Transport Act 1985

Part I E+W+S General Provisions Relating to Road Passenger Transport

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Pt. I (ss. 1-33) modified by S.I. 1984/748, regs. 5(2), 6(2) (as amended by S.I. 1987/1755, reg. 2(2)

C2 Pt. 1(ss. 1-33) modified (11.1.2006) by The Cambridgeshire Guided Busway Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/3523), art. 36 (with art. 52)

C3 Pt. 1 (ss. 1-33) modified (13.12.2006) by The Luton Dunstable Translink Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/3118), art. 37(3)

Abolition of road service licensing E+W+S

1 Abolition of road service licensing. E+W+S

(1) The provisions of Part III of the 1981 Act (road service licences) shall cease to have effect.

(2) Those provisions are replaced—

(a) in relation to London local services, by Part II of this Act; and

(b) in relation to other local services, by sections 6 to 9 of this Act.

(3) Schedule 1 to this Act shall have effect for the purpose of making amendments in other enactments consequential on this section.

Meaning of “local service” E+W+S

2 Local services. E+W+S

(1) In this Act “local service” means a service, using one or more public service vehicles, for the carriage of passengers by road at separate fares other than one—

(a) which is excluded by subsection (4) below; or

(b) in relation to which (except in an emergency) one or both of the conditions mentioned in subsection (2) below are met with respect to every passenger using the service.

(2) The conditions are that—

(a) the place where he is set down is fifteen miles or more, measured in a straight line, from the place where he was taken up;

(b) some point on the route between those places is fifteen miles or more, measured in a straight line, from either of those places.

(3) Where a service consists of one or more parts with respect to which one or both of the conditions are met, and one or more parts with respect to which neither of them is met, each of those parts shall be treated as a separate service for the purposes of subsection (1) above.

(4) A service shall not be regarded for the purposes of this Act as a local service if—

(a) the conditions set out in Part III of Schedule 1 to the 1981 Act (trips organised privately by persons acting independently of vehicle operators, etc.) are met in respect of each journey made by the vehicles used in providing the service; or

(b) every vehicle used in providing the service is so used under a permit granted under section 19 of this Act.

(5) Subsections (5)(b), (c) and (6) of section 1 of the 1981 Act (meaning of “fares”) shall apply for the purposes of this section.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4 S. 2 excluded (28.7.1998) by 1998 c. iii, s. 1, Sch. s. 54 of Order

Traffic commissioners E+W+S

3 Traffic commissioners. E+W+S

F1 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) For sections 4 and 5 of the 1981 Act (traffic commissioners) there shall be substituted the following sections—

“4 Traffic commissioners.

(1) There shall be a commissioner for each traffic area constituted for the purposes of this Act.

(2) The commissioner for each traffic area shall be appointed by the Secretary of State and shall be known as the traffic commissioner for the area.

(3) The traffic commissioner for a traffic area shall be responsible for issuing licences under this Act and shall have such other functions as are given to him by, or in pursuance of, this Act or any other enactment.

(4) Any person appointed to be the traffic commissioner for a traffic area shall—

(a) act under the general directions of the Secretary of State; and

(b) vacate his office on attaining the age of sixty-five, or on such later date before he attains the age of sixty-six as the Secretary of State may at any time direct, but otherwise hold office during Her Majesty’s pleasure.

(5) Where the Secretary of State proposes to appoint a person to be the traffic commissioner for a traffic area he shall, before making the appointment, require that person to declare if he has any, and if so what, financial interest in any transport undertaking which carries passengers or goods by road within Great Britain.

(6) Schedule 2 to this Act shall have effect with respect to traffic commissioners.

5 Publication of information by traffic commissioners.

(1) Every traffic commissioner shall publish, in such form and at such times as may be prescribed, such information with respect to the exercise, or proposed exercise, of any of his functions under this Act or the Transport Act 1985 as may be prescribed.

(2) Where the traffic commissioner for a traffic area publishes information under this section he shall—

(a) send a copy of the publication—

(i) to every chief officer of police, Passenger Transport Executive and local authority whose area falls partly or wholly within that traffic area; and

(ii) where that traffic area falls wholly or partly within London, to London Regional Transport; and

(b) make a copy of it available (by post if required and on payment of such fee as may be prescribed) to anyone who asks for one.

(3) In this section “local authority” means—

(a) in England and Wales, the council of any non-metropolitan county, any district or London borough or the Common Council of the City of London; and

(b) in Scotland, any regional or islands council.”

(3) For Schedule 2 to the 1981 Act (traffic commissioners) there shall be substituted the Schedule set out in Part I of Schedule 2 to this Act.

(4) For subsection (1) of section 59 of the 1968 Act (licensing authority for Part V of that Act) there shall be substituted—

“(1) The traffic commissioner for any traffic area constituted for the purposes of the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 shall exercise the functions conferred on him by this Part of this Act and is in this Part of this Act referred to as “the licensing authority.””

(5) Part II of Schedule 2 to this Act shall have effect for the purpose of making further consequential amendments in other enactments.

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 3(1) repealed (21.7.2008) by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 2008 (c. 12), Sch. 1 Pt. 11

4 Inquiries held by traffic commissioners. E+W+S

For section 54 of the 1981 Act (procedure of traffic commissioners) there shall be substituted the following section—

“54 Inquiries held by traffic commissioners.

(1) A traffic commissioner may, at such places as appear to him to be convenient, hold such inquiries as he thinks fit in connection with the exercise of his functions.

(2) Where, as respects the proposed exercise of his powers on any occasion, a traffic commissioner receives a request for an inquiry from two or more persons he may hold a single inquiry in response to those requests.

(3) Subject to any provision made by regulations, any inquiry held under this section shall be public.

(4) Where a traffic commissioner proposes to hold an inquiry for the purpose of considering any application or proposal, he shall publish notice of the inquiry in the prescribed manner.

(5) Where a traffic commissioner holds an inquiry he may, in such circumstances as may be prescribed and subject to any provision made under subsection (6) below, make such order as he thinks fit as to the payment, by such party to the inquiry as he thinks fit, of costs incurred by him or by the Secretary of State in connection with the holding of the inquiry.

(6) Regulations may make provision, in relation to orders under subsection (5) above, as to—

(a) the method of calculating the amount of any costs incurred as mentioned in that subsection; and

(b) the maximum amount which may be ordered to be paid under such an order.

(7) Any amount so ordered to be paid by any person may be recoverable from him—

(a) in England and Wales, as a debt due to the Crown; or

(b) in Scotland, by the Secretary of State.

(8) Information with respect to any particular trade or business which is given at any such inquiry while admission to the inquiry is restricted in accordance with regulations shall not be disclosed, so long as that trade or business continues to be carried on, except—

(a) with the consent of the person for the time being carrying it on;

(b) for the purpose of the discharge by any person of his functions under any enactment mentioned in subsection (9) below; or

(c) with a view to the institution of, or otherwise for the purposes of, any legal proceedings pursuant to or arising out of any such enactment (including proceedings before the Transport Tribunal);

and any person who discloses any information in contravention of this subsection shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

(9) The enactments referred to in subsection (8)(b) and (c) above are—

(a) sections 12 to 21 of this Act; and

(b) sections 24 to 28 of the Transport Act 1985.

(10) The Secretary of State may by order made by statutory instrument amend subsection (9) above by adding a reference to an enactment or by removing any such reference; and any statutory instrument made in exercise of the power conferred by this subsection shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.”

5 Assistance for traffic commissioners in considering financial questions. E+W+S

After section 17 of the 1981 Act, there shall be inserted the following section—

“17A Assessors to assist traffic commissioners.

(1) In considering any financial question which appears to him to arise in relation to the exercise of his functions under section 14, 16 or 17 of this Act, a traffic commissioner may be assisted by an assessor drawn from a panel of persons appointed by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this section.

(2) A traffic commissioner shall pay to any such assessor, in respect of his services, such remuneration as may be determined by the Secretary of State with the consent of the Treasury.”

Registration of local services E+W+S

6 Registration of local services. E+W

(1) In this section “service” means a local service which is neither a London local service [F2 nor a service which falls within subsection (1A) [F3 or (1D)] below] nor a service provided under an agreement [F4 entered into, where a railway service has been temporarily interrupted, with the Secretary of State, the Scottish Ministers or the National Assembly for Wales under section 40 of the Railways Act 2005 (substitution services provided for interrupted or discontinued railway services)].

[F5 (1A) A service falls within this subsection if conditions A and B are satisfied in relation to it.

(1B) Condition A is satisfied if the service is provided in pursuance of—

(a) the obligation placed on a [F6 local authority] by section 508B(1), section 508F(1), F7 ... or section 509AA(7)(b) or (9)(a) of the Education Act 1996 (provision of transport etc);

(b) the exercise of the power of a [F6 local authority] under section 508C(1) of that Act; F8 ...

(c) arrangements made by a [F6 local authority] in pursuance of a scheme made by them under Schedule 35C to that Act (school travel schemes).

[F9 (d) the obligation placed on a local authority by sections 3 or 4 of the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008; or

(e) the exercise of the power of a local authority under section 6 of that Measure.]

(1C) Condition B is satisfied if the service is for the carriage of any of the following persons (and no other)—

(a) a person receiving education or training at premises to or from which transport is provided in pursuance of the obligation, the exercise of the power or the arrangements, as the case may be, mentioned in paragraph (a), (b) [F10 , (c), (d) or (e)] of subsection (1B);

(b) a person supervising or escorting any such person while he is using such transport;

(c) a person involved with the provision of education or training at any such premises.]

[F11 (1D) A service falls within this subsection if—

(a) it has one or more stopping places in England, and

(b) it is provided under an agreement entered into, where a railway service has been temporarily interrupted, with the person who usually provides the railway service.

(1E) Where a service is provided both inside and outside England, any part of the service which is provided outside England is to be treated as a separate service for the purposes of subsection (1D) if there is any stopping place for that part of the service outside England.]

(2) Subject to regulations under this section, no service shall be provided in any traffic area in which there is a stopping place for the service unless—

(a) the prescribed particulars of the service have been registered with [F12 a traffic commissioner] by the operator of the service;

(b) the period of notice in relation to the registration has expired; and

(c) the service is operated in accordance with the registered particulars.

[F13 (2A) Where—

(a) any registration restrictions imposed under section [F14 113D(1) or] 114(3A) of the Transport Act 2000 [F15 (advanced quality partnership schemes and quality] partnership schemes) are in force, and

(b) an application for registration is made in respect of a service in relation to which those restrictions have effect,

section 6A of this Act has effect in relation to the application.]

[F16 (2B) Where—

(a) a quality contracts scheme under section 124 of the Transport Act 2000 is in force [F17 in relation to an area in Wales],

(b) an operator proposes to provide a local service which is to have one or more stopping places within the area to which the scheme relates,

(c) the proposed service is not excluded from the scheme by virtue of section 127(4) of the Transport Act 2000, and

(d) the operator does not propose to provide the service under a quality contract by virtue of the scheme,

section 6B of this Act has effect with respect to registration of that service.]

[F18 (2C) Where—

(a) a requirement imposed under section 138A(5)(b) of the Transport Act 2000 (requirements specified in an enhanced partnership scheme) has effect, and

(b) an application to register a service, or to vary the registration of a service, is made in respect of a service to which that requirement would apply if the application were granted,

section 6D has effect with respect to the application.]

[F19 (2D) Where—

(a) an enhanced partnership scheme under section 138A of the Transport Act 2000 is in operation,

(b) a service is registered, or a registration of a service is varied, under this section, and

(c) a requirement imposed under section 138A(5)(b) of the Transport Act 2000 applies to the service or the service as varied,

the requirement is to be recorded with the particulars of the service required to be registered under this section.]

(3) In subsection (2) above “the period of notice”, in relation to any registration, means, subject to regulations under this section—

(a) the period prescribed for the purposes of this subsection; or

(b) if longer, the period beginning with the registration and ending with the date given to the traffic commissioner by the operator as the date on which the service will begin.

(4) An application for registration shall only be accepted from a person who either holds an unconditional PSV operator’s licence or a permit under section 22 of this Act or is using, or proposing to use, a school bus belonging to that person for farepaying passengers in accordance with section 46(1) of the 1981 Act.

(5) In subsection (4) above “unconditional”, in relation to a PSV operator’s licence, means a licence which does not have attached to it a condition imposed under section 26(1) of this Act prohibiting, or having the effect of prohibiting, the operator from using vehicles under the licence to provide the service to which the application in question relates.

(6) In this Act any reference to a service registered under this section is a reference to a service in respect of which the prescribed particulars are registered under this section.

(7) Any registration may be varied or cancelled on an application made by the operator of the service to which it relates.

[F20 (7A) Where—

(a) a quality contracts scheme under section 124 of the Transport Act 2000 is in force [F21 in relation to an area in Wales],

(b) the operator of a local service registered under this section proposes to vary the registration,

(c) the service, as proposed to be varied, is to have one or more stopping places within the area to which the scheme relates,

(d) the service, as proposed to be varied, is not excluded from the scheme by virtue of section 127(4) of the Transport Act 2000, and

(e) the operator does not propose to provide the service, as proposed to be varied, under a quality contract by virtue of the scheme,

section 6B of this Act has effect with respect to the variation of the registration.]

[F22 (7B) Where an enhanced partnership scheme under section 138A of the Transport Act 2000 is in operation, the registration of a service may also be cancelled under section 6E.]

(8) Subject to regulations under this section [F23 and, in the case of variation, to section 6B of this Act], the variation or cancellation of a registration shall become effective—

(a) on the expiry of the period beginning with the date on which [F24 a traffic commissioner] accepts the application and ending with the date determined in accordance with regulations under this section; or

(b) if later, on the day given to [F24 a traffic commissioner] by the operator as the effective date for the variation or (as the case may be) cancellation.

(9) Regulations may be made for the purpose of carrying this section into effect and any such regulations may, in particular, make provision—

(a) for permitting the variation of a registered service, in such circumstances as may be prescribed, without variation of the registration;

(b) for excluding or modifying the application of subsection (3) or (8) above in such cases or classes of case as may be prescribed;

(c) that in such cases or classes of case as may be prescribed—

(i) subsection (2) above shall have effect as if for the reference in paragraph (b) to the period of notice there were substituted a reference to such period as [F25 a traffic commissioner] may determine;

(ii) subsection (8) above shall have effect as if for the reference in paragraph (a) to the date on which the period mentioned in that paragraph is to expire there were substituted a reference to such date as [F26 a traffic commissioner] may determine;

(d) as to the procedure for applying for registration or for the variation or cancellation of a registration;

(e) for an application for registration or for the variation or cancellation of a registration not to be accepted by [F27 a traffic commissioner] unless the applicant gives to [F27 a traffic commissioner] such information [F27 as a traffic commissioner may reasonably] require in connection with the application [F28 (or, if the applicant is subject to requirements imposed by regulations made by virtue of section 141A(1)(a) of the Transport Act 2000, complies with those requirements)];

F29 (f) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(g) as to the documents (if any) to be issued by a traffic commissioner with respect to registrations;

(h) as to the cancellation of registrations relating to discontinued services;

[F30 (ha) as to the variation or cancellation of the record of a requirement imposed under section 138A(5)(b) of the Transport Act 2000;]

(i) for enabling a traffic commissioner to require the operator of a registered service, in such circumstances as may be prescribed, to keep records of such matters relating to the operation of the service, in such manner, as may be prescribed;

(j) for requiring the operator of a registered service who is required to keep records by regulations made by virtue of paragraph (i) above to make those records available to [F31 a traffic commissioner];

(k) for requiring the operator or prospective operator of a registered service to give, to such persons and at such times as may be prescribed, such information as may be prescribed with respect to the service, or proposed service, or any proposal to vary or cancel the registration of the service;

[F32 (ka) for imposing restrictions on the use that may be made of records made available as mentioned in paragraph (j) above or information given as mentioned in paragraph (k) above;]

(l) for excluding from the application of this section services which are—

(i) excursions or tours; or

(ii) excursions or tours falling within a prescribed class.

[F33 (10) Regulations made by virtue of paragraph (ka) of subsection (9) above—

(a) may create one or more criminal offences relating to the use of records or information in breach of the restrictions imposed by those regulations, but

(b) may not provide, in respect of any such offence, for a penalty greater than a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.]

[F34 (11) The power to make regulations under subsections (2), (3) and (9), so far as exercisable in relation to Wales, is exercisable by the Welsh Ministers (and not by the Secretary of State).]

Extent Information

E1 This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only

Textual Amendments

F2 Words in s. 6(1) inserted (E.W.) (1.9.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 85, 188, {Sch. 10 para. 2(2}; S.I. 2007/1801, art. 4(l)

F3 Words in s. 6(1) inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 20(1), 26(3)

F4 Words in s. 6(1) substituted (24.7.2005 for specified purposes and otherwise 16.10.2005) by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 59, 60, Sch. 12 para. 8; S.I. 2005/1909, art. 2; S.I. 2005/2182, art. 2, Sch. 1

F5 S. 6(1A)-(1C) inserted (E.W.) (1.9.2007 for specified purposes and otherwise prosp.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 85, 188, Sch. 10 para. 2(3); S.I. 2007/1801, art. 4(l)

F6 Words in s. 6(1B) substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), art. 1, Sch. 2 para. 34(2)

F7 Words in s. 6(1B)(a) repealed (E.W.) (1.9.2009) by Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008 (nawm 2), s. 28(2), Sch. 1 para. 2(2)(a), Sch. 2; S.I. 2009/371, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. 2

F8 Word in s. 6(1B)(b) repealed (E.W.) (1.9.2009) by Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008 (nawm 2), s. 28(2), Sch. 1 para. 2(2)(b), Sch. 2; S.I. 2009/371, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. 2

F9 S. 6(1B)(d)(e) inserted (E.W.) (6.3.2009 for specified purposes, 1.9.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008 (nawm 2), s. 28(2), Sch. 1 para. 2(2)(c); S.I. 2009/371, art. 2, Sch. Pts. 1, 2

F10 Words in s. 6(1C)(a) substituted (E.W.) (6.3.2009 for specified purposes, 1.9.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008 (nawm 2), s. 28(2), Sch. 1 para. 2(3); S.I. 2009/371, art. 2, Sch. Pts. 1, 2

F11 S. 6(1D)(1E) inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 20(2), 26(3)

F12 Words in s. 6(2)(a) substituted (E.W.) (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F13 S. 6(2A) inserted (E.W.) (26.11.2008 for specified purposes) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 48(2), 134(1)(c)(4)

F14 Words in s. 6(2A)(a) inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), s. 26(3), Sch. 1 para. 2(2)(a)

F15 Words in s. 6(2A)(a) substituted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), s. 26(3), Sch. 1 para. 2(2)(b)

F16 S. 6(2B) inserted (E.W.) (11.1.2010) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 49(2), 134(4); S.I. 2009/3242, art. 2(2)

F17 Words in s. 6(2B)(a) inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), s. 26(3), Sch. 2 para. 2(a)

F18 S. 6(2C) inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 11(2), 26(3)

F19 S. 6(2D) inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 11(3), 26(3)

F20 S. 6(7A) inserted (E.W.) (11.1.2010) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 49(3), 134(4); S.I. 2009/3242, art. 2(2)

F21 Words in s. 6(7A)(a) inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), s. 26(3), Sch. 2 para. 2(b)

F22 S. 6(7B) inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 12(2), 26(3)

F23 Words in s. 6(8) inserted (E.W.) (11.1.2010) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 49(4), 134(4); S.I. 2009/3242, art. 2(2)

F24 Words in s. 6(8)(a)(b) substituted (E.W.) (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F25 Words in s. 6(9)(c)(i) substituted (E.W.) (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F26 Words in s. 6(9)(c)(ii) substituted (E.W.) (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F27 Words in s. 6(9)(e) substituted (E.W.) (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F28 Words in s. 6(9)(e) inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 18(4), 26(3)

F29 S. 6(9)(f) omitted (E.W.) (3.7.2013) by virtue of The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F30 S. 6(9)(ha) inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 11(4), 26(3)

F31 Words in s. 6(9)(j) substituted (E.W.) (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F32 S. 6(9)(ka) inserted (E.W.) (26.11.2008 for specified purposes, 9.2.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 65(3), 134(1)(c)(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 1

F33 S. 6(10) inserted (E.W.) (26.11.2008 for specified purposes, 9.2.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 65(4), 134(1)(c)(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 1

F34 S. 6(11) inserted (1.4.2018) by Wales Act 2017 (c. 4), ss. 27(2), 71(4) (with Sch. 7 paras. 1, 6, 9); S.I. 2017/1179, reg. 3(f)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 S. 6 excluded by S.I. 1986/1671, reg. 10

C6 S. 6 excluded (21.7.1994) by 1994 c. xv, s. 73(3)

S. 6-9 applied (28.7.1998) by 1998 c. iii, s. 1, Sch. s. 54 of Order

Ss. 6-9 restricted (E.W.) (26.10.2001 for E. and otherwise

prosp.) by 2000 c. 38, ss. 129(1)-(3), 275; S.I. 2001/3342, art. 2, Sch.

