§ Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what powers the Transport Commissioners have to investigate bus services that are deemed to be unsafe. [17875]
§ Ms KeebleIn order to obtain and retain a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Operator's Licence, the bus operator must satisfy the relevant Traffic Commissioner that he is of good repute, professionally competent, of appropriate financial standing, and is able to maintain his vehicles properly.
In cases where it appears to the Commissioner that appropriate vehicle safety standards are not being maintained, he can call upon my Department's Vehicle Inspectorate to investigate. If safety standards are found to be inadequate, the Commissioner can take disciplinary action against the operator's PSV licence.
Passenger safety on local bus services is primarily a matter for the bus operator itself.