of the rural transport grant. [8530]
§ Ms KeebleRural bus services supported by grants from my Department are provided by operators under contracts to local authorities who specify and enforce the terms of the contract. There is no specific role for the Traffic Commissioners on such services. However, all local bus services must register route and timetable with the Traffic Commissioner who can take disciplinary action if the service is not run reliably according to those details. Traffic Commissioners, at the request of the local authority, can also impose conditions on bus operators on the grounds of reducing danger to road users, congestion or pollution.