Ss. 6-9: power to modify conferred (E.W.) (1.8.2001 for W. and 26.10.2001 for E.) by 2000 c. 38, s. 134(2)(a); S.I. 2001/2788, art. 2, Sch. 1 para. 2; S.I. 2001/3342, art. 2, Sch.

S. 6 excluded (24.7.2001) by S.I. 2001/3627, art. 62(3)

C7 S. 6 excluded (11.2.2005) by The Merseytram (Liverpool City Centre to Kirkby) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/120), art. 55(3) (with arts. 65, 66)

C8 S. 6 excluded (11.1.2006) by The Cambridgeshire Guided Busway Order 2005; S.I. 2005/3523, art. 37(3) (with art. 52)

C9 S. 6 excluded (13.12.2006) by The Luton Dunstable Translink Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/3118), art. 38(3)

C10 S. 6 excluded (9.6.2009) by The Nottingham Express Transit System Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1300), arts. 1, 58(3) (with Sch. 13 para. 14(2)Sch. 14 para. 19, Sch. 16)

C11 S. 6 excluded (9.1.2014) by The Ashton Vale to Temple Meads and Bristol City Centre Rapid Transit Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/3244), arts. 1, 47(3) (with arts. 57, 58, Sch. 11 para. 19)

C12 Ss. 6-9 excluded by 2000 c. 38, s. 123J(2) (as inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 4, 26(3)) (with transitional provisions (24.4.2018) in S.I. 2018/406, regs. 1(2), 4-8 (with reg. 1(3)))

C13 S. 6 excluded (4.1.2018) by The Blackpool Tramway (Blackpool North Extension) Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/1214), arts. 1, 49(3) (with arts. 58, 59)

C14 S. 6(2)(b) modified (E.W.) (11.1.2010 for E.) by The Public Service Vehicles (Registration of Local Services) (Quality Contracts Schemes) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/3245), regs. 1(2), 7(1)(a)(2)

C15 S. 6(3) modified (E.W.) (11.1.2010 for E.) by The Public Service Vehicles (Registration of Local Services) (Quality Contracts Schemes) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/3245), regs. 1(2), 4, 8(1)(a)(2)

C16 S. 6(8) modified (E.W.) (6.4.2009) by The Public Service Vehicles (Registration Restrictions) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/443), regs. 1(1), 6(5)

C17 S. 6(8) modified (E.W.) (11.1.2010 for E.) by The Public Service Vehicles (Registration of Local Services) (Quality Contracts Schemes) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/3245), regs. 1(2), 8(1)(b)(2)

C18 S. 6(8)(a) modified (E.W.) (11.1.2010 for E.) by The Public Service Vehicles (Registration of Local Services) (Quality Contracts Schemes) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/3245), regs. 1(2), 7(1)(b)(2)

C19 S. 6(9): functions transferred (1.10.2007) by The Scotland Act 1998 (Cross-Border Public Authorities) (Traffic Commissioner for the Scottish Traffic Area) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/2139), art. 2, Sch. (with art. 4)

6 Registration of local services. S

(1) In this section “service” means a local service which is neither a London local service nor a service provided under an agreement [F4 entered into, where a railway service has been temporarily interrupted, with the Secretary of State, the Scottish Ministers or the National Assembly for Wales under section 40 of the Railways Act 2005 (substitution services provided for interrupted or discontinued railway services)].

(2) Subject to regulations under this section, no service shall be provided in any traffic area in which there is a stopping place for the service unless—

(a) the prescribed particulars of the service have been registered with the traffic commissioner for that area by the operator of the service;

(b) the period of notice in relation to the registration has expired; and

(c) the service is operated in accordance with the registered particulars.

(3) In [F247 this section] “the period of notice”, in relation to any registration, means, subject to regulations under this section—

(a) the period prescribed for the purposes of this subsection; or

(b) if longer, the period beginning with the registration and ending with the date given to the traffic commissioner by the operator as the date on which the service will begin.

(4) An application for registration shall only be accepted from a person who either holds an unconditional PSV operator’s licence or a permit under section 22 of this Act or is using, or proposing to use, a school bus belonging to that person for farepaying passengers in accordance with section 46(1) of the 1981 Act.

(5) In subsection (4) above “unconditional”, in relation to a PSV operator’s licence, means a licence which does not have attached to it a condition imposed under section 26(1) of this Act prohibiting, or having the effect of prohibiting, the operator from using vehicles under the licence to provide the service to which the application in question relates.

(6) In this Act any reference to a service registered under this section is a reference to a service in respect of which the prescribed particulars are registered under this section.

(7) Any registration may be varied or cancelled on an application made by the operator of the service to which it relates.

(8) Subject to regulations under this section, the variation or cancellation of a registration shall become effective—

(a) on the expiry of the period beginning with the date on which the traffic commissioner accepts the application and ending with the date determined in accordance with regulations under this section; or

(b) if later, on the day given to the traffic commissioner by the operator as the effective date for the variation or (as the case may be) cancellation.

[F248 (8A) Where a service is registered under this section or, as the case may be, a registration is varied under this section, the operator of the service which has been registered, or in respect of which the registration has been varied, shall provide that service for a period of at least 90 days (or, as the case may be, such other period as the traffic commissioner may specify) beginning with the day on which the period of notice expires or, as the case may be, the variation becomes effective.]

(9) Regulations may be made for the purpose of carrying this section into effect and any such regulations may, in particular, make provision—

(a) for permitting the variation of a registered service, in such circumstances as may be prescribed, without variation of the registration;

(b) for excluding or modifying the application of subsection (3) or (8) above in such cases or classes of case as may be prescribed;

(c) that in such cases or classes of case as may be prescribed—

(i) subsection (2) above shall have effect as if for the reference in paragraph (b) to the period of notice there were substituted a reference to such period as the traffic commissioner may determine;

(ii) subsection (8) above shall have effect as if for the reference in paragraph (a) to the date on which the period mentioned in that paragraph is to expire there were substituted a reference to such date as he may determine;

(d) as to the procedure for [F249 or in connection with] applying for registration or for the variation or cancellation of a registration;

[F250 (da) subject to subsection (10) below, specifying dates as the only dates on which the operator of a local service in the area (or areas) of such local authority (or authorities) as may be specified in the regulations may vary a registration in so far as it relates to the scheduled times of the local service in respect of which the registration is made;]

(e) for an application for registration or for the variation or cancellation of a registration not to be accepted by the traffic commissioner to whom it is made unless the applicant gives to the commissioner [F251 , in such form as he may require,] such information as he may reasonably require in connection with the application;

(f) as to the traffic commissioner to whom an application for registration is to be made in the case of services which will run through the areas of two or more traffic commissioners;

(g) as to the documents (if any) to be issued by a traffic commissioner with respect to registrations;

(h) as to the cancellation of registrations relating to discontinued services;

(i) for enabling a traffic commissioner to require the operator of a registered service, in such circumstances as may be prescribed, to keep records of such matters relating to the operation of the service, in such manner, as may be prescribed;

(j) for requiring the operator of a registered service who is required to keep records by regulations made by virtue of paragraph (i) above to make those records available to the traffic commissioner;

(k) for requiring the operator or prospective operator of a registered service to give, to such persons and at such times as may be prescribed, such information as may be prescribed with respect to the service, or proposed service, or any proposal to vary or cancel the registration of the service;

(l) for excluding from the application of this section services which are—

(i) excursions or tours; or

(ii) excursions or tours falling within a prescribed class.

[F252 (10) Regulations making provision such as is mentioned in subsection (9)(da) above may not—

(a) have effect for a period of more than three years;

(b) specify more than four dates in a calendar year as dates on which a registration may be varied.]

Extent Information

E2 This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only

Textual Amendments

F4 Words in s. 6(1) substituted (24.7.2005 for specified purposes and otherwise 16.10.2005) by Railways Act 2005 (c. 14), ss. 59, 60, Sch. 12 para. 8; S.I. 2005/1909, art. 2; S.I. 2005/2182, art. 2, Sch. 1

F247 Words in s. 6(3) substituted (S.) (1.7.2001) by 2001 asp 2, s. 45(a) (with s. 66); S.S.I. 2001/132, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 Pt. II

F248 S. 6(8A) inserted (S.) (1.7.2001) by 2001 asp 2, s. 45(b) (with s. 66); S.S.I. 2001/132, art. 2(3), Sch. 2 Pt. II

F249 Words in s. 6(9)(d) inserted (S.) (1.4.2001) by 2001 asp 2, s. 83, Sch. 2 para. 4(2) (with s. 66); S.S.I. 2001/132, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 Pt. I

F250 S. 6(9)(da) inserted (S.) (1.4.2001) by 2001 asp 2, s. 46(a) (with s. 66); S.S.I. 2001/132, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 Pt. I

F251 Words in s. 6(9)(e) inserted (S.) (1.4.2001) by 2001 asp 2, s. 83, Sch. 2 para. 4(2) (with s. 66); S.S.I. 2001/132, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 Pt. I

F252 S. 6(10) inserted (S.) (1.4.2001) by 2001 asp 2, s. 46(b) (with s. 66); S.S.I. 2001/132, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 Pt. I

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 Ss. 6-9 excluded by 2000 c. 38, s. 123J(2) (as inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 4, 26(3)) (with transitional provisions (24.4.2018) in S.I. 2018/406, regs. 1(2), 4-8 (with reg. 1(3)))

C13 S. 6 excluded (4.1.2018) by The Blackpool Tramway (Blackpool North Extension) Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/1214), arts. 1, 49(3) (with arts. 58, 59)

C21 Ss. 6-9 excluded (S.) (4.12.2023) by 2001 asp 2, s. 13B(1)(a) (as substituted by Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 17), ss. 38(2), 130(2) (with s. 126); S.S.I. 2023/250, sch.)

C39 S. 6 excluded by S.I. 1986/1671, reg. 10

C40 S. 6 excluded (21.7.1994) by 1994 c. xv, s. 73(3)

S. 6-9 applied (28.7.1998) by 1998 c. iii, s. 1, Sch. s. 54 of Order

Ss. 6-9 restricted (S.) (1.7.2001) by 2001 asp 2, s. 22(1)(a) (with s. 66); S.S.I. 2001/132, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II

S. 6 extended (S.) (1.7.2001) by 2001 asp 2, s. 8(5)(7) (with s. 66); S.S.I. 2001/132, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II

S. 6 extended (S.) (1.7.2001) by 2001 asp 2, s. 22(3) (with s. 66); S.S.I. 2001/132, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II

S. 6 extended (S.) (1.7.2001) by 2001 asp 2, s. 32(2) (with s. 66); S.S.I. 2001/132, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II

S. 6 excluded (S.) (1.7.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/219, reg. 11

S. 6 excluded (24.7.2001) by S.I. 2001/3627, art. 62(3)

C41 S. 6(2) modified (S.) (1.7.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/219, reg. 7(1)(a)

C42 S. 6(3) modified (S.) (1.7.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/219, reg. 8(1)

C43 S. 6(8) modified (S.) (1.7.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/219, reg. 7(1)(b)

S. 6(8) modified (S.) (1.7.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/219, reg. 8(1)

C44 S. 6(9): functions transferred (1.10.2007) by The Scotland Act 1998 (Cross-Border Public Authorities) (Traffic Commissioner for the Scottish Traffic Area) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/2139), art. 2, Sch. (with art. 4)

[F35 Provision of service information in Scotland S

Textual Amendments

F35 Ss. 6ZA-6ZC and cross-heading inserted (S.) (28.11.2022) by Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 17), ss. 39(1), 130(2) (with s. 126); S.S.I. 2022/332, reg. 2, sch.

6ZA Provision of service information when varying or cancelling registration S

(1) This section applies where an operator of a local service registered under section 6 notifies an affected authority in accordance with regulations under that section that the operator proposes to make an application to vary or cancel the registration.

(2) The affected authority may, within such period as may be prescribed, require the operator to provide them with such information relating to the local service as may be prescribed.

(3) The information that may be prescribed is information relating to—

(a) the number of passengers using the service, the journeys made by those passengers and the fares paid by them, and

(b) the revenue obtained by operating the service.

(4) A requirement for information under subsection (2) may be made only—

(a) for the purposes of the affected authority exercising their functions under section 9A of the Transport Act 1968 or, as the case may be, section 63 of this Act, and

(b) in respect of—

(i) the period of 12 months ending on the day on which the requirement is made, or

(ii) where the service has not operated for the whole of the period of 12 months preceding the day on which the requirement is made, the period of operation up to the day on which the requirement is made.

(5) An operator who is subject to a requirement under this section—

(a) must provide any information required under subsection (2) within such period as may be prescribed,

(b) may, at the same time, provide evidence that the disclosure of some or all of the information it has provided is likely to damage its commercial interests and request that the information in question is not disclosed under section 6ZB(3).

(6) For the purposes of this section and sections 6ZB and 6ZC, “affected authority”, in relation to a local service registered under section 6, means a council or a Transport Partnership created by order under section 1 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 which—

(a) have functions under section 9A of the Transport Act 1968 or section 63 of this Act, and

(b) have within their area or, as the case may be, region a stopping place which would be affected by the variation or cancellation of the registration of the service by an operator.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C20 S. 6ZA excluded (S.) (1.4.2023) by The Public Service Vehicles (Registration of Local Services) (Provision of Service Information) (Scotland) Regulations 2022 (S.S.I. 2022/358), regs. 1(1), 5 (with reg. 7)

C21 Ss. 6-9 excluded (S.) (4.12.2023) by 2001 asp 2, s. 13B(1)(a) (as substituted by Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 17), ss. 38(2), 130(2) (with s. 126); S.S.I. 2023/250, sch.)

6ZB Provision of service information: extent of permissible disclosure S

(1) An affected authority may disclose information received from an operator under section 6ZA only in accordance with this section.

(2) An affected authority may disclose information of the type described in section 6ZA(3)(a)—

(a) to an economic operator in connection with an invitation to submit a tender to provide a supported service to replace or supplement the service being varied or cancelled,

(b) to another affected authority,

(c) to such other persons as may be prescribed.

(3) An affected authority may disclose information of the type described in section 6ZA(3)(b)—

(a) to an economic operator in connection with an invitation to submit a tender to provide a supported service to replace or supplement the service being varied or cancelled,

(b) to another affected authority.

(4) Information disclosed under subsection (3)(a) of this section—

(a) must be aggregated into an annual figure,

(b) must not be disclosed in circumstances where the affected authority have decided to assume the revenue-related risk for the supported service by keeping the revenue obtained by operating the service.

(5) An affected authority which receive information under subsection (2)(b) or (3)(b) must not disclose that information to any other person.

(6) Where an operator has provided evidence and made a request under section 6ZA(5)(b), the affected authority must—

(a) decide whether, on the basis of the evidence submitted, they are satisfied that the disclosure of some or all of the information is likely to cause damage to the commercial interests of the operator, and

(b) notify the operator of their decision.

(7) The affected authority must not disclose any information which is the subject of a request under section 6ZA(5)(b)—

(a) until they have complied with their duties under subsection (6), and

(b) where they decide that they are satisfied that disclosure of the information is likely to cause damage to the commercial interests of the operator.

(8) An affected authority who, without reasonable excuse, disclose information in contravention of this section commit an offence.

(9) An affected authority who commit an offence under subsection (8) are liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

(10) Where an offence under subsection (8) committed by an affected authority is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to the neglect on the part of, a person employed by the authority, the person as well as the authority is guilty of the offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

(11) In this section—

• “economic operator” means any person, public entity or group of persons or entities including any temporary association of undertakings that offers to provide local services on the market,

• “supported service” means a service which is subsidised under section 9A(4) of the Transport Act 1968 or, as the case may be, section 63(5) of this Act.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C21 Ss. 6-9 excluded (S.) (4.12.2023) by 2001 asp 2, s. 13B(1)(a) (as substituted by Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 17), ss. 38(2), 130(2) (with s. 126); S.S.I. 2023/250, sch.)

6ZC Provision of service information: further provision and consultation S

(1) Regulations under this section may make provision for the purposes of giving full effect to sections 6ZA and 6ZB, including, without limit to that generality, provision—

(a) for excluding or modifying the application of section 6ZA in such circumstances as may be specified in the regulations,

(b) about the procedures to be followed by affected authorities and operators, including the manner in which authorities are to require information to be provided,

(c) requiring operators to keep records of such information as may be specified in the regulations,

(d) substituting a different period (or periods) for the period for the time being specified in section 6ZA(4)(b),

(e) about the form and (subject to section 6ZA(3)) content of the information that operators may be required to provide.

(2) Before making regulations under section 6ZA(2) or (5), 6ZB(2) or this section, the Scottish Ministers must consult—

(a) such persons as appear to them to be representative of operators and users of local services,

(b) each council and Transport Partnership created by order under section 1 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 which have functions under section 9A of the Transport Act 1968 or section 63 of this Act, and

(c) such other persons as the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate.]

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C21 Ss. 6-9 excluded (S.) (4.12.2023) by 2001 asp 2, s. 13B(1)(a) (as substituted by Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 17), ss. 38(2), 130(2) (with s. 126); S.S.I. 2023/250, sch.)

