§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Transport, in view of the growing number of commuter associations and similar groups who want to run regular coach services to their place of work, what plans he has to amend the Road Traffic Acts so as to relax the licensing procedure.
§ Mr. William RodgersI have no plans to do so. It is open to anyone who wishes to operate a bus service to apply to the Traffic Commissioners for a road service licence—and for a public service vehicle licence if he does not already have a vehicle with one. The Commissioners consider applications on their merits, in the light of the general criteria laid down in the Road Traffic Act 1960. If an applicant is aggrieved by their decision he has a right of appeal to me. No appeal by a commuter association has been received in recent years, and I have no evidence that the law in any way prevents the wishes of such associations from being properly considered.