§ Mr. MilburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many traffic regulation conditions involving bus services have been recommended by the traffic commissioners, and how many he has refused, in each year since 1985;
(2) what factors he takes into account when determining his response to a traffic regulation condition involving bus services.
§ Mr. FreemanTraffic regulation conditions are determined without reference to the Secretary of State, by traffic commissioners, who are quasi-judicial independent bodies. They may only be imposed if commissioners are satisfied that they are required to prevent danger to road users or to reduce severe traffic congestion.
An appeal may be made to the Secretary of State against the determination of the traffic commissioner. Factors to be taken into account in deciding the appeal will vary according to the nature of the appeal, but a pre-condition is that the traffic commissioner has acted within his powers.
The number of traffic regulation conditions imposed each year since 1985 is as follows:
59W
Number 1985 Nil 1986 2 1987 9 1988 5 1989 1 1990 1 1991 1 1992 3 TOTAL 22 There have been five appeals against traffic regulation conditions made to the Secretary of State since 1985. Three were dismissed; one was allowed; and one was allowed in part, but the traffic regulation condition was varied.