E+W+S

[F36 6A Applications for registration etc where restrictions are in force E+W

(1) This section applies in any case where—

(a) any registration restrictions imposed under section [F37 113D(1) or] 114(3A) of the Transport Act 2000 are in force in the case of [F38 an advanced quality partnership scheme or] a quality partnership scheme (“the scheme”);

(b) an application for registration, or for variation or cancellation of registration, is made under section 6 of this Act F39 ... in respect of a local service in relation to which those restrictions have effect; and

(c) the application is one which would fall to be accepted by [F40 a traffic commissioner], apart from this section.

(2) In any such case the traffic commissioner, before deciding whether or not to accept the application, must give to—

(a) each relevant authority, and

(b) each relevant operator,

a notice complying with subsection (3) below.

(3) The notice must—

(a) identify the application and state that it has been made;

(b) provide prescribed particulars of the application;

(c) inform the persons to whom it is required to be sent of the right of each of them to make relevant representations to the traffic commissioner about the application.

(4) If no relevant representations are made, the application is to be accepted.

(5) If any relevant representations are made by a relevant authority or a relevant operator, the traffic commissioner must decide whether the effect of accepting the application would be detrimental to the provision of local services under the scheme.

(6) The traffic commissioner may decide that question only after—

(a) considering those representations;

(b) taking account of any other relevant applications and any relevant representations made in relation to those applications;

(c) holding such inquiries under section 54 of the 1981 Act as the traffic commissioner may think fit; and

(d) applying the registration criteria.

(7) If the traffic commissioner decides that the effect of accepting the application would not be detrimental to the provision of such services, the application is to be accepted.

(8) If subsection (7) above does not apply, the traffic commissioner may do any one or more of the following—

(a) refuse to accept the application;

(b) require the applicant to amend the application in such respects as the traffic commissioner may require before submitting it again;

(c) if the applicant has not given a written undertaking under section [F41 113J(4) or (5) or] 118(4) of the Transport Act 2000 in relation to the scheme, require the applicant to give such an undertaking before the application may be accepted.

(9) An appeal against any decision of a traffic commissioner under this section may be made to the [F42 Upper Tribunal] by any of the following persons—

(a) the person who made the application;

(b) any relevant authority that made relevant representations against the application;

(c) any relevant operator who made relevant representations against the application.

F43 ...

F44 (10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(11) Regulations may be made for the purposes of carrying this section into effect; and the provision that may be made by any such regulations includes provision—

(a) as to the procedure for giving notice under subsection (2) above;

(b) prescribing the particulars of the application that are to be provided in such a notice;

(c) as to the procedure for making relevant representations;

(d) as to the procedure to be followed in determining the application.

(12) In this section—

• [F45 “advanced quality partnership scheme” means a scheme under section 113C of the Transport Act 2000;]

• “quality partnership scheme” means a scheme under section 114 of the Transport Act 2000;

• [F46 “registration criteria”—

  (a)

  in relation to an advanced quality partnership scheme, means the criteria specified in the scheme by virtue of section 113D(3) of the Transport Act 2000;

  (b)

  in relation to a quality partnership scheme, means the criteria specified in the scheme by virtue of section 114(3C) of the Transport Act 2000;]

• “relevant application” means any application under section 6 of this Act—

  (a)

  which is made in respect of a local service in relation to which the registration restrictions have effect, and

  (b)

  which (whenever made) is awaiting the decision of [F47 a traffic commissioner];

• “relevant authority” means the authority, or any of the authorities, that made the scheme;

• “relevant operator” means—

  (a)

  any operator of local services who has given an undertaking under section [F48 113J(4) or (5) or] 118(4) of the Transport Act 2000 in respect of the scheme;

  (b)

  any other operator of local services which might be affected if the application were to be accepted;

• “relevant representations” means representations that the effect of accepting the application would be detrimental to the provision of services under the scheme, having regard to the registration criteria.

• [F49 “the traffic commissioner” means the traffic commissioner dealing with the application mentioned in subsection (1).]

[F50 (13) The power to make regulations under subsection (11), so far as exercisable in relation to Wales, is exercisable by the Welsh Ministers (and not by the Secretary of State).]]

Textual Amendments

F36 S. 6A inserted (E.W.) (26.11.2008 for specified purposes) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 48(3), 134(1)(c)(4)

F37 Words in s. 6A(1)(a) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), s. 26(3), Sch. 1 para. 3(2)(a)

F38 Words in s. 6A(1)(a) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), s. 26(3), Sch. 1 para. 3(2)(b)

F39 Words in s. 6A(1)(b) omitted (3.7.2013) by virtue of The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F40 Words in s. 6A(1)(c) substituted (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F41 Words in s. 6A(8)(c) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), s. 26(3), Sch. 1 para. 3(3)

F42 Words in s. 6A(9) substituted (1.9.2009) by The Transfer of Functions (Transport Tribunal and Appeal Panel) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1885), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 6(a)(i)

F43 Words in s. 6A(9) omitted (1.9.2009) by virtue of The Transfer of Functions (Transport Tribunal and Appeal Panel) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1885), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 6(a)(ii)

F44 S. 6A(10) omitted (1.9.2009) by virtue of The Transfer of Functions (Transport Tribunal and Appeal Panel) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1885), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 6(b)

F45 Words in s. 6A(12) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), s. 26(3), Sch. 1 para. 3(4)(a)

F46 Words in s. 6A(12) substituted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), s. 26(3), Sch. 1 para. 3(4)(b)

F47 Words in s. 6A(12) substituted (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F48 Words in s. 6A(12) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), s. 26(3), Sch. 1 para. 3(4)(c)

F49 Words in s. 6A(12) inserted (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F50 S. 6A(13) inserted (1.4.2018) by Wales Act 2017 (c. 4), ss. 27(3), 71(4) (with Sch. 7 paras. 1, 6, 9); S.I. 2017/1179, reg. 3(f)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 Ss. 6-9 excluded by 2000 c. 38, s. 123J(2) (as inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 4, 26(3)) (with transitional provisions (24.4.2018) in S.I. 2018/406, regs. 1(2), 4-8 (with reg. 1(3)))

C21 Ss. 6-9 excluded (S.) (4.12.2023) by 2001 asp 2, s. 13B(1)(a) (as substituted by Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 17), ss. 38(2), 130(2) (with s. 126); S.S.I. 2023/250, sch.)

[F51 6B Applications for registration where quality contracts scheme in force E+W

(1) This section applies—

(a) by virtue of subsection (2B) of section 6 of this Act (“Case 1”), in relation to registration of the proposed local service mentioned in that subsection;

(b) by virtue of subsection (7A) of that section (“Case 2”), in relation to the proposed variation of the registration mentioned in that subsection.

(2) Where this section applies, the operator may apply to a traffic commissioner—

(a) in Case 1, for registration of the proposed service under section 6 of this Act, or

(b) in Case 2, for variation of the registration under that section,

notwithstanding anything in section 129(1)(a) of the Transport Act 2000 (sections 6 to 9 of this Act not to apply).

(3) The traffic commissioner must not accept the application except in accordance with subsections (4) to (6) below.

(4) On receipt of the application, the traffic commissioner must consult the authority or authorities who made the quality contracts scheme.

(5) If, within the prescribed time, the traffic commissioner receives from the authority or authorities a clearance certificate in respect of the application, the traffic commissioner must—

(a) in Case 1, register the service under section 6 of this Act, or

(b) in Case 2, vary the registration under that section.

(6) If the traffic commissioner does not receive such a certificate within that time, the application must be rejected.

(7) In relation to Case 2, regulations may prescribe cases in which subsections (3) to (6) above do not apply.

(8) In this section—

• “clearance certificate” means a certificate that the provision—

  (a)

  in Case 1, of the proposed local service, or

  (b)

  in Case 2, of the local service as proposed to be varied,

  will not have an adverse effect on local services provided under quality contracts in the area to which the quality contracts scheme relates;

• “prescribed” means prescribed in regulations;

• “the relevant authority or authorities” means the authority or authorities—

  (a)

  who last continued the quality contracts scheme in force under section 131A of the Transport Act 2000, or

  (b)

  if the scheme has not been so continued, who made it.

• [F52 “the traffic commissioner” means the traffic commissioner dealing with the application.]

[F53 (9) The power to make regulations under subsections (5) and (7), so far as exercisable in relation to Wales, is exercisable by the Welsh Ministers (and not by the Secretary of State).]]

Textual Amendments

F51 S. 6B inserted (26.11.2008 for specified purposes, 11.1.2010 for E. in so far as not already in force) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 49(5), 134(1)(c)(4); S.I. 2009/3242, art. 2(2)

F52 Words in s. 6B(8) inserted (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F53 S. 6B(9) inserted (1.4.2018) by Wales Act 2017 (c. 4), ss. 27(4), 71(4) (with Sch. 7 paras. 1, 6); S.I. 2017/1179, reg. 3(f)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 Ss. 6-9 excluded by 2000 c. 38, s. 123J(2) (as inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 4, 26(3)) (with transitional provisions (24.4.2018) in S.I. 2018/406, regs. 1(2), 4-8 (with reg. 1(3)))

C21 Ss. 6-9 excluded (S.) (4.12.2023) by 2001 asp 2, s. 13B(1)(a) (as substituted by Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 17), ss. 38(2), 130(2) (with s. 126); S.S.I. 2023/250, sch.)

C22 S. 6B(3)-(6) excluded (E.W.) (11.1.2010 for E.) by The Public Service Vehicles (Registration of Local Services) (Quality Contracts Schemes) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/3245), regs. 1(2), 11

[F54 6C Variation or cancellation of registration: service information E+W

(1) Regulations may require the operator of a local service registered under section 6 to provide prescribed information to any local transport authority in England in whose area the service has a stopping place if—

(a) the operator—

(i) has made an application under section 6 to vary or cancel the registration of the service, or

(ii) has notified the local transport authority in accordance with regulations under that section that it proposes to make such an application, and

(b) the authority requests the operator to provide the information.

(2) The information that may be prescribed is information relating to—

(a) the number of passengers using the service, the journeys made by those passengers and the fares paid by them, and

(b) the revenue obtained by operating the service.

(3) Regulations under this section may, in particular—

(a) make provision about the periods of time in respect of which information may be required,

(b) make provision about the time when, and the manner and form in which, information is to be provided,

(c) provide for a traffic commissioner or a body carrying out a traffic commissioner's functions in accordance with section 6G not to accept an application to vary or cancel the service if the operator has failed to comply with the regulations,

(d) make provision about the use and disclosure of information provided under the regulations (including provision about its further disclosure),

(e) make provision as to cases in which section 67 of the 1981 Act does not apply in relation to contraventions of, or failures to comply with, the regulations,

(f) make provision subject to conditions, and

(g) make supplementary, incidental, consequential or transitional provision.

(4) In this section “local transport authority” has the meaning given in section 108(4) of the Transport Act 2000.]

Textual Amendments

F54 S. 6C inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 19(1), 26(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 Ss. 6-9 excluded by 2000 c. 38, s. 123J(2) (as inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 4, 26(3)) (with transitional provisions (24.4.2018) in S.I. 2018/406, regs. 1(2), 4-8 (with reg. 1(3)))

C21 Ss. 6-9 excluded (S.) (4.12.2023) by 2001 asp 2, s. 13B(1)(a) (as substituted by Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 17), ss. 38(2), 130(2) (with s. 126); S.S.I. 2023/250, sch.)

[F55 6D Applications for registration where an enhanced partnership scheme is in operation E+W

(1) This section applies in any case where—

(a) an enhanced partnership scheme under section 138A of the Transport Act 2000 is in operation;

(b) a requirement imposed under section 138A(5)(b) of the Transport Act 2000 has effect;

(c) an application for registration, or for variation of registration, is made under section 6 of this Act in respect of a local service to which that requirement would apply if the application were granted; and

(d) the application is one which would fall to be accepted, apart from this section.

(2) A traffic commissioner must refuse the application if—

(a) the requirement is an operation requirement, and

(b) the traffic commissioner considers that the person who would be the operator of—

(i) the service proposed to be provided, or,

(ii) the service as proposed to be varied,

is unlikely to be able to comply with that requirement as regards that service.

(3) If, where the requirement is a route requirement, the registration, or variation of registration, of the service under section 6 is prevented by regulations under section 6E(6), a traffic commissioner must refuse the application.

(4) In this section—

• “operation requirement” means a requirement imposed under section 138A(5)(b) of the Transport Act 2000, other than a route requirement;

• “route requirement” means a requirement imposed under section 138A(5)(b) of the Transport Act 2000 that falls within section 138C(1) of that Act.]

Textual Amendments

F55 S. 6D inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 11(5), 26(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 Ss. 6-9 excluded by 2000 c. 38, s. 123J(2) (as inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 4, 26(3)) (with transitional provisions (24.4.2018) in S.I. 2018/406, regs. 1(2), 4-8 (with reg. 1(3)))

C21 Ss. 6-9 excluded (S.) (4.12.2023) by 2001 asp 2, s. 13B(1)(a) (as substituted by Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 17), ss. 38(2), 130(2) (with s. 126); S.S.I. 2023/250, sch.)

[F56 6E Cancellation and control of registration where enhanced partnership scheme is in operation E+W

(1) This section applies in a case where—

(a) an enhanced partnership scheme under section 138A of the Transport Act 2000 is in operation, and

(b) one or more requirements imposed under section 138A(5)(b) of the Transport Act 2000 by the scheme have effect.

(2) If a traffic commissioner considers that—

(a) an operation requirement imposed by the scheme applies to a service registered under section 6, and

(b) the service is not being provided in accordance with that requirement,

the traffic commissioner may cancel the registration of that service.

(3) If a traffic commissioner considers that—

(a) a route requirement imposed by the scheme applies to a service registered under section 6, and

(b) that service cannot be provided in accordance with that requirement,

the traffic commissioner must cancel the registration of that service.

(4) If a traffic commissioner considers that—

(a) a route requirement imposed by the scheme applies to two or more services registered under section 6, and

(b) those services cannot all be provided in accordance with that requirement,

the traffic commissioner must cancel the registration of those services.

(5) Subject to regulations under this section, a cancellation of the registration of a service under subsection (2), (3) or (4) becomes effective on the expiry of the period beginning with the date on which a traffic commissioner gives notice to the operator of the service of the cancellation of the registration and ending with the date determined in accordance with regulations under this section.

(6) Regulations under this section may make provision controlling the registration, or the variation of registration, under section 6 of local services which would, or would as varied, be subject to a route requirement by reference to which a registration or registrations was or were cancelled under subsection (3) or (4).

(7) Regulations under subsection (6) may, in particular—

(a) provide for the determination of the services that may be registered and the persons who may register such services;

(b) provide for those matters to be determined by the local transport authority or authorities operating the enhanced partnership scheme;

(c) provide for the authority or authorities to award contracts authorising persons to provide local services or local services of particular descriptions;

(d) provide for services not to be registered under section 6, and for variations of registration under section 6 not to be made, in prescribed cases;

(e) make provision as to the period during which the registration, or variation of registration, of local services under section 6 is subject to provision under subsection (6).

(8) Regulations may be made for the purpose of carrying this section into effect and any such regulations may, in particular—

(a) make provision as to the procedure for cancellation under this section, including provision for giving notice of an intention to cancel unless an operator of a local service satisfies prescribed conditions;

(b) make provision for cancellation under subsection (3) or (4) to be revoked if prescribed conditions are satisfied, including conditions relating to the variation or cancellation under section 6 of the registration of one or more of the services affected;

(c) make provision for the time at which cancellation under subsection (3) or (4) becomes effective to be postponed in prescribed circumstances.

(9) In this section—

• “local transport authority” has the meaning given in section 108(4) of the Transport Act 2000;

• “operation requirement” and “route requirement” have the same meaning as in section 6D.]

Textual Amendments

F56 S. 6E inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 12(3), 26(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 Ss. 6-9 excluded by 2000 c. 38, s. 123J(2) (as inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 4, 26(3)) (with transitional provisions (24.4.2018) in S.I. 2018/406, regs. 1(2), 4-8 (with reg. 1(3)))

C21 Ss. 6-9 excluded (S.) (4.12.2023) by 2001 asp 2, s. 13B(1)(a) (as substituted by Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 17), ss. 38(2), 130(2) (with s. 126); S.S.I. 2023/250, sch.)

[F57 6F Enhanced partnership schemes: appeals E+W

(1) A person may appeal to the Upper Tribunal against—

(a) a decision to record a requirement under section 6(2D) (recording of requirements specified in an enhanced partnership scheme) in relation to a service provided by the person,

(b) a refusal under section 6D(2) or (3) of an application made by the person, or

(c) a cancellation under section 6E of the registration of a service provided by the person.

(2) But if the decision, refusal or cancellation was made by a local transport authority by virtue of section 6G—

(a) the appeal as regards that matter is to be made to a traffic commissioner, and

(b) the local transport authority or authorities operating the relevant enhanced partnership scheme under section 138A of the Transport Act 2000 is or are to be parties to the proceedings.

(3) On an appeal under subsection (2), a traffic commissioner may—

(a) uphold the decision,

(b) quash the decision, or

(c) substitute a decision for the decision made.

(4) Regulations may make provision—

(a) as to the time within which, and the manner in which, appeals under subsection (2) may be made, and

(b) as to the procedure to be followed in connection with such appeals.

(5) A decision of a traffic commissioner on an appeal under subsection (2) may be appealed to the Upper Tribunal by—

(a) the person who appealed under subsection (2), or

(b) the local transport authority or authorities operating the relevant enhanced partnership scheme.

(6) A local transport authority or authorities operating an enhanced partnership scheme under section 138A of the Transport Act 2000 may appeal to the Upper Tribunal against—

(a) a decision of a traffic commissioner to register a service that has a stopping place in the area to which the scheme relates, or

(b) a decision of a traffic commissioner not to record a requirement under section 6(2D) in relation to such a service.

(7) For the purposes of section 13(2) of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (appeals to Court of Appeal etc against decisions of the Upper Tribunal) the following persons are to be treated as parties to a case—

(a) the person whose service is in question;

(b) the local transport authority or authorities operating the relevant enhanced partnership scheme; and

(c) a traffic commissioner.

(8) In this section “local transport authority” has the meaning given in section 108(4) of the Transport Act 2000.]

Textual Amendments

F57 S. 6F inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 13, 26(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 Ss. 6-9 excluded by 2000 c. 38, s. 123J(2) (as inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 4, 26(3)) (with transitional provisions (24.4.2018) in S.I. 2018/406, regs. 1(2), 4-8 (with reg. 1(3)))

C21 Ss. 6-9 excluded (S.) (4.12.2023) by 2001 asp 2, s. 13B(1)(a) (as substituted by Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 17), ss. 38(2), 130(2) (with s. 126); S.S.I. 2023/250, sch.)

[F58 6G Traffic commissioner functions where an enhanced partnership scheme in operation E+W

(1) This section applies where notice of—

(a) the making of an enhanced partnership scheme under section 138A of the Transport Act 2000, or

(b) the varying of an enhanced partnership scheme,

is given to a traffic commissioner under section 138G(5) or 138M(6) of the Transport Act 2000 by a local transport authority or authorities.

