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Traffic commissioners (TCs) fear that a suggestion by the Department for Transport (DfT) to delegate the entire O-licensing function to VOSA will threaten their independence as regulators. Responses to the DfT consultation Modernising the traffic commissioner system, which closed last week, signal fears that TCs' independence as regulators of the goods vehicle sector may diminish if the second of two proposed options is implemented.

The package of changes includes the creation of two new  director posts reporting to a board of TCs and the introduction of fixed-term contracts for TCs. While the DfT says no change to current O-licensing regime is envisaged, there is a suggestion to delegate O-licensing to VOSA, with TCs performing an appeals function. The consultation concentrates largely on the TCs' role as bus regulators, which industry insiders fear will impact on their role in the goods vehicle sector.

The TCs' response states: "If our licensing functions were to be transferred by statute to VOSA, this would signal the end of independent regulation." It adds that the creation of a board is an "additional quango putting another layer between the traffic commissioners and their stakeholders", and says TCs are resistant to proposals of fixed-term contracts for future appointments.

Freight Transport Assoc-iation (FTA) head of road freight policy Joan Williams is adamant that the proposals under Option 2 are "overly bureaucratic and would ultimately undermine  the overall independence of traffic commissioners". The creation of two director posts reporting to a new TC board makes the FTA nervous, says Williams. She points to text in the consultation stating "there is merit in incorporating a governance structure [that allows the TC board] to take account of ministers' wishes while [allowing the board to remain] independent".

"There really should not be a political influence. This is not a comfortable situation to be in," she says. The DfT would not comm-ent on specific questions relating to the views expressed in the responses, and the rationale behind the suggestion that VOSA be given licensing authority, as it is "considering responses to the consultation".