Wales has its first full time Traffic Commissioner, after Economy and Infrastructure Secretary, Ken Skates, confirmed Welsh Government funding for the post this week.
An agreement between the Department for Transport and Welsh Government will see Nick Jones, who until now has been the Commissioner on a part time basis, begin his full time role on 1 October 2016.
The Economy Secretary said:
“Since my appointment as Cabinet Secretary, it’s been clear in my discussions with local authorities, the Confederation of Passenger Transport and others that there was a real appetite for increased capacity for the Traffic Commissioner for Wales.
“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to move quickly to make this a reality. Having a full time Commissioner based in Wales and, in due course, bilingual support staff also based in Wales, as opposed to Birmingham, means increased and more effective engagement with those who provide and maintain our transport networks here in Wales.
“Infrastructure improvements across Wales, as well as our M4 around Newport projects and Metro proposals, provide an exciting opportunity to tackle some of our most longstanding traffic and infrastructure difficulties. I look forward to continuing to work with Nick Jones and others to deliver the efficient, integrated and future proof transport system that Wales needs and expects.”
Welcoming his appointment, Nick Jones said:
“I am delighted to be Wales’s first, full-time Traffic Commissioner. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Welsh Government, local authorities, and other stakeholders to educate, advise and support the lorry, bus and coach industries.”
Margaret Everson, Director of Bus Users Cymru, representing Wales’s bus passengers, said:
“Bus Users Cymru very much welcomes the establishment of a full-time Traffic Commissioner for Wales, and looks forward to continuing to work with Nick Jones to monitor bus operators’ performance, utilising our three, full-time Bus Compliance Officers.”
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