(2) The authority or authorities must also notify the traffic commissioner—

(a) whether or not the scheme, or the scheme as varied, specifies a route requirement, and

(b) in relation to each route requirement specified, whether or not it relates to—

(i) a particular service that only has stopping places in the area to which the scheme relates,

(ii) particular services at least one of which is such a service, or

(iii) a particular description of services which includes or is capable of including such a service.

(3) In a case where the scheme, or the scheme as varied, relates to the whole or part of the combined area of two or more local transport authorities, the notification under subsection (2) must also state which of the authorities is the lead authority.

(4) If the scheme, or the scheme as varied, specifies a route requirement that relates to a particular service that only has stopping places in the area to which the scheme relates, particular services at least one of which is such a service or a particular description of services which includes or is capable of including such a service—

(a) a traffic commissioner must delegate the relevant registration functions as regards services that only have stopping places in that area to the authority or the lead authority (as the case may be), and

(b) the authority or the lead authority (as the case may be) must carry them out.

(5) A delegation under subsection (4) has effect—

(a) when the scheme comes into operation, or

(b) when the variation of the scheme takes effect (as the case may be).

(6) If subsection (4) does not apply, the authority or the lead authority (as the case may be)—

(a) may elect to carry out the relevant registration functions as regards services that only have stopping places in the area to which the scheme relates as from a particular time, and

(b) if that election is made, must notify a traffic commissioner of that election and the time selected.

(7) If notification is given under subsection (6), a traffic commissioner must delegate the relevant registration functions to—

(a) the authority, or

(b) the lead authority (as the case may be);

and the authority or the lead authority (as the case may be) must carry them out.

(8) A delegation under subsection (4) or (7) may come to end only when the scheme in question ceases to operate.

(9) Regulations may be made for the purpose of carrying this section into effect.

(10) In this section—

• “local transport authority” has the meaning given in section 108(4) of the Transport Act 2000;

• “the relevant registration functions”, in relation to an enhanced partnership scheme, means the functions of a traffic commissioner under sections 6, 6D and 6E of this Act so far as relating to—

  (a)

  in the case of functions relating to the variation of registration, services that would be relevant services if varied as proposed, or

  (b)

  in the case of any other function, relevant services;

• “relevant service”, in relation to an enhanced partnership scheme, means a local service that only has stopping places in the area to which the scheme relates;

• “route requirement” has the same meaning as in section 6D.]

Textual Amendments

F58 S. 6G inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 14(2), 26(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 Ss. 6-9 excluded by 2000 c. 38, s. 123J(2) (as inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 4, 26(3)) (with transitional provisions (24.4.2018) in S.I. 2018/406, regs. 1(2), 4-8 (with reg. 1(3)))

C21 Ss. 6-9 excluded (S.) (4.12.2023) by 2001 asp 2, s. 13B(1)(a) (as substituted by Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 17), ss. 38(2), 130(2) (with s. 126); S.S.I. 2023/250, sch.)

[F59 6H Fees relating to relevant registration functions E+W

(1) This section applies where the relevant registration functions of a traffic commissioner are carried out by a local transport authority in accordance with section 6G.

(2) The local transport authority may charge fees under this section in respect of—

(a) an application under section 6 of this Act for the registration of a relevant service,

(b) an application under section 6 of this Act for the variation of the registration of a service that, as varied, would be or continue to be a relevant service, and

(c) an application under section 6 of this Act for the cancellation of the registration of a relevant service.

(3) The fees—

(a) are to be determined by or in accordance with regulations,

(b) are to be payable by such persons and at such times as the regulations may provide, and

(c) are to be payable in one sum or in instalments, as provided by the regulations.

(4) If a fee or instalment of a fee due under this section has not been paid, the local transport authority may decline to proceed with an application referred to in subsection (2) to which the fee or instalment relates until the fee or instalment is paid.

(5) Amounts received in respect of fees charged under this section are not payable to the traffic commissioner (and accordingly may be retained by a local transport authority).

(6) Where this section applies, fees may not be charged under section 52 of the 1981 Act (as applied by section 126 of this Act) in respect of an application referred to in subsection (2).

(7) In this section—

• “local transport authority” has the meaning given in section 108(4) of the Transport Act 2000;

• “relevant service” has the same meaning as in section 6G;

• “the relevant registration functions” has the same meaning as in section 6G.]

Textual Amendments

F59 S. 6H inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 14(3), 26(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 Ss. 6-9 excluded by 2000 c. 38, s. 123J(2) (as inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 4, 26(3)) (with transitional provisions (24.4.2018) in S.I. 2018/406, regs. 1(2), 4-8 (with reg. 1(3)))

C21 Ss. 6-9 excluded (S.) (4.12.2023) by 2001 asp 2, s. 13B(1)(a) (as substituted by Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 17), ss. 38(2), 130(2) (with s. 126); S.S.I. 2023/250, sch.)

[F60 6I Records of registration etc E+W

(1) This section applies where the relevant registration functions of a traffic commissioner are carried out by a local transport authority in accordance with section 6G.

(2) The local transport authority must keep a record of—

(a) the local services that are registered and the registrations that are varied or cancelled by the authority under section 6;

(b) the requirements imposed under section 138A(5)(b) of the Transport Act 2000 that are recorded by the authority as applying to services registered under section 6;

(c) the local services that are cancelled by the authority under section 6E.

(3) The authority must allow the record to be inspected at all reasonable times by members of the public.

(4) The authority must supply to a traffic commissioner particulars of—

(a) the local services that are registered and the registrations that are varied or cancelled by the authority under section 6;

(b) the requirements imposed under section 138A(5)(b) of the Transport Act 2000 that are recorded by the authority as applying to services registered under section 6;

(c) the local services that are cancelled by the authority under section 6E.

(5) A record kept under this section is admissible in evidence of the matters required under this section to be entered in that record.

(6) A copy of an entry made in such a record in pursuance of this section purporting to be—

(a) signed on behalf of the authority by which the record is kept, and

(b) certified as a true copy,

is evidence of the matters stated in that entry without proof of the signature or authority of the person signing it.

(7) Regulations may be made for the purpose of carrying this section into effect and any such regulations may, in particular, make provision—

(a) as to the form of records under this section and the particulars they must contain;

(b) as to the particulars to be supplied to a traffic commissioner under this section.

(8) In this section—

• “local transport authority” has the meaning given in section 108(4) of the Transport Act 2000;

• “the relevant registration functions” has the same meaning as in section 6G.]

Textual Amendments

F60 S. 6I inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 14(4), 26(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 Ss. 6-9 excluded by 2000 c. 38, s. 123J(2) (as inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 4, 26(3)) (with transitional provisions (24.4.2018) in S.I. 2018/406, regs. 1(2), 4-8 (with reg. 1(3)))

C21 Ss. 6-9 excluded (S.) (4.12.2023) by 2001 asp 2, s. 13B(1)(a) (as substituted by Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 17), ss. 38(2), 130(2) (with s. 126); S.S.I. 2023/250, sch.)

[F61 6J Contracting out of registration functions: fees E+W

(1) Regulations may make provision about the charging of fees where an authorised person exercises a function of a traffic commissioner in relation to an application specified in subsection (2).

(2) Those applications are—

(a) an application under section 6 of this Act for the registration of a relevant service,

(b) an application under section 6 of this Act for the variation of the registration of a service that, as varied, would be or continue to be a relevant service, and

(c) an application under section 6 of this Act for the cancellation of the registration of a relevant service.

(3) Regulations under this section may allow or require the authorised person to charge fees in respect of the application to which the function relates.

(4) The regulations may—

(a) specify the fees chargeable, or

(b) make provision about the setting of fees by the authorised person, including provision about determining the amounts of such fees.

(5) The regulations may include provision about—

(a) who must pay the fees and at what times, and

(b) whether the fees are payable in one sum or in instalments.

(6) The regulations may provide that, if a fee or instalment of a fee due under the regulations has not been paid, the authorised person may decline to proceed with an application referred to in subsection (2) to which the fee or instalment relates until the fee or instalment is paid.

(7) The regulations may make provision about how amounts received in respect of fees charged under the regulations are to be applied.

(8) Provision made by virtue of subsection (7) may include—

(a) provision for such amounts not to be payable to the traffic commissioner, and

(b) provision that such amounts are to be paid, or not to be paid, into the Consolidated Fund.

(9) The regulations may provide that fees are not to be charged under section 52 of the 1981 Act (as applied by section 126 of this Act) in respect of the applications referred to in subsection (2).

(10) In this section—

• “authorised person”, in relation to a function of a traffic commissioner, means a person authorised to exercise that function by virtue of an authorisation given in accordance with an order under section 69 of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994;

• “relevant service” means a service which has stopping places only in England;

• “service” has the meaning given in section 6(1).]

Textual Amendments

F61 S. 6J inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 21, 26(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 Ss. 6-9 excluded by 2000 c. 38, s. 123J(2) (as inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 4, 26(3)) (with transitional provisions (24.4.2018) in S.I. 2018/406, regs. 1(2), 4-8 (with reg. 1(3)))

C21 Ss. 6-9 excluded (S.) (4.12.2023) by 2001 asp 2, s. 13B(1)(a) (as substituted by Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 17), ss. 38(2), 130(2) (with s. 126); S.S.I. 2023/250, sch.)

[F62 6K Application for registration where service standard has effect S

(1) This section applies where—

(a) a bus services improvement partnership scheme made under section 3B of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 is in operation,

(b) a service standard imposed under section 3B(3)(b) of that Act has effect,

(c) an application for registration, or for variation of registration, is made under section 6 of this Act in respect of a local service to which that service standard would apply if the application were granted, and

(d) the application is one which would, but for this section, fall to be accepted.

(2) A traffic commissioner must refuse the application if—

(a) the service standard is an operational service standard, and

(b) the traffic commissioner considers that the person who would be the operator of—

(i) the service proposed to be provided, or

(ii) the service as proposed to be varied,

is unlikely to be able to comply with the service standard as regards that service.

(3) In this section, “operational service standard” is to be construed in accordance with section 3C(1)(b) of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001.

Textual Amendments

F62 Ss. 6K-6N inserted (S.) (4.12.2023 for specified purposes) by Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 17), ss. 37(3), 130(2) (with s. 126); S.S.I. 2023/250, sch.

6L Cancellation of registration when operational service standards not met S

(1) This section applies where—

(a) a bus services improvement partnership scheme made under section 3B of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 is in operation, and

(b) one or more service standards imposed under section 3B(3)(b) of that Act have effect.

(2) If a traffic commissioner considers that—

(a) an operational service standard imposed by the scheme applies to a service registered under section 6, and

(b) the service is not being provided in accordance with that service standard,

the traffic commissioner may cancel the registration of that service.

(3) In this section, “operational service standard” is to be construed in accordance with section 3C(1)(b) of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001.

Textual Amendments

F62 Ss. 6K-6N inserted (S.) (4.12.2023 for specified purposes) by Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 17), ss. 37(3), 130(2) (with s. 126); S.S.I. 2023/250, sch.

6M Power to make regulations for appeals against service standards decisions S

Regulations may make provision for or about appeals relating to any—

(a) decision to record a service standard as a prescribed particular under section 6(2ZA),

(b) refusal of an application by virtue of section 6K(2),

(c) cancellation of the registration of a service by virtue of section 6L(2),

(d) decision to register a service that has a stopping place in the area to which the scheme relates, or

(e) decision not to record a service standard in relation to such a service under section 6(2ZA).

Textual Amendments

F62 Ss. 6K-6N inserted (S.) (4.12.2023 for specified purposes) by Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 17), ss. 37(3), 130(2) (with s. 126); S.S.I. 2023/250, sch.

6N Scrutiny of operation of bus services improvement partnership S

(1) This section applies where—

(a) a bus services improvement partnership scheme made under section 3B of the 2001 Act (“the scheme”) is in operation, and

(b) it appears to a traffic commissioner that the local transport authority (or authorities) who made the scheme may not be complying with their obligations under it including, in particular, any duty arising under section 3F(2) or (3) of the 2001 Act.

(2) The traffic commissioner may—

(a) investigate the actions of the local transport authority (or authorities) in relation to their compliance with their obligations under the scheme,

(b) require the authority (or authorities) to provide such information as the commissioner may specify for the purposes of the investigation.

(3) A local transport authority may be required to provide the information before the end of such period as may be specified by the traffic commissioner when imposing the requirement.

(4) Following an investigation under subsection (2), the traffic commissioner must prepare and publish a report—

(a) setting out whether or not the commissioner is satisfied that the local transport authority (or authorities) are complying with their obligations under the scheme, and

(b) if the commissioner is not satisfied that the authority (or authorities) are complying with their obligations, making such recommendations as the commissioner considers appropriate, including, in particular, recommendations that the authority (or authorities) take such remedial action as may be specified in the report.

(5) Before publishing a report prepared under subsection (4), the commissioner must provide a copy of it to—

(a) the local transport authority (or authorities) who made the scheme, and

(b) each operator providing a local service with a stopping place in the area of the scheme.

(6) Where, under section 3E of the 2001 Act, the Scottish Ministers acted jointly with a local transport authority (or authorities) to make the scheme, this section applies to the Scottish Ministers as it applies to the authority (or authorities).

(7) In this section—

• “2001 Act” means the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001,

• “local transport authority” has the meaning given in section 82(1) of the 2001 Act.]

Textual Amendments

F62 Ss. 6K-6N inserted (S.) (4.12.2023 for specified purposes) by Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 17), ss. 37(3), 130(2) (with s. 126); S.S.I. 2023/250, sch.

7 Application of traffic regulation conditions to local services subject to registration under section 6. E+W+S

(1) If a traffic authority asks [F63 him] [F63 a traffic commissioner] to exercise his powers under this section in relation to a particular traffic problem [F64 which has arisen or which the authority reasonably foresees is likely to arise], [F63 the traffic commissioner for any traffic area] [F63 he or any other traffic commissioner] may determine conditions (“traffic regulation conditions”) which must be met in the provision of services in the area to which the conditions are expressed to apply.

(2) In this section “service” means any local service to which section 6 of this Act applies.

(3) The area to which traffic regulation conditions may be expressed to apply is any part of [F65 the traffic area of the traffic commissioner determining them] [F65 a traffic area].

[F66 (3A) Traffic regulation conditions may not be expressed to apply to an area to which an enhanced partnership scheme under section 138A of the Transport Act 2000 relates.]

(4) No traffic commissioner shall determine traffic regulation conditions unless he is satisfied, after considering the traffic in the area in question, that such conditions [F67 are required] [F67 are, or are likely to be, required] in order to—

(a) prevent danger to road users; F68 . . .

(b) reduce severe traffic congestion [F69 ; or

(c) reduce or limit noise or air pollution.]

(5) In considering what traffic regulation conditions to apply to a particular area a traffic commissioner shall have regard in particular to the interests of—

(a) those who have registered under section 6 of this Act services which are or will be operated in the area;

(b) those who are, or are likely to be, users of such services; and

(c) persons who are elderly or disabled.

(6) The purposes for which traffic regulation conditions may be determined are the regulation of—

(a) the routes of services;

(b) the stopping places for services;

(c) when vehicles used in providing services may stop at such stopping places and for how long they may do so; and

(d) such other matters as may be prescribed.

(7) Subject to subsection (8) below, traffic regulation conditions shall apply—

(a) to all services operated in the area to which the conditions are expressed to apply; or

(b) to such class of service operated there as may be specified in the conditions.

(8) Where [F70 the traffic commissioner for any traffic area] [F70 a traffic commissioner] is satisfied that traffic regulation conditions applying generally to a particular part of [F70 his traffic area] [F70 a traffic area] would be inappropriate as a means of achieving the regulation of traffic which he considers is required there, he may determine traffic regulation conditions which apply only to the service or services specified in the conditions.

(9) Before determining any traffic regulation conditions, a traffic commissioner shall hold an inquiry if [F71 he has received (within the prescribed period) a request for an inquiry] [F71 a request for an inquiry has been received by a traffic commissioner (within the prescribed period)] from—

(a) the traffic authority which made the request under subsection (1) above;

(b) any other traffic authority likely to be affected by traffic regulation conditions determined in response to that request; or

(c) any person who has registered under section 6 of this Act a service which is or will be operated in the area in question;

and the request has not been withdrawn.

(10) Subsection (9) above shall not apply where the traffic commissioner is satisfied that the conditions should be determined without delay.

(11) Where, in reliance on subsection (10) above, a traffic commissioner determines traffic regulation conditions without first holding an inquiry, [F72 he] [F72 he or another traffic commissioner] shall hold one as soon as is reasonably practicable [F72 if any person mentioned in subsection (9)(a) or (c) above or any other traffic authority affected by the conditions has, before the end of the prescribed period, asked him to do so] [F72 if a request for a traffic commissioner to do so is made to a traffic commissioner, before the end of the prescribed period, by any person mentioned in subsection (9)(a) or (c) above or any other traffic authority affected by the conditions].

(12) Before asking a traffic commissioner to exercise his powers under this section in relation to a [F73 a road for which the Secretary of State is the highway or roads authority], a traffic authority shall obtain leave of the Secretary of State; but leave given under this subsection shall not be taken to indicate the Secretary of State’s approval of any conditions determined by [F74 the traffic commissioner] [F74 a traffic commissioner] in response to the request.

(13) Traffic regulation conditions may make different provision with respect to the operation of any service to which they apply during different periods of the year, on different days of the week, or at different times during any period of 24 hours.

(14) A traffic commissioner may vary or revoke any traffic regulation conditions [F75 determined by him] [F75 (whether determined by him or another traffic commissioner)] [F75 on being requested to do so] [F75 if a request for a traffic commissioner to do so is made to a traffic commissioner] by—

(a) any traffic authority; or

(b) the operator of any service affected by the conditions.

[F76 (14A) Where an enhanced partnership scheme under section 138A of the Transport Act 2000 comes into operation as regards an area, any traffic regulation condition expressed to apply in an area that consists of or includes the area to which the scheme relates ceases at that time to apply in the area to which the scheme relates.

(14B) A traffic commissioner may accordingly vary or revoke a traffic regulation condition (without a request being made).]

(15) In this section “traffic authority” means—

(a) in relation to England and Wales, the council of any metropolitan district or non-metropolitan county; and

(b) in relation to Scotland, the council of any [F77 local government] area.

[F78 (16) The power to make regulations under subsections (6)(d), (9) and (11), so far as exercisable in relation to Wales, is exercisable by the Welsh Ministers (and not by the Secretary of State).]

