News

The Department for Transport has been forced to readvertise the position of Traffic Commissioner for the Eastern region after failing to find anyone suitable six months after the role fell vacant. Replacements have been found for TCs David Dixon and Christopher Heaps, both of whom retired earlier this year, but the Cambridge-based £89,000-a-year post remains unfilled. Until a new TC is found North Eastern TC Tom Macartney  will retain responsibility for almost the entire east of the country, from Thurrock up to Northumberland.

As well as senior level experience in the transport or legal sector, applicants will need the ability to grasp the principles of administrative law. They must have exceptional analytical skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences, including the media. The full-time job includes 30 days' annual leave, plus extra days for Christmas and the Queen's birthday. The successful applicant will also get a half-day off between Maundy Thursday and the end of April.

A Department for Transport spokeswoman says: "The post of Eastern Traffic Commissioner has been readvertised because as well as being a suitable candidate for the post applicants need to be able to serve in a particular geographical area. With this region, the two requirements haven't yet come together." The DfT is also seeking six part-time deputy TCs. These £405-per-day  roles will take up two or three days a month. In addition, the DfT wants to create a 'pool' of successful candidates to fill future Deputy TC posts.