Textual Amendments

F63 Words in s. 7(1) substituted (E.W.) (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F64 Words in s. 7(1) inserted (E.W.) (9.2.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 50(2), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 1

F65 Words in s. 7(3) substituted (E.W.) (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F66 S. 7(3A) inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), s. 26(3), Sch. 4 para. 2(2)

F67 Words in s. 7(4) substituted (E.W.) (9.2.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 50(3), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 1

F68 Word in s. 7(4)(a) repealed (1.2.2001 for E. and 14.8.2002 for W.) by 2000 c. 38, s. 274, Sch. 31 Pt. II; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(2), Sch. 3 Pt. I (subject to savings in Sch. 3 Pt. II (as amended by S.I. 2001/115, art. 3));S.I. 2002/2024, art. 2

Word in s. 7(4)(a) repealed (S.) (1.4.2001) by asp 2, s. 42 (with s. 66): S.S.I. 2001/132, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. I

F69 S. 7(4)(c) and the preceding word “or” inserted (E.W.) (1.2.2001 for E. and 1.8.2001 for W.) by 2000 c. 38, s. 142; S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(2), Sch. 3 Pt. I (subject to savings in Sch. 3 Pt. II (as amended by S.I. 2001/115, art. 3)); S.I. 2001/2788, art. 2, Sch. 1 para. 2

S. 7(4)(c) and the preceding word “or” inserted (S.) (1.4.2001) by asp 2, s. 42 (with s. 66); S.S.I. 2001/132, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. I

F70 Words in s. 7(8) substituted (E.W.) (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F71 Words in s. 7(9) substituted (E.W.) (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F72 Words in s. 7(11) substituted (E.W.) (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F73 Words in s. 7(12) substituted (S.)(1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 Pt. IV para. 117(2); S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

Words in s. 7(12) substituted (E.W.)(1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1)(2), Sch. 8 Pt. IV para. 117(2): S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3, Sch.

F74 Words in s. 7(12) substituted (E.W.) (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F75 Words in s. 7(14) substituted (E.W.) (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F76 S. 7(14A)(14B) inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), s. 26(3), Sch. 4 para. 2(3)

F77 Words in s. 7(15)(b) substituted (S.) (1.4.1996) by S.I. 1996/974, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 7(a)

F78 S. 7(16) inserted (1.4.2018) by Wales Act 2017 (c. 4), ss. 27(5), 71(4) (with Sch. 7 paras. 1, 6, 9); S.I. 2017/1179, reg. 3(f)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 Ss. 6-9 excluded by 2000 c. 38, s. 123J(2) (as inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 4, 26(3)) (with transitional provisions (24.4.2018) in S.I. 2018/406, regs. 1(2), 4-8 (with reg. 1(3)))

C21 Ss. 6-9 excluded (S.) (4.12.2023) by 2001 asp 2, s. 13B(1)(a) (as substituted by Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 17), ss. 38(2), 130(2) (with s. 126); S.S.I. 2023/250, sch.)

C23 S. 6-9 applied (28.7.1998) by 1998 c. iii, s. 1, Sch. s. 54 of Order

Ss. 6-9 restricted (E.W.) (26.10.2001 for E. and otherwiseprosp.) by 2000 c. 38, ss. 129(1)-(3), 275; S.I. 2001/3342, art. 2, Sch.

Ss. 6-9: power to modify conferred (E.W.) (1.8.2001 for W. and 26.10.2001 for E.) by 2000 c. 38, s. 134(2)(a); S.I. 2001/2788, art. 2, Sch. 1 para. 2; S.I. 2001/3342, art. 2, Sch.

C24 S. 7(6)(d): functions transferred (1.10.2007) by The Scotland Act 1998 (Cross-Border Public Authorities) (Traffic Commissioner for the Scottish Traffic Area) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/2139), art. 2, Sch. (with art. 4)

C25 S. 7(9): functions transferred (1.10.2007) by The Scotland Act 1998 (Cross-Border Public Authorities) (Traffic Commissioner for the Scottish Traffic Area) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/2139), art. 2, Sch. (with art. 4)

C26 S. 7(11): functions transferred (1.10.2007) by The Scotland Act 1998 (Cross-Border Public Authorities) (Traffic Commissioner for the Scottish Traffic Area) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/2139), art. 2, Sch. (with art. 4)

8 Enforcement of traffic regulation conditions, etc. E+W+S

(1) Where traffic regulation conditions have been determined under section 7 of this Act, it shall be the duty of [F79 the traffic commissioner by whom any relevant licence or permit has been granted] [F79 a traffic commissioner] to attach the conditions to that licence or, as the case may be, to that permit.

(2) In this section—

• “licence” means a PSV operator’s licence;

• “permit” means a permit under section 22 of this Act;

and a licence or permit is relevant for the purposes of this section if a local service registered under section 6 of this Act by the holder of the licence or permit is affected by the conditions.

(3) [F80 Where the traffic commissioner who determined the traffic regulation conditions and the traffic commissioner who granted the relevant licence or permit are different, it shall be the duty of the commissioner determining the conditions to send to the other commissioner—

(a) details of the conditions; and

(b) the name of the person registering the particulars of the local service.]

(4) If traffic regulation conditions which have been attached to a licence or permit under this section are subsequently varied or revoked, [F81 it shall be the duty of the traffic commissioner or commissioners concerned to] [F81 a traffic commissioner must] secure that the conditions as so attached are correspondingly varied or (as the case may be) removed.

(5) Traffic regulation conditions shall be of no effect to the extent to which they are incompatible with any provision made by or under any enactment prohibiting or restricting the use of any road by traffic.

(6) Where the operator of a local service is unable both to operate the service in accordance with the particulars of the service registered under section 6 of this Act and to comply with—

(a) traffic regulation conditions; or

(b) any other provision of a kind mentioned in subsection (5) above;

any failure to operate the service in accordance with those particulars which occurs at any time before the expiry of the prescribed period beginning with the coming into force of the conditions or provision shall be disregarded to the extent to which it is attributable to his having to comply with the conditions or provision.

Textual Amendments

F79 Words in s. 8(1) substituted (E.W.) (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F80 S. 8(3) omitted (E.W.) (3.7.2013) by virtue of The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F81 Words in s. 8(4) substituted (E.W.) (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 Ss. 6-9 excluded by 2000 c. 38, s. 123J(2) (as inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 4, 26(3)) (with transitional provisions (24.4.2018) in S.I. 2018/406, regs. 1(2), 4-8 (with reg. 1(3)))

C21 Ss. 6-9 excluded (S.) (4.12.2023) by 2001 asp 2, s. 13B(1)(a) (as substituted by Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 17), ss. 38(2), 130(2) (with s. 126); S.S.I. 2023/250, sch.)

C27 S. 6-9 applied (28.7.1998) by 1998 c. iii, s. 1, Sch. s. 54 of Order

Ss. 6-9 restricted (E.W.) (26.10.2001 for E. and otherwiseprosp.) by 2000 c. 38, ss. 129(1)-(3), 275; S.I. 2001/3342, art. 2, Sch.

Ss. 6-9: power to modify conferred (E.W.) (1.8.2001 for E. and 26.10.2001 for W.) by 2000 c. 38, s. 134(2)(a); S.I. 2001/2788, art. 2, Sch. 1 para. 2; S.I. 2001/3342, art. 2, Sch.

9 Appeals against traffic regulation conditions. E+W+S

(1) Any person to whom subsection (2) below applies may appeal to [F82 the Secretary of State] [F82 [F83 the Upper Tribunal]] against—

(a) the determination, variation or revocation of any traffic regulation conditions under section 7 of this Act; or

(b) the refusal by a traffic commissioner to comply with a request duly made under that section to determine, vary or revoke any such conditions.

(2) The persons to whom this subsection applies are—

(a) in relation to any determination, variation or revocation of conditions—

(i) any person who has registered under section 6 of this Act a local service which is, or is likely to be, affected by them; and

(ii) any traffic authority aggrieved by the decision in question; and

(b) in relation to any refusal to comply with a request, the person making the request.

(3) [F84 An appeal under this section must be made within the prescribed time and in the prescribed manner, and provision may be made by regulations as to the procedure to be followed in connection with such appeals.]

(4) [F84 On the determination of an appeal under this section, the Secretary of State may confirm, vary or reverse the decision appealed against and may give such directions as he thinks fit to the traffic commissioner for giving effect to his decision.]

(5) [F85 An appeal lies at the instance of any of the persons mentioned in subsection (6) below on any point of law arising from a decision of the Secretary of State on an appeal under this section—

(a) to the High Court, where the area of the traffic commissioner concerned is in England or Wales; and

(b) to the Court of Session, where it is in Scotland.]

(6) [F86 The persons who may appeal against any such decision of [F87 the Secretary of State] are] [F86 For the purposes of section 13(2) of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (appeals to Court of Appeal etc. against decisions of the Upper Tribunal) the following persons are to be treated as parties to a case]—

(a) the person who appealed to [F88 him] [F88 the tribunal];

(b) any person who had a right to appeal to [F88 him] [F88 the tribunal] against the relevant decision of the traffic commissioner but did not exercise that right;

(c) any traffic authority aggrieved by the decision; and

[F89 (d) the traffic commissioner whose decision was appealed against.]

[F89 (d) a traffic commissioner.]

(7) [F90 If on an appeal under subsection (5) above the High Court or Court of Session is of opinion that the decision appealed against was erroneous in point of law, it shall remit the matter to the Secretary of State with the opinion of the court for rehearing and determination by him.]

(8) [F90 No appeal to the Court of Appeal may be brought from a decision of the High Court under this section except with the leave of the High Court or the Court of Appeal.]

(9) [F90 An appeal shall lie, with the leave of the Court of Session or the [F91 Supreme Court], from any decision of the Court of Session under this section; and such leave may be given on such terms as to costs, expenses or otherwise as the Court of Session or the [F91 Supreme Court] determine.]

(10) In this section “traffic authority” has the same meaning as in section 7 of this Act.

Textual Amendments

F82 Words in s. 9(1) substituted (E.W.) (9.2.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 51(2), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 1 para. 1)

F83 Words in s. 9(1) substituted (E.W.) (1.9.2009) by The Transfer of Functions (Transport Tribunal and Appeal Panel) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1885), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 7(a)

F84 S. 9(3)(4) repealed (E.W.) (9.2.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 51(3), 134(4), Sch. 7 Pt. 3; S.I. 2009/107, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 1 para. 1)

F85 S. 9(5) omitted (E.W.) (1.9.2009) by virtue of The Transfer of Functions (Transport Tribunal and Appeal Panel) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1885), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 7(b)

F86 Words in s. 9(6) substituted (E.W.) (1.9.2009) by The Transfer of Functions (Transport Tribunal and Appeal Panel) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1885), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 7(c)

F87 Words in s. 9(6) substituted (E.W.) (9.2.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 51(5)(a), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 1 para. 1)

F88 Words in s. 9(6) substituted (E.W.) (9.2.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 51(5)(b), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 1 para. 1)

F89 S. 9(6)(d) substituted (E.W.) (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F90 S. 9(7)-(9) repealed (E.W.) (9.2.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 51(6), 134(4), Sch. 7 Pt. 3; S.I. 2009/107, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 1 para. 1)

F91 Words in s. 9(9) substituted (1.10.2009) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), s. 148(1), Sch. 9 para. 42(2); S.I. 2009/1604, art. 2(d)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 Ss. 6-9 excluded by 2000 c. 38, s. 123J(2) (as inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 4, 26(3)) (with transitional provisions (24.4.2018) in S.I. 2018/406, regs. 1(2), 4-8 (with reg. 1(3)))

C21 Ss. 6-9 excluded (S.) (4.12.2023) by 2001 asp 2, s. 13B(1)(a) (as substituted by Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (asp 17), ss. 38(2), 130(2) (with s. 126); S.S.I. 2023/250, sch.)

C28 S. 6-9 applied (28.7.1998) by 1998 c. iii, s. 1, Sch. s. 54 of Order

Ss. 6-9 restricted (E.W.) (26.10.2001 for E.) by 2000 c. 38, ss. 129(1)-(3), 275; S.I. 2001/3342, art. 2, Sch.

Ss. 6-9: power to modify conferred (E.W.) (1.8.2001 for E. and 26.10.2001 for W.) by 2000 c. 38, s. 134(2)(a); S.I. 2001/2788, art. 2, Sch. 1 para. 2; S.I. 2001/3342, art. 2, Sch.

S. 9: functions transferred (1.10.2007) by The Scotland Act 1998 (Cross-Border Public Authorities) (Traffic Commissioner for the Scottish Traffic Area) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/2139), art. 2, Sch. (with art. 4)

Taxis and hire cars E+W+S

10 Immediate hiring of taxis at separate fares. E+W

(1) In the circumstances mentioned in subsection (2) below, a licensed taxi may be hired for use for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward at separate fares without thereby—

(a) becoming a public service vehicle for the purposes of the 1981 Act or any related enactment; or

(b) ceasing (otherwise than by virtue of any provision made under section 13 of this Act) to be subject to the taxi code.

(2) The circumstances are that—

(a) the taxi is hired in an area where a scheme made under this section is in operation;

(b) the taxi is licensed by the licensing authority for that area; and

(c) the hiring falls within the terms of the scheme.

(3) In this section “licensing authority” means—

(a) in relation to the London taxi area, [F92 Transport for London] or the holder for the time being of any office designated by [F92 Transport for London] for the purposes of this section; and

(b) in relation to any other area in England and Wales, the authority having responsibility for licensing taxis in that area.

(4) For the purposes of this section, a licensing authority may make a scheme for their area and shall make such a scheme if the holders of at least ten per cent. of the current taxi licences issued by the authority request the authority in writing to do so.

(5) Any scheme made under this section shall—

(a) designate the places in the area from which taxis may be hired under the scheme (“authorised places”);

(b) specify the requirements to be met for the purposes of the scheme in relation to the hiring of taxis at separate fares; and

(c) F93 . . .—

(i) include such provision, or provision of such description, as may be prescribed for the purposes of this sub-paragraph;

(ii) not include provision of any such description as may be prescribed for the purposes of this sub-paragraph.

(6) Subject to subsection (5) above, any scheme made under this section may, in particular, make provision with respect to—

(a) fares;

(b) the display of any document, plate, mark or sign for indicating an authorised place or that a taxi standing at an authorised place is available for the carriage of passengers at separate fares;

(c) the manner in which arrangements are to be made for the carriage of passengers on any such hiring as is mentioned in subsection (1) above; and

(d) the conditions to apply to the use of a taxi on any such hiring.

(7) A licensing authority may, subject to subsection (5) above, vary any scheme made by them under this section.

(8) F94 . . . any scheme under this section, and any variation of such a scheme, shall be made in accordance with the prescribed procedure.

(9) For the purposes of this section—

(a) the hiring of a taxi falls within the terms of a scheme if—

(i) it is hired from an authorised place; and

(ii) the hiring meets the requirements specified by the licensing authority as those to be met for the purposes of the scheme; and

(b) a taxi is hired from an authorised place if it is standing at that place when it is hired and the persons hiring it are all present there.

[F95 (9A) The power to make regulations under subsections (5)(c) and (8), so far as exercisable in relation to Wales, is exercisable by the Welsh Ministers (and not by the Secretary of State).]

F96 (10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F92 Words in s. 10(3)(a) substituted (3.7.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 253, Sch. 20 Pt. I para. 8(2)(a) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2(2)(c), Sch. Pt. 3

F93 Words in s. 10(5)(c) repealed (3.7.2000) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 253, 423, Sch. 20 Pt. I para. 8(2)(b), Sch. 34 Pt. V (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2(2)(c), Sch. Pt. 3

F94 Words in s. 10(8) repealed (3.7.2000) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 253, 423, Sch. 20 Pt. I para. 8(2)(c), Sch. 34 Pt. V (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2(2)(c), Sch. Pt. 3

F95 S. 10(9A) inserted (1.4.2018) by Wales Act 2017 (c. 4), ss. 28(2), 71(4) (with Sch. 7 paras. 1, 6); S.I. 2017/1179, reg. 3(f)

F96 S. 10(10) repealed (3.7.2000) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 253, 423, Sch. 20 Pt. I para. 8(2)(d), Sch. 34 Pt. V (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2(2)(c), Sch. Pt. 3

11 Advance booking of taxis and hire cars at separate fares. E+W

(1) Where the conditions mentioned in subsection (2) below are met, a licensed taxi or licensed hire car may be used for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward at separate fares without thereby—

(a) becoming a public service vehicle for the purposes of the 1981 Act or any related enactment; or

(b) ceasing (otherwise than by virtue of any provision made under section 13 of this Act) to be subject to the taxi code or (as the case may be) the hire car code.

(2) The conditions are that—

(a) all the passengers carried on the occasion in question booked their journeys in advance; and

(b) each of them consented, when booking his journey, to sharing the use of the vehicle on that occasion with others on the basis that a separate fare would be payable by each passenger for his own journey on that occasion.

12 Use of taxis [F97 or hire cars] in providing local services. E+W+S

(1) Where the holder of a taxi licence [F98 or a private hire vehicle licence] —

(a) applies to [F99 a] traffic commissioner for a restricted PSV operator’s licence to be granted to him under Part II of the 1981 Act; and

(b) states in his application that he proposes to use one or more licensed taxis [F100 or licensed hire cars] to provide a local service;

section 14 of the 1981 Act (conditions to be met before grant of PSV operator’s licence) shall not apply and the commissioner shall grant the application.

(2) In this section “special licence” means a restricted PSV operator’s licence granted by virtue of this section.

F101 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) Without prejudice to his powers to attach other conditions under section 16 of the 1981 Act, any traffic commissioner granting a special licence shall attach to it, under that section, the conditions mentioned in subsection (5) below.

(5) The conditions are—

(a) that every vehicle used under the licence shall be one for which the holder of the licence has a taxi licence [F102 or a private hire vehicle licence]; and

(b) that no vehicle shall be used under the licence otherwise than for the purpose of providing a local service with one or more stopping places within the area of the authority which granted [F103 the relevant licence for that vehicle].

(6) In subsection (5)(b) above “local service” does not include an excursion or tour.

(7) The maximum number of vehicles which the holder of a special licence may at any one time use under the licence shall be the number of vehicles for which (for the time being) he holds [F104 relevant licences]; and a condition to that effect shall be attached to every special licence under section 16(1) of the 1981 Act.

(8) Section 1(2) of the 1981 Act (vehicle used as public service vehicle to be treated as such until that use is permanently discontinued) shall not apply to any use of a licensed taxi [F105 or a licensed hire car] for the provision of a local service under a special licence.

(9) At any time when a licensed taxi [F106 or a licensed hire car] is being so used it shall carry such documents, plates and marks, in such manner, as may be prescribed.

(10) [F107 At any time when a licensed taxi or a licensed hire car is being so used the prescribed provisions of the taxi code or, as the case may be, the hire car code shall apply in relation to it;] and any such provision may be so applied subject to such modifications as may be prescribed.

[F108 (10A) In subsections (9) and (10) “prescribed” means prescribed by the appropriate authority.]

(11) For the purposes of section 12(3) of the 1981 Act (which provides that where two or more PSV operators’ licences are held they must be granted F109 ... for different traffic areas), special licences shall be disregarded.

(12) A person may hold more than one special licence but shall not at the same time hold more than one such licence [F110 in relation to] a particular traffic area.

(13) The following provisions shall not apply in relation to special licences or (as the case may be) the use of vehicles under such licences—

(a) sections 16(1A) and (2), 17(3)(d), 18 to 20 F111 . . . and 26 of the 1981 Act; and

(b) section 26(5) and (6) of this Act;

and for the purposes of section 12 of that Act this section shall be treated as if it were in Part II of that Act.

Textual Amendments

F97 Words in s. 12 heading inserted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 53(9), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F98 Words in s. 12(1) inserted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 53(2)(a), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F99 Word in s. 12(1)(a) substituted (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 7)

F100 Words in s. 12(1)(b) inserted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 53(2)(b), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F101 S. 12(3) repealed (1.1.1996) by 1994 c. 40, ss. 68, 81, Sch. 14 para. 8, Sch. 17; S.I. 1995/2835, art. 2

F102 Words in s. 12(5) inserted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 53(3)(a), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F103 Words in s. 12(5) substituted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 53(3)(b), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F104 Words in s. 12(7) substituted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 53(4), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F105 Words in s. 12(8) inserted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 53(5), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F106 Words in s. 12(9) inserted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 53(6), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F107 Words in s. 12(10) substituted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 53(7), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F108 S. 12(10A) inserted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 53(8), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F109 Words in s. 12(11) omitted (3.7.2013) by virtue of The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 7)

F110 Words in s. 12(12) substituted (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 7)

F111 Word in s. 12 repealed (1.4.1991) by Road Traffic (Driver Licensing and Information Systems) Act 1989 (c. 22, SIF 107:1), s. 16, Sch. 6

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C29 S. 12(12) amended by S.I. 1986/1628, reg. 5(1)

13 Provisions supplementary to sections 10 to 12. E+W+S

(1) [F112 The appropriate authority] may by order make such modifications of the taxi code and the hire car code as [F113 it] sees fit for the purpose of supplementing the provisions of sections 10 to 12 of this Act.

(2) Any order made under subsection (1) above may, in particular, modify any provision—

(a) relating to fares payable by the hirer of a vehicle;

(b) requiring the driver of any vehicle to accept any hiring, or to drive at the direction of a hirer, or (as the case may be) of a prospective hirer, to any place within or not exceeding any specified distance or for any period of time not exceeding a specified period from the time of hiring;

(c) making the carriage of additional passengers in any vehicle which is currently subject to a hiring dependent on the consent of the hirer.

(3) In this section, and in sections 10 to 12 of this Act—

• [F114 “the appropriate authority” means—

  (a) in relation to—

  (i) a taxi licensed under section 37 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 or any similar enactment which applies outside the London taxi area,

  (ii) a licensed hire car licensed under section 48 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, or

  (iii) a taxi or private hire car licensed under section 10 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982,

  the Secretary of State;

  (b) in relation to—

  (i) a taxi licensed under section 6 of the Metropolitan Public Carriage Act 1869, or

  (ii) a licensed hire car licensed under section 7 of the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998,

  Transport for London;]

• “licenced taxi” means—

  (a) in England and Wales, a vehicle licensed under—

  (i) section 37 of the M1 Town Police Clauses Act 1847; or

  (ii) section 6 of the M2 Metropolitan Public Carriage Act 1869;

  or under any similar enactment; and

  (b) in Scotland, a taxi licensed under section 10 of the M3 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982;

• “London taxi area” means the area to which the Metropolitan Public Carriage Act 1869 applies;

• [F115 “licensed hire car” means—

  (a) in England and Wales—

  (i) for the purposes of section 11 of this Act, a vehicle licensed under section 48 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 or section 7 of the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998,

  (ii) for the purposes of section 12 of this Act, a vehicle licensed under section 48 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976;

  (b) in Scotland, a private hire car licensed under section 10 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982;]

• “hire car code”, in relation to a licensed hire car used as mentioned in section 11 [F116 or 12] of this Act, means those provisions made by or under any enactment which would apply if it were hired by a single passenger for his exclusive use;

• “related enactment”, in relation to the 1981 Act, means any statutory provision (whenever passed or made) relating to public service vehicles in which “public service vehicle” is defined directly or indirectly by reference to the provisions of the 1981 Act;

• “taxi code”, in relation to any licensed taxi used as mentioned in section 10, 11 or 12 of this Act, means—

  (a) in England and Wales, those provisions made by or under any enactment which would apply if the vehicle were plying for hire and were hired by a single passenger for his exclusive use; and

  (b) in Scotland, the provisions of sections 10 to 23 of the M4 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, and Part I of that Act as it applies to these provisions; and

• “taxi licence” means a licence under section 6 of the M5 Metropolitan Public Carriage Act 1869, section 37 of the M6 Town Police Clauses Act 1847 or any similar enactment, or a taxi licence under section 10 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.

• [F117 "relevant licence " means—

  (a) in relation to a licensed taxi, a taxi licence, and

  (b) in relation to a licensed hire car, a private hire vehicle licence;

• “private hire vehicle licence” means—

  in England and Wales, a licence under section 48 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976;

  in Scotland, a private hire car licence under section 10 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.]

(4) Any order made under subsection (1) above may contain such supplementary, incidental, consequential and transitional provisions (including provisions modifying any enactment contained in any Act other than this Act) as appear to the Secretary of State to be necessary or expedient in consequence of any modification of the taxi code or the private hire car code made by the order.

[F118 (5) The power to make an order under subsection (1) for the purpose of supplementing section 10 or 11, so far as exercisable in relation to Wales, is exercisable by the Welsh Ministers (and not by the Secretary of State); and the reference to the Secretary of State in subsection (4) is to be read accordingly.]

Textual Amendments

F112 Words in s. 13(1) substituted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 54(2)(a), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F113 Word in s. 13(1) substituted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 54(2)(b), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F114 Definition in s. 13(3) inserted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 54(4), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F115 Definition in s. 13(3) substituted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 54(5), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F116 Words in s. 13(3) inserted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 54(7), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F117 Definitions in s. 13(3) inserted after definition of "taxi licence" (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 54(6), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F118 S. 13(5) inserted (1.4.2018) by Wales Act 2017 (c. 4), ss. 28(3), 71(4) (with Sch. 7 paras. 1, 6, 9); S.I. 2017/1179, reg. 3(f)

Marginal Citations

M1 1847 c. 89.

M2 1869 c. 115.

M3 1982 c. 45.

M4 1982 c. 45.

M5 1869 c. 115.

M6 1847 c. 89.

[F119 13A Application of sections 10 to 13 to London E+W

(1) Transport for London may by order provide that section 12 of this Act is to apply to vehicles licensed under section 7 of the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 as it applies to vehicles licensed under section 48 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

(2) An order under subsection (1) of this section may amend the definitions of “licensed hire car” and “private hire vehicle licence” in section 13 of this Act accordingly.

(3) Transport for London must consult such representative organisations as it thinks fit before making—

(a) regulations under section 12(9) or (10) of this Act;

(b) an order under section 13(1) of this Act or subsection (1) of this section.

(4) Any power of Transport for London to make—

(a) regulations under section 12(9) or (10) of this Act, or

(b) an order under section 13(1) of this Act,

includes a power to vary or revoke any previous such regulations or order (as the case may be).

(5) Subsection (4) applies notwithstanding that the previous regulations were made, or the previous order was made, by the Secretary of State by statutory instrument.

(6) Transport for London must print and publish—

(a) any regulations made by it under section 12(9) or (10) of this Act;

(b) any order made by it under section 13(1) of this Act or subsection (1) of this section.

(7) Transport for London may charge a fee for the sale of copies of any regulations, or any order, printed under subsection (6).]

Textual Amendments

F119 S. 13A inserted (E.W.) (26.11.2008 for specified purposes, 6.4.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 54(8), 134(1)(c)(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

14 Operation of taxis and private hire cars in Scotland for the carriage of passengers at separate fares. E+W+S

(1) As respects Scotland, a taxi (other than a taxi which is for the time being operating a local service which is or requires to be registered under this Part of this Act, has been previously advertised and has a destination and route which are not entirely at the discretion of the passengers) or private hire car which is used for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward at separate fares shall not by reason of such use become a public service vehicle for the purposes of the 1981 Act or any related enactment.

(2) In this section “taxi” and “private hire car” have the meanings given in section 23 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 and “related enactment” has the meaning given in section 13(3) of this Act.

15 Extension of taxi licensing in England and Wales. E+W+S

(1) Where, immediately before the commencement of this section, the provisions of the M7 Town Police Clauses Act 1847 with respect to hackney carriages and of the M8 Town Police Clauses Act 1889 (as incorporated in each case in the M9 Public Health Act 1875) were not in force throughout the whole of the area of a district council in England and Wales whose area lies outside the area to which the M10 Metropolitan Public Carriage Act 1869 applies, those provisions (as so incorporated) shall—

(a) if not then in force in any part of the council’s area, apply throughout that area; and

(b) if in force in part only of its area, apply also in the remainder of that area.

(2) Where part only of a district council’s area lies outside the area to which the Act of 1869 applies, that part shall, for the purposes of subsection (1) above, be treated as being the area of the council.

(3) So much of any local Act as enables a district council to bring to an end the application of the provisions mentioned in subsection (1) above to the whole or any part of their area shall cease to have effect.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C30 S. 15 functions of local authority not to be the responsibility of an executive of the authority (E.) (16.11.2000) by virute of S.I. 2000/2853, reg. 2(1), Sch. 1

Marginal Citations

M7 1847 c. 89.

M8 1889 c. 14.

M9 1875 c. 55.

M10 1869 c. 115

16 Taxi licensing: control of numbers. E+W+S

The provisions of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 with respect to hackney carriages, as incorporated in any enactment (whenever passed), shall [F120 (subject to section 161 of the Equality Act 2010)] have effect—

(a) as if in section 37, the words “such number of” and “as they think fit” were omitted; and

(b) as if they provided that the grant of a licence may be refused, for the purpose of limiting the number of hackney carriages in respect of which licences are granted, if, but only if, the person authorised to grant licences is satisfied that there is no significant demand for the services of hackney carriages (within the area to which the licence would apply) which is unmet.

Textual Amendments

F120 Words in s. 16 inserted (1.10.2010 for specified purposes) by Equality Act 2010 (c. 15), ss. 161(3), 216(3) (with ss. 6(4), 205); S.I. 2010/2317, art. 2(12)(a) (with art. 15)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C31 S. 16 excluded (1.10.2010 for specified purposes) by Equality Act 2010 (c. 15), ss. 161(2), 216(3) (with ss. 6(4), 205); S.I. 2010/2317, art. 2(12)(a) (with art. 15)

17 London taxi and taxi driver licensing: appeals. E+W+S

(1) In this section—

• “licence” means a licence under section 6 of the Metropolitan Public Carriage Act 1869 (taxi licences) or under section 8 of that Act (taxi driver licences); and

• “licensing authority” means the person empowered to grant a licence.

(2) Where the licensing authority has refused to grant, or has suspended or revoked, a licence the applicant for, or (as the case may be) holder of, the licence may, before the expiry of the [F121 designated period]—

(a) require the authority to reconsider his decision; or

(b) appeal to [F122 a magistrates'] court.

(3) Any call for a reconsideration under subsection (2) above must be made to the licensing authority in writing.

(4) On any reconsideration under this section the person calling for the decision to be reconsidered shall be entitled to be heard either in person or by his representative.

(5) If the person calling for a decision to be reconsidered under this section is dissatisfied with the decision of the licensing authority on reconsideration, he may, before the expiry of the [F121 designated period], appeal to [F122 a magistrates'] court.

(6) On any appeal to it under this section, the court may make such order as it thinks fit; and any order which it makes shall be binding on the licensing authority.

(7) Where a person holds a licence which is in force when he applies for a new licence in substitution for it, the existing licence shall [F123 (subject to subsections (12) to (14))] continue in force until the application for the new licence, or any appeal under this section in relation to that application, is disposed of, but without prejudice to the exercise in the meantime of any power of the licensing authority to revoke the existing licence.

(8) For the purposes of subsection (7) above, where the licensing authority refuses to grant the new licence the application shall not be treated as disposed of—

(a) where no call for a reconsideration of the authority’s decision is made under subsection (2) above, until the expiry of the [F121 designated period];

(b) where such a reconsideration is called for, until the expiry of the [F121 designated period]which begins by reference to the decision of the authority on reconsideration.

(9) Where the licensing authority suspends or revokes a licence, or confirms a decision to do so, he may, if the holder of the licence so requests, direct that his decision shall not have effect until the expiry of the [F121 designated period].

(10) In this section F124 . . . .

• [F125 “designated period” means such period as may be specified for the purpose by London cab order;

• “London cab order” means an order made by Transport for London]

[F126 (11) Any power to make a London cab order under this section includes power to vary or revoke a previous such order.]

[F127 (12) Subsection (13) applies where—

(a) the application mentioned in subsection (7) is an application for a licence under section 8 of the Metropolitan Public Carriage Act 1869 (taxi driver licences),

(b) at any time after the application is made, the licensing authority requests the applicant to give it further information for the purpose of enabling it to make a request, or make a further request, under paragraph 3(2)(a) of Schedule 33 to the Finance Act 2021 (request for confirmation of completed tax check) in relation to the application, and

(c) at the end of the relevant period, the licensing authority continues to be prevented from considering the application by virtue of paragraph 3(2) of that Schedule to that Act.

(13) The existing licence mentioned in subsection (7) expires at the end of the relevant period.

(14) In subsections (12) and (13) “the relevant period” means—

(a) the period of 28 days beginning with the day on which the request under subsection (12)(b) is made, or

(b) if the final day of that period is earlier than the day on which (disregarding subsections (7) and (13)) the existing licence mentioned in subsection (7) expires, the period ending with that later day.]

Textual Amendments

F121 Words in s. 17(2)(5)(8)(a)(b)(9) substituted (3.7.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 253, Sch. 20 Pt. I para. 8(3)(a) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2(2)(c), Sch. Pt. 3

F122 Words in s. 17(2)(b)(5) substituted (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), ss. 109(1), 110, Sch. 8 para. 293(2); S.I. 2005/910, art. 3(y)

F123 Words in s. 17(7) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 125(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), Sch. 33 para. 11(2)

F124 S. 17(10): Definition of "the appropriate court" repealed (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), ss. 109(1)(3), 110, Sch. 8 para. 293(3), Sch. 10; S.I. 2005/910, art. 3(y)

F125 Definitions of “designated period” and “London cab order” in s. 10(10) inserted (3.7.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 253, Sch. 20 Pt. I para. 8(3)(b) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2(2)(c), Sch. Pt. 3

F126 S. 10(11) added (3.7.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 253, Sch. 20 Pt. I para. 8(3)(c) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2(2)(c), Sch. Pt. 3

F127 S. 17(12)-(14) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 125(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), Sch. 33 para. 11(3)

Modification of PSV requirements in relation to vehicles used for certain purposes E+W+S

18 Exemption from PSV operator and driver licensing requirements of vehicles used under permits. E+W+S

[F128 (1)] [F129 Section 12(1)] of the 1981 Act (licensing of operators . . . F130 in relation to the use of public service vehicles for the carriage of passengers) shall not apply—

(a) to the use [F131 by an exempt body] of any vehicle under a permit granted under section 19 of this Act, if and so long as the requirements under subsection (2) of that section are met; [F132 or]

(b) to the use [F133 by an exempt body] of any vehicle under a permit granted under section 22 of this Act;

[F134 (2) Where a holder of a licence under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988 was first granted a licence under that Part before 1st January 1997, he may drive any small bus at a time when it is being used as mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (1) above, notwithstanding that his licence under that Part does not authorise him to drive a small bus when it is being so used.

(3) Where—

(a) a holder of a licence under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988 was first granted a licence under that Part on or after 1st January 1997, or

(b) a Community licence holder is authorised by virtue of section 99A(1) of that Act to drive in Great Britain a motor vehicle of any class,

he may drive any small bus to which subsection (4) below applies at a time when it is being used as mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (1) above, notwithstanding that he is not authorised by his licence under that Part or by virtue of that section (as the case may be) to drive such a bus.

(4) This subsection applies to any small bus which, when laden with the heaviest load which it is constructed to carry, weighs—

(a) not more than 3.5 tonnes, excluding any part of that weight which is attributable to specialised equipment intended for the carriage of disabled passengers, and

(b) not more than 4.25 tonnes otherwise.

(5) In this section—

• “Community licence” has the same meaning as in Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988, F135 ...

• [F136 “exempt body” means a body—

  (a)

  to whom the 2009 Regulation does not apply because the body is not engaged (and does not intend to engage) in the occupation of road transport operator (as defined in the 2009 Regulation);

  (b)

  to whom the 2009 Regulation does not apply by virtue of Article 1(4)(b) of the 2009 Regulation (non-commercial purposes or main occupation not road passenger transport operator); or

  (c)

  who satisfies the requirements of Article 1(5)(b) of the 2009 Regulation (minor impact on the transport market because of the short distances involved);]

• “small bus” has the same meaning as in sections 19 to 21 of this Act [F137 ; and

• “the 2009 Regulation” means Regulation (EC) No. 1071/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 establishing common rules concerning the conditions to be complied with to pursue the occupation of road transport operator and repealing Council Directive 96/26/EC].]

[F138 (6) For the purposes of paragraph (c) of the definition of “exempt body”, the circumstances in which a body engaged exclusively in national transport operations (within the meaning of the 2009 Regulation) is to be taken to satisfy the requirements of Article 1(5)(b) of that Regulation include (but are not limited to) a case where, except on an occasional basis—

(a) each service operated by the body using a public service vehicle under a permit is operated within a radius of ten miles from a place specified by that body upon applying for the grant (or variation) of that permit; or

(b) in respect of each service operated by the body using a public service vehicle under a permit, the distance from the first place where any passenger using that service is taken up to the last place where any passenger using that service is set down, is not more than ten miles, measured in a straight line.]

Textual Amendments

F128 S. 18 renumbered as s. 18(1) (23.7.1996 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.1.1997) by S.I. 1996/1974, regs. 1(2)(a)(iii)(b), 4, Sch. 3 para. 1(2)

F129 Words substituted (1.4.1991) by Road Traffic (Driver Licensing and Information Systems) Act 1989 (c. 22, SIF 107:1), s. 7, Sch. 3 para. 4(a)

F130 Words repealed (1.4.1991) by Road Traffic (Driver Licensing and Information Systems) Act 1989 (c. 22, SIF 107:1), s. 16, Sch. 6

F131 Words in s. 18(1)(a) inserted (1.10.2019) by The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(2)(a)

F132 Word inserted (1.4.1991) by Road Traffic (Driver Licensing and Information Systems) Act 1989 (c. 22, SIF 107:1), s. 7, Sch. 3 para. 4(b)

F133 Words in s. 18(1)(b) inserted (1.10.2019) by The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(2)(b)

F134 S. 18(2)-(5) substituted for words in s. 18 (23.7.1996 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.1.1997) by S.I. 1996/1974, regs. 1(2)(a)(iii)(b), 4, Sch. 3 para. 1(3)

F135 Word in s. 18(5) omitted (1.10.2019) by virtue of The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(2)(c)(i)

F136 Words in s. 18(5) inserted (1.10.2019) by The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(2)(c)(ii)

F137 Words in s. 18(5) inserted (1.10.2019) by The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(2)(c)(iii)

F138 S. 18(6) inserted (1.10.2019) by The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(2)(d)

19 [F139 Permits in relation to use of public service vehicles by educational and other bodies] E+W+S

(1) In this section and sections 20 and 21 of this Act—

• “bus” means a vehicle which is adapted to carry more than eight passengers;

• [F140 “exempt body” has the same meaning as in section 18 of this Act;]

• “large bus” means a vehicle which is adapted to carry more than sixteen passengers;

• “small bus” means a vehicle which is adapted to carry more than eight but not more than sixteen passengers; and

• “permit” means a permit granted [F141 to an exempt body] under this section in relation to the use of [F142 a public service vehicle] for carrying passengers for hire or reward.

(2) The requirements that must be met in relation to the use of [F143 a public service vehicle] under a permit for the exemption under [F144 section 18(1)(a)] of this Act to apply are that [F145 the vehicle]—

(a) is being used by [F146 an exempt body] to whom a permit has been granted under this section;

(b) is not being used for the carriage of members of the general public nor with a view to profit nor incidentally to an activity which is itself carried on with a view to profit;

(c) is being used in every respect in accordance with any conditions attached to the permit; and

(d) is not being used in contravention of any provision of regulations made under section 21 of this Act.

(3) A permit in relation to the use of [F147 a public service vehicle other than a large bus] may be granted by [F148 an exempt body] designated by an order under subsection (7) below either to itself or to any [F149 other exempt body] to whom, in accordance with the order, it is entitled to grant a permit.

(4) A permit in relation to the use of [F150 a public service vehicle other than a large bus] may be granted by a traffic commissioner to [F151 any exempt body] appearing to him to be eligible in accordance with subsection (8) below and to be carrying on F152 ... an activity which makes it so eligible.

(5) A permit in relation to the use of a large bus may be granted by a traffic commissioner to [F153 any exempt body] which assists and co-ordinates the activities of bodies F154 ... which appear to him to be concerned with—

(a) education;

(b) religion;

(c) social welfare; or

(d) other activities of benefit to the community.

(6) A traffic commissioner shall not grant a permit in relation to the use of a large bus unless satisfied that there will be adequate facilities or arrangements for maintaining any bus used under the permit in a fit and serviceable condition.

(7) The Secretary of State may by order designate for the purpose of this section [F155 exempt bodies] appearing to him to be eligible in accordance with subsection (8) below and, with respect to [F156 any exempt body] designated by it, any such order—

(a) shall specify the [F157 classes of exempt body] to whom the designated body may grant permits;

(b) may impose restrictions with respect to the grant of permits by the designated body and, in particular, may provide that no permit may be granted, either generally or in such cases as may be specified in the order, unless there are attached to the permit such conditions as may be so specified; and

(c) may require [F158 the designated body] to make returns [F159 and keep records] with regard to the permits granted [F160 , varied or revoked] by it.

(8) [F161 An exempt body] is eligible in accordance with this subsection if it is concerned with—

(a) education;

(b) religion;

(c) social welfare;

(d) recreation; or

(e) other activities of benefit to the community.

(9) [F162 An exempt body] may hold more than one permit but may not use more than one [F163 vehicle] at any one time under the same permit.

Textual Amendments

F139 S. 19 heading substituted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 57(8), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F140 Words in s. 19(1) inserted (1.10.2019) by The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(3)(a)

F141 Words in s. 19(1) inserted (1.10.2019) by The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(3)(b)

F142 Words in s. 19(1) substituted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 57(2), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F143 Words in s. 19(2) substituted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 57(3)(a), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F144 Words in s. 19(2) substituted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 57(3)(b), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F145 Words in s. 19(2) substituted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 57(3)(c), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F146 Words in s. 19(2)(a) substituted (1.10.2019) by The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(3)(c)

F147 Words in s. 19(3) substituted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 57(4), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F148 Words in s. 19(3) substituted (1.10.2019) by The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(3)(c)

F149 Words in s. 19(3) substituted (1.10.2019) by The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(3)(d)

F150 Words in s. 19(4) substituted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 57(5), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F151 Words in s. 19(4) substituted (1.10.2019) by The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(3)(e)

F152 Words in s. 19(4) omitted (3.7.2013) by virtue of The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 7)

F153 Words in s. 19(5) substituted (1.10.2019) by The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(3)(e)

F154 Words in s. 19(5) omitted (3.7.2013) by virtue of The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 7)

F155 Words in s. 19(7) substituted (1.10.2019) by The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(3)(f)(i)

F156 Words in s. 19(7) substituted (1.10.2019) by The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(3)(e)

F157 Words in s. 19(7)(a) substituted (1.10.2019) by The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(3)(f)(ii)

F158 Words in s. 19(7)(c) substituted (1.10.2019) by The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(3)(f)(iii)

F159 Words in s. 19(7)(c) inserted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 57(6)(a), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F160 Words in s. 19(7)(c) inserted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 57(6)(b), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F161 Words in s. 19(8) substituted (1.10.2019) by The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(3)(g)

F162 Words in s. 19(9) substituted (1.10.2019) by The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(3)(g)

F163 Word in s. 19(9) substituted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 57(7), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C32 S. 19(7): transfer of functions (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/672, art. 2, Sch. 1

S. 19(7): transfer of functions (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1750, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with art. 7)

20 Further provision with respect to permits under section 19. E+W+S

(1) Subject to subsection (2) below, a permit shall specify the body to whom it is granted.

(2) A permit may be granted to a named individual on behalf of a body if, having regard to the nature of that body, it appears to the traffic commissioner or body granting the permit appropriate to do so.

(3) Where a permit is granted to a named individual on behalf of a body, it shall be treated for the purposes of this section and section 19 of this Act as granted to that body.

(4) In addition to any conditions attached to such a permit by virtue of section 19(7)(b) of this Act, the traffic commissioner or other body granting such a permit may attach to it such conditions as he or that body considers appropriate, including, in particular, conditions—

(a) limiting the passengers who may be carried in any [F164 vehicle] used under the permit to persons falling within such classes as may be specified in the permit; and

(b) with respect to such other matters as may be prescribed.

[F165 (5) Subject to subsection (6) below—

(a) a permit issued by a traffic commissioner may be varied or revoked by a traffic commissioner;

(b) a permit issued by a body designated under section 19(7) may be varied or revoked—

(i) by that body, or

(ii) by a traffic commissioner after consultation with that body.]

(6) A permit may not be varied so as to substitute another body for the body to whom it was granted.

(7) A permit shall remain in force until—

(a) it is revoked under subsection (5) above; or

(b) in the case of a permit granted by a body designated under section 19(7) of this Act, that body ceases to be so designated [F166 ; or

(c) it ceases to have effect under subsection (8) or (9) below]

[F167 (8) A permit granted at any time to an exempt body ceases to have effect on the date on which the body ceases to be an exempt body.

(9) A permit granted before 1st October 2019 ceases to have effect on that date if the body to whom it was granted is not an exempt body on that date.]

Textual Amendments

F164 Word in s. 20(4)(a) substituted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 58(2), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F165 S. 20(5) substituted (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 7)

F166 S. 20(7)(c) and word inserted (1.10.2019) by The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(4)(a)

F167 S. 20(8)(9) inserted (1.10.2019) by The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(4)(b)

21 Permits under section 19: regulations. E+W+S

(1) Regulations may prescribe—

(a) the conditions to be fulfilled by any person driving [F168 a public service vehicle] while it is being used under a permit;

(b) the conditions as to fitness which are to be fulfilled by any small bus used under a permit;

(c) the form of permits; and

(d) the documents, plates and marks to be carried by [F169 any vehicle] while it is being used under a permit and the manner and position in which they are to be carried.

(2) Where regulations are made by virtue of subsection (1)(b) above, section 6 of the 1981 Act (certificate of initial fitness for public service vehicles) shall not apply in relation to any small bus subject to the regulations.

(3) Regulations under this section may contain such transitional provisions as the Secretary of State thinks fit.

[F170 (4) See also section 23A of this Act (power to limit permits under section 19 or 22 to 5 years).]

Textual Amendments

F168 Words in s. 21(1)(a) substituted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 58(5)(a), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F169 Words in s. 21(1)(d) substituted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 58(5)(b), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F170 S. 21(4) inserted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 58(6), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

22 Community bus permits. E+W+S

(1) In this section and section 23 of this Act—

• “community bus service” means a local service provided—

(a) by [F171 an exempt body] concerned for the social and welfare needs of one or more communities;

(b) without a view to profit, either on the part of that body or of anyone else; and

(c) by means of a vehicle adapted to carry more than eight F172 ... passengers; F173 ...

• “community bus permit” means a permit granted [F174 to an exempt body] under this section in relation to the use of a public service vehicle—

(a) in providing a community bus service; or

(b) in providing a community bus service and (other than in the course of a local service) carrying passengers for hire or reward where the carriage of those passengers will directly assist the provision of the community bus service by providing financial support for it [F175 ; and

• “exempt body” has the same meaning as in section 18 of this Act].

(2) A community bus permit may be granted by [F176 a traffic commissioner].

(3) A traffic commissioner shall not grant a community bus permit unless he is satisfied that there will be adequate facilities or arrangements for maintaining in a fit and serviceable condition any vehicle used under the permit.

(4) [F177 An exempt body] may hold more than one community bus permit but may not use more than one vehicle at any one time under the same permit.

Textual Amendments

F171 Words in s. 22(1) substituted (1.10.2019) by The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(5)(a)(i)

F172 Words in s. 22(1) repealed (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 59(2), 134(4), Sch. 7 Pt. 3; S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 4 para. 1)

F173 Word in s. 22(1) omitted (1.10.2019) by virtue of The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(5)(a)(ii)

F174 Words in s. 22(1) inserted (1.10.2019) by The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(5)(a)(iii)

F175 Words in s. 22(1) inserted (1.10.2019) by The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(5)(a)(iv)

F176 Words in s. 22(2) substituted (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 7)

F177 Words in s. 22(4) substituted (1.10.2019) by The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(5)(b)

23 Further provision with respect to community bus permits. E+W+S

(1) The requirements mentioned in subsection (2) below shall be conditions of every community bus permit and shall apply in relation to any use of a vehicle under such a permit.

(2) Those requirements are that—

F178 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) the driver either holds [F179 a passenger-carrying vehicle driver’s licence [F180 or PCV Community licence]] (within the meaning of Part IV of the Road Traffic Act 1988) [F181 or] a public service vehicle driver’s licence [F180 or PCV Community licence] or fulfils any conditions prescribed in relation to a person driving a vehicle which is being used under a community bus permit; and

(c) any vehicle used under the permit fulfils any prescribed conditions of fitness for such use.

(3) A traffic commissioner may at any time attach to a community bus permit F182 ... such conditions (or additional conditions) of a prescribed description as he thinks fit for restricting or regulating the use of any vehicle under the permit.

(4) [F183 A traffic commissioner may at any time while a community bus permit] is in force vary or remove any condition attached to it under subsection (3) above.

(5) Subject to section 68(3) of the 1981 Act (as applied by section 127(4) of this Act), if a condition attached to a community bus permit is contravened, the holder of the permit shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(6) [F184 A traffic commissioner may at any time revoke a community bus permit] on the ground—

(a) that he is [F185 not satisfied] with respect to the adequacy of facilities or arrangements for maintaining in a fit and serviceable condition any vehicle used under the permit;

(b) that there has been a contravention of any condition attached to the permit; or

(c) that a prohibition under section 9 of the 1981 Act (power to prohibit driving of unfit public service vehicles) has been imposed with respect to a vehicle used under the permit F186 ....

[F187 (6A) A community bus permit shall remain in force until—

(a) it is revoked under subsection (6) above, or

(b) it ceases to have effect under subsection (6B) or (6C) below.

(6B) A community bus permit granted at any time to an exempt body ceases to have effect on the date on which the body ceases to be an exempt body.

(6C) A community bus permit granted before 1st October 2019 ceases to have effect on that date if the body to whom it was granted is not an exempt body on that date.]

(7) Where regulations are made by virtue of subsection (1)(c) above, section 6 of the 1981 Act (certificate of initial fitness for public service vehicles) shall not apply in relation to any vehicle subject to the regulations.

(8) Regulations may prescribe—

(a) the form of community bus permits; and

(b) the documents, plates and marks to be carried by any vehicle while it is being used under a community bus permit and the manner and position in which they are to be carried.

[F188 (9) See also section 23A of this Act (power to limit permits under section 19 or 22 to 5 years).]

Textual Amendments

F178 S. 23(2)(a) repealed (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 59(4), 134(4), Sch. 7 Pt. 3; S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

F179 Words from “a passenger-carrying” to “1988) or” inserted (1.4.1991) by Road Traffic (Driver Licensing and Information Systems) Act 1989 (c. 22, SIF 107:1), s. 7, Sch. 3 para. 5

F180 Words in s. 23(2)(b) inserted (23.7.1996 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.1.1997) by S.I. 1996/1974, regs. 1(2)(a)(iii)(b), 4, Sch. 3 para. 2

F181 Words “or a public service vehicle driver's licence” repealed (1.4.1991) by Road Traffic (Driver Licensing and Information Systems) Act 1989 (c. 22, SIF 107:1), s. 16, Sch. 6

F182 Words in s. 23(3) omitted (3.7.2013) by virtue of The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 7)

F183 Words in s. 23(4) substituted (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 7)

F184 Words in s. 23(6) substituted (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 7)

F185 Words in s. 23(6)(a) substituted (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 7)

F186 Words in s. 23(6)(c) omitted (3.7.2013) by virtue of The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 7)

F187 S. 23(6A)-(6C) inserted (1.10.2019) by The Transport Act 1985 (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/572), regs. 1(b), 2(6)

F188 S. 23(9) inserted (6.4.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 59(5), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

[F189 23A Power to limit permits under section 19 or 22 to 5 years E+W+S

(1) Regulations may provide that any permit granted under section 19 or 22 of this Act on or after a date specified in the regulations is to be for such period not exceeding 5 years as may be identified in the permit by the person granting it.

(2) Nothing in subsection (1) above or any regulations made by virtue of that subsection prevents the grant of subsequent permits under section 19 or 22 of this Act to any person for further such periods.]

Textual Amendments

F189 S. 23A inserted (26.11.2008 for specified purposes, 6.4.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 60(1), 134(1)(c)(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 4(1), Sch. 4 Pt. 1

Further amendments with respect to PSV operators’ licences E+W+S

24 Limit on number of vehicles to be used under a restricted licence. E+W+S

(1) In section 16 of the 1981 Act (conditions attached to PSV operators’ licences)—

(a) the following subsection shall be inserted after subsection (1)—

“(1A) In the case of a restricted licence, the number specified as the maximum in any condition imposed under subsection (1) above shall not, except in any prescribed case or class of case, exceed two.”;

(b) in subsection (8) of that section (power of traffic commissioner to dispense temporarily with conditions attached under that subsection), after the words “under this section” there shall be inserted the words “(other than a condition so attached under subsection (1A) above)”; and

(c) in subsection (9) of that section (limited effect of conditions attached under subsection (1)), after the words “subsection (1)” there shall be inserted the words “or (1A)”.

F190 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F190 S. 24(2) repealed (1.1.1996) by 1994 c. 40, s. 81, Sch. 17; S.I. 1995/2835, art. 2

25 Objections to application for PSV operator’s licence. E+W+S

After section 14 of the 1981 Act (grant of licences) there shall be inserted the following section—

“14A Objections to application for PSV operator’s licence.

(1) Where an application is made for the grant of a PSV operator’s licence under this Act, any chief officer of police or local authority may object to the grant of the licence on the ground that one or more of the requirements mentioned in section 14(1) and (3) of this Act are not satisfied in relation to the application.

(2) An objection under this section shall be made within the prescribed time and in the prescribed manner and shall contain particulars of the ground on which it is made.

(3) The onus of proof of the existence of the ground on which an objection is made shall lie on the objector.

(4) In this section “local authority” means—

(a) in England and Wales, the council of a county, district or London borough or the Common Council of the City of London or a Passenger Transport Executive; and

(b) in Scotland, a regional or islands council.

(5) This section does not apply in relation to any application for a special licence (within the meaning of section 12 of the Transport Act 1985).”

26 Conditions attached to PSV operator’s licence. E+W+S

(1) [F191 Where] [F191 Subsection (1A) below applies in any case where] it appears to a traffic commissioner, in relation to a person (“the operator”) [F192 who has been granted or to whom it is proposed to grant] a PSV operator’s licence, that—

(a) the operator has failed to operate a local service registered under section 6 of this Act; or

(b) the operator has operated a local service in contravention of that section [F193 or section [F194 113J(4) or (5),] 118(4) [F195 , 123J(3)] [F196 , 129(1)(b) or 138J(9)] of the Transport Act 2000;] [F197 or [F198 section 3F(1) or section 13B(1)(b) or (3)] of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001][F199 ; or

[F200 (bza) the operator has failed to comply with a requirement imposed by virtue of section [F201 123X(7)(c),] 134B(7)(c) [F202 or 138S(7)(c)] of the Transport Act 2000; or]

(ba) the operator has failed to comply with section [F203 134F,] 138 or 140(3) of [F204 the Transport Act 2000]]; or [F205 ; or

[F206 (baa) the operator has failed to take all reasonable steps to comply with a requirement imposed under section 143A [F207 or 143B] of the Transport Act 2000; or]

(bb) the operator has failed to comply with section 32(1) or 34(3) of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001;]

[F208 (bba) the operator has failed to comply with a requirement to provide information (including a requirement to provide it within a specified time or in a specified form) under section 3K(2) or 13R(2) of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001,

(bbb) the operator has failed to comply with a requirement under section 6ZA of this Act,

(bbc) the operator has failed to comply with a requirement under article 28 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2023]

[F209 (bc) the operator has failed to comply with a requirement of regulations made under section 181A of the Equality Act 2010;]

(c) the arrangements for maintaining the vehicles used under the licence in a fit and serviceable condition are not adequate for the use of those vehicles in providing the local service or services in question; or

(d) the operator, or any employee or agent of his, has—

(i) intentionally interfered with the operation of a local service provided by another operator;

(ii) operated a local service in a manner dangerous to the public; or

(iii) been guilty of any other serious misconduct (whether or not constituting a criminal offence) in relation to the operation of a local service; or

(e) a condition attached under section 8 of this Act to the operator’s licence has been contravened;

[F210 (1A) [F211 The traffic commissioner] [F211 A traffic commissioner] may (on granting the licence or at any other time) attach [F212 , or direct a traffic commissioner for another traffic area to attach,] a condition falling within subsection (1B) below to any one or more of the following PSV operator's licences (wherever granted)—

(a) the licence mentioned in subsection (1) above;

(b) any other licence held by the operator;

(c) where the operator is an undertaking, any licence held by a group undertaking in relation to that undertaking (see subsection (7) below).

(1B) The conditions are—

(a) a condition prohibiting the holder of the licence from using vehicles under the licence to provide any local service of a description specified in the condition;

(b) a condition prohibiting the holder of the licence from so using vehicles to provide local services of any description.

(1C) A condition under subsection (1A) may be attached—

(a) indefinitely; or

(b) for a period of time specified by the traffic commissioner (which may commence immediately or on a date so specified).]

(2) The commissioner may attach a condition to a PSV operator’s licence under [F213 subsection (1)] [F213 subsection (1A)] above, by reference to circumstances falling within paragraph (a) or (b) of [F214 that subsection] [F214 subsection (1) above] if, but only if, it appears to him that the operator did not have a reasonable excuse for his conduct or that it is appropriate to attach F215 ... the condition in view of—

(a) the danger to the public involved in the operator’s conduct; or

(b) the frequency of conduct of the kind in question on the part of the operator.

F216 (2A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) Where the effect of a condition attached to a PSV operator’s licence under [F217 subsection (1)] [F217 subsection (1A)] above is that the operator of a local service registered under section 6 of this Act is prohibited from using vehicles under the licence to provide that service, [F218 a traffic commissioner may cancel the registration].

F219 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) [F220 Where] [F220 Subsection (5A) below applies in any case where] it appears to [F221 a traffic commissioner] that—

(a) vehicles used under the licence (or under any PSV operator’s licence previously held by the operator) have not been maintained in a fit and serviceable condition; or

(b) the operator has been involved in arrangements with any other operator for the use of each other’s vehicles with a view to hindering enforcement of any requirements of the law relating to the operation of those vehicles;

[F222 (5A) [F223 The traffic commissioner] [F223 A traffic commissioner] may (on granting the licence or at any other time) attach [F224 , or direct a traffic commissioner for another traffic area to attach,] to any one or more of the licences mentioned in subsection (5B) below a condition restricting the vehicles which the operator may use under the licence to vehicles specified in the condition.

(5B) The licences are the following PSV operator's licences (wherever granted)—

(a) the licence mentioned in subsection (5) above;

(b) any other licence held by the operator;

(c) where the operator is an undertaking, any licence held by a group undertaking in relation to that undertaking (see subsection (7) below).

(5C) [F225 Where a direction is given under subsection (5A) above to a traffic commissioner for another area, that traffic commissioner must either—

(a) attach the condition to the licence; or

(b) if he considers that there is a good reason not to attach the condition to the licence, inform the traffic commissioner who gave the direction of that fact and of the reason.]]

(6) A condition attached to a licence under [F226 subsection (5)] [F226 subsection (5A)] above shall—

(a) apply only to vehicles which have their operating centre in the traffic area [F227 to which the licence relates]; and

(b) be in addition to (and not be taken as prejudicing in any way) any conditions attached to the licence under section 16 of the 1981 Act as to the maximum number of vehicles which the operator may at any one time use under the licence.

[F228 (7) In this section “undertaking” and “group undertaking” have the same meaning as in the Companies Acts (see section 1161 of the Companies Act 2006).]

Textual Amendments

F191 Words in s. 26(1) substituted (E.W.) (9.2.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 62(2), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 1 para. 2(1))

F192 Words in s. 26(1) substituted (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 7)

F193 Words in s. 26(1)(b) inserted (E.W.) (1.8.2001 for W. and 26.10.2001 for E.) by 2000 c. 38, s. 161, Sch. 11 para. 10(1)(2); S.I. 2001/2788, art. 2, Sch. 1 para. 11; S.I. 2001/3342, art. 2, Sch.

F194 Words in s. 26(1)(b) inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), s. 26(3), Sch. 1 para. 4

F195 Word in s. 26(1)(b) inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), s. 26(3), Sch. 2 para. 3(2)

F196 Words in s. 26(1)(b) substituted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), s. 26(3), Sch. 4 para. 3(2)

F197 Words in s. 26(1)(b) inserted (25.7.2001) by S.I. 2001/2748, art. 3(1)(2)

F198 Words in s. 26(1)(b) substituted (31.1.2023) by The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/80), arts. 1(2), 36(2)

F199 S. 26(1)(ba) and the word “or” at the end of para. (b) inserted (E.W.) (1.2.2001 for E. and 1.8.2001 for W.) by 2000 c. 38, s. 161, Sch. 11 para. 10(1)(3); S.I. 2001/57, art.3(2), Sch. 3 Pt. I (subject to savings in Sch. 3 Pt. II (as amended by S.I. 2001/115, art. 3)); S.I. 2001/2788, art. 2, Sch. 1 para. 11

F200 S. 26(1)(bza) inserted (E.W.) (11.1.2010 for E.) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 44(2), 134(4); S.I. 2009/3242, art. 2(1)(a)

F201 Word in s. 26(1)(bza) inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), s. 26(3), Sch. 2 para. 3(3)

F202 Words in s. 26(1)(bza) inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), s. 26(3), Sch. 4 para. 3(3)

F203 Word in s. 26(1)(ba) inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), s. 26(3), Sch. 3 para. 2

F204 Words in s. 26(1)(ba) substituted (25.7.2001) by S.I. 2001/2748, art. 3(1)(3)

F205 S. 26(1)(bb) and the word “or” inserted (25.7.2001) by S.I. 2001/2748, art. 3(1)(4)

F206 S. 26(1)(baa) inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), s. 26(3), Sch. 2 para. 3(4)

F207 Words in s. 26(1)(baa) inserted (E.W.) (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), s. 26(3), Sch. 4 para. 3(4)

F208 S. 26(1)(bba)-(bbc) inserted (31.1.2023) by The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/80), arts. 1(2), 36(3)

F209 S. 26(1)(bc) inserted (26.6.2018) by Bus Services Act 2017 (c. 21), ss. 17(4), 26(2); S.I. 2018/758, reg. 2

F210 S. 26(1A)-(1C) substituted (9.2.2009) for words by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), s. 62(2)(b)(3), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 1 para. 2(1))

F211 Words in s. 26(1A) substituted (E.W.) (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F212 Words in s. 26(1A) omitted (E.W.) (3.7.2013) by virtue of The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F213 Words in s. 26(2) substituted (E.W.) (9.2.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 62(4)(b), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 1 para. 2(1))

F214 Words in s. 26(2) substituted (E.W.) (9.2.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 62(4)(c), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 1 para. 2(1))

F215 Words in s. 26(2) omitted (E.W.) (3.7.2013) by virtue of The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F216 S. 26(2A) omitted (E.W.) (3.7.2013) by virtue of The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F217 Words in s. 26(3) substituted (E.W.) (9.2.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 62(6), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 1 para. 2(1))

F218 Words in s. 26(3) substituted (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 7)

F219 S. 26(4) omitted (3.7.2013) by virtue of The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 7)

F220 Words in s. 26(5) substituted (E.W.) (9.2.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 62(7), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 1 para. 2(1))

F221 Words in s. 26(5) substituted (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 7)

F222 S. 26(5A)-(5C) substituted (9.2.2009) for words by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), s. 62(7)(b)(8), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 1 para. 2(1))

F223 Words in s. 26(5A) substituted (E.W.) (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F224 Words in s. 26(5A) omitted (E.W.) (3.7.2013) by virtue of The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F225 S. 26(5C) omitted (E.W.) (3.7.2013) by virtue of The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F226 Words in s. 26(6) substituted (E.W.) (9.2.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 62(9), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 1 para. 2(1))

F227 Words in s. 26(6)(a) substituted (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 7)

F228 S. 26(7) inserted (E.W.) (9.2.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 62(10), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 1 para. 2(1))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C33 S. 26-30 applied (28.7.1998) by 1998 c. iii, s. 1, Sch. s. 54 of Order

27 Supplementary provisions with respect to conditions attached to PSV operator’s licence under section 26. E+W+S

(1) Before attaching any condition to a PSV operator’s licence under section 26 of this Act, a traffic commissioner shall hold an inquiry [F229 if a request for an inquiry has been received by a traffic commissioner (within the prescribed period)] from the holder of, or (as the case may be) applicant for, the licence.

(2) Subsection (1) above shall not apply where the traffic commissioner is satisfied that the condition should be attached without delay.

(3) Where, in reliance on subsection (2) above, a traffic commissioner attaches any such condition to a PSV operator’s licence without first holding an inquiry, [F230 he or another traffic commissioner] shall hold one as soon as is reasonably practicable [F230 if a request for a traffic commissioner to do so is made to a traffic commissioner, before the end of such period as may be prescribed, by the holder of the licence].

(4) For the purposes of section 16(5) of the 1981 Act (traffic commissioner’s power to vary or remove conditions attached under section 16(3) of that Act to a PSV operator’s licence), a condition attached under section 26 of this Act shall be treated as attached under section 16(3) of that Act.

(5) Nothing in section 26 shall be taken as prejudicing the generality of the power under that Act to prescribe descriptions of conditions for the purposes of section 16(3) of that Act.

Textual Amendments

F229 Words in s. 27(1) substituted (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 7)

F230 Words in s. 27(3) substituted (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 7)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C34 S. 26-30 applied (28.7.1998) by 1998 c. iii, s. 1, Sch. s. 54 of Order

[F231 27A Additional powers where service not operated as registered E+W

(1) This section applies in any case where it appears to a traffic commissioner that a person (“the operator”)—

(a) has, or may have, failed to operate a local service registered under section 6 of this Act; or

(b) has, or may have, failed to operate such a service in accordance with the particulars registered under that section.

(2) The traffic commissioner may direct a local traffic authority to provide [F232 him or another traffic commissioner], within a specified period, with specified information connected with any aspect of the performance of their duties under section 16 or 17 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 (the network management duty, and arrangements for network management).

This subsection is supplemented by provisions in section 27B of this Act.

(3) If the traffic commissioner holds an inquiry in connection with deciding whether—

(a) to attach a condition under section 26 of this Act, or

(b) to make an order under section 155 of the Transport Act 2000,

subsections (2) and (3) of section 250 of the Local Government Act 1972 (attendance of witnesses etc) apply to the inquiry as they apply to an inquiry under that section.

(4) If the traffic commissioner identifies any remedial measures (see subsection (5)) which, in the traffic commissioner's opinion, could be taken—

(a) by the operator, or

(b) by a local traffic authority,

the traffic commissioner may prepare a report recommending the implementation of those measures.

(5) In this section “remedial measures” means measures which, in the opinion of the traffic commissioner, would enable or facilitate the operation of the service in accordance with the particulars registered under section 6 of this Act.

(6) A traffic commissioner who prepares a report under subsection (4) above—

(a) must send a copy of the report to the operator and, if any of the recommended remedial measures are for implementation by a local traffic authority, to that authority;

(b) must, if the implementation of any of the measures in the report would affect the operation of bus services in an integrated transport area, send a copy of the report to the Integrated Transport Authority for that area;

(c) may send a copy of the report to any one or more of the persons in subsection (7) below;

(d) may publish the report.

(7) The persons are—

(a) the appropriate national authority,

(b) any local traffic authority [F233 , Integrated Transport Authority [F234 , combined authority or combined county authority]] which the traffic commissioner considers appropriate,

and any other persons whom the traffic commissioner considers appropriate.

[F235 (7A) In this section “the traffic commissioner” means the traffic commissioner dealing with the matter.]

(8) See subsection (6) of section 27B of this Act for the meaning of some of the expressions used in this section.]

Textual Amendments

F231 S. 27A inserted (E.W.) (9.2.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 63(1), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 1 para. 2(2))

F232 Words in s. 27A(2) substituted (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

F233 Words in s. 27A(7)(b) substituted (17.12.2009) by Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (c. 20), s. 148(6), Sch. 6 para. 63; S.I. 2009/3318, art. 2(c)

F234 Words in s. 27A(7)(b) substituted (26.12.2023) by Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (c. 55), s. 255(2)(c), Sch. 4 para. 79 (with s. 247)

F235 S. 27A(7A) inserted (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 7)

[F236 27B Provisions supplementing section 27A E+W

(1) This section supplements section 27A of this Act.

(2) In this section “direction” means a direction under subsection (2) of that section.

(3) The information that may be specified in a direction must be information which the local traffic authority have in their possession or can reasonably be expected to acquire.

(4) The information that may be specified in a direction includes information relating to—

(a) the management of a local traffic authority’s road network; or

(b) the use of their road network by different kinds of traffic or the effects of that use.

(5) A direction may be given—

(a) to one or more local traffic authorities; or

(b) to local traffic authorities of a description specified in the direction.

(6) In section 27A of this Act and in this section the following expressions have the same meaning as in Part 2 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 (network management by local traffic authorities)—

• appropriate national authority,

• local traffic authority,

• road network,

• traffic,

except that “local traffic authority” does not include Transport for London, a London borough council or the Common Council of the City of London.]

Textual Amendments

F236 S. 27B inserted (E.W.) (9.2.2009) by Local Transport Act 2008 (c. 26), ss. 63(1), 134(4); S.I. 2009/107, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 1 para. 2(2))

28 Power to disqualify PSV operators. E+W+S

(1) Where [F237 a traffic commissioner] revokes a PSV operator’s licence, he may order the former holder to be disqualified, indefinitely or for such period as he thinks fit, from holding or obtaining a PSV operator’s licence.

(2) So long as a disqualification imposed under subsection (1) above is in force with respect to any person,

[F238 (a) any PSV operator’s licence held by him at the date of the making of the order under subsection (1) above (other than the licence revoked) shall be suspended (that is, shall remain in force subject to the limitation that no vehicles are authorised to be used under it); and

(b) notwithstanding [F239 section 14(3)] of the 1981 Act, no PSV operator’s licence may be granted to him.]

[F240 (2A) If a person obtains a PSV operator’s licence while he is disqualified under subsection (1) above, the licence shall be void.]

(3) An order under subsection (1) above may be limited so as to apply only to the holding or obtaining of a PSV operator’s licence in respect of [F241 one or more specified traffic areas] and, if the order is so limited, subsection (2) above shall apply only to any PSV operator’s licence to which the order applies.

(4) Where a traffic commissioner makes an order under subsection (1) above with respect to any person, he may direct that if that person, at any time during such period as he may specify—

(a) is a director of, or holds a controlling interest in—

(i) a company which holds a licence of the kind to which the order applies; or

(ii) a company of which a company which holds such a licence is a subsidiary; or

(b) operates any public service vehicles in partnership with a person who holds such a licence;

the powers under section 17(2) of the 1981 Act (revocation, suspension, etc., of PSV operators’ licences) shall be exercisable in relation to that licence by [F242 a traffic commissioner].

(5) The powers conferred by this section in relation to the person who was the holder of a licence shall be exercisable also—

(a) where that person was a company, in relation to any officer of that company; and

(b) where that person operated the vehicles used under the licence in partnership with other persons, in relation to any of those other persons[F243 and any reference in subsection (6A) below to subsection (1) above or to subsection (4) above includes that subsection as it applies by virtue of this subsection.]

(6) A traffic commissioner shall not make any such order or give any such direction without first holding an inquiry if any person affected by the proposed order or direction requests him to do so.

[F244 (6A) [F245 Where an order disqualifying a person has been made under subsection (1) above, a traffic commissioner] may at any time—

(a) cancel that order together with any direction that was given under subsection (4) above when the order was made;

(b) cancel any such direction; or

(c) with the consent of the person disqualified, vary the order or any such direction (or both the order and any such direction).]

(7) For the purposes of this section a person holds a controlling interest in a company if he is the beneficial owner of more than half its equity share capital.

Textual Amendments

F237 Words in s. 28(1) substituted (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 7)

F238 Paras. (a) and (b) substituted for words in s. 28(2) (3.1.1995) by 1995 c. 40, s. 67(2); S.I. 1994/3188, arts. 2, 3(1)

F239 Words in s. 28(2)(b) substituted (4.12.2011) by The Road Transport Operator Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2632), reg. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 12(2) (with Sch. 3 Pt. 1)

F240 S. 28(2A) inserted (3.1.1995) by 1994 c. 40, s. 67(3); S.I. 1994/3188, arts. 2, 3(1)

F241 Words in s. 28(3) substituted (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 7)

F242 Words in s. 28(4) substituted (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 7)

F243 Words in s. 28(5) added (3.1.1995) by 1994 c. 40, s. 67(4); S.I. 1994/3188, arts. 2, 3(1)

F244 S. 28(6A) inserted (3.1.1995) by 1994 c. 40, s. 67(5); S.I. 1994/3188, arts. 2, 3(1)

F245 Words in s. 28(6A) substituted (3.7.2013) by The Local Transport Act 2008 (Traffic Commissioners) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1644), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 7)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C35 S. 26-30 applied (28.7.1998) by 1998 c. iii, s. 1, Sch. s. 54 of Order

29 Duty to give Secretary of State information about certain matters. E+W+S

In subsections (1) and (2) of section 20 of the 1981 Act (which require the holder of a PSV operator’s licence to inform the traffic commissioners of certain kinds of failure of, or damage or alteration to, a public service vehicle owned by him), for the words “traffic commissioners who granted the licence” there shall be substituted the words “Secretary of State”.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C36 S. 26-30 applied (28.7.1998) by 1998 c. iii, s. 1, Sch. s. 54 of Order

30 Plying for hire by large public service vehicles. E+W+S

(1) A public service vehicle which is adapted to carry more than eight passengers shall not be used on a road in plying for hire as a whole.

(2) Subject to section 68(3) of the 1981 Act (as applied by section 127(4) of this Act), if a vehicle is used in contravention of subsection (1) above, the operator of the vehicle shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C37 S. 26-30 applied (28.7.1998) by 1998 c. iii, s. 1, Sch. s. 54 of Order

31 Appeals under the 1981 Act. E+W+S

For sections 50 and 51 of the 1981 Act (appeals) there shall be substituted the following sections—

“50 Appeals to the Transport Tribunal.

(1) An applicant for the grant of a PSV operator’s licence under this Act may appeal to the Transport Tribunal against any decision of the traffic commissioner—

(a) to refuse to grant the licence in accordance with the application; or

(b) to attach any condition to the licence otherwise than in accordance with the application.

(2) Where a person who has applied for a new PSV operator’s licence in substitution for a licence held by him and in force at the date of his application appeals to the Transport Tribunal under subsection (1) above, the existing licence shall continue in force until the appeal is disposed of, but without prejudice to the exercise in the meantime of the powers conferred by section 17 of this Act.

(3) Where an application for a PSV operator’s licence is granted under this Act and a person who duly made an objection to the grant under section 14A of this Act is aggrieved by the grant of the licence he may appeal to the Transport Tribunal.

(4) The holder of a PSV operator’s licence may appeal to the Transport Tribunal against any decision of the traffic commissioner—

(a) to refuse his application for the variation or removal of any condition attached to the licence;

(b) to vary any such condition, or to attach any new condition to the licence, otherwise than on his application; or

(c) to revoke or suspend the licence or to curtail its period of validity.

(5) Where—

(a) the holder of a PSV operator’s licence in respect of which an order or direction has been made or given under section 28 of the Transport Act 1985 (power to disqualify PSV operators); or

(b) any person in respect of whom any such order or direction has been made or given;

is aggrieved by the order or direction he may appeal to the Transport Tribunal.

(6) The traffic commissioner—

(a) making any such decision with respect to a licence as is mentioned in subsection (4)(b) or (c) above;

(b) making any such order or giving any such direction as is mentioned in subsection (5) above;

may, if the holder of the licence or any such person as is mentioned in subsection (5)(b) above so requests, direct that his decision shall not have effect until the expiration of the period within which an appeal against it may be made to the Transport Tribunal and, if an appeal is made, until it is disposed of.

(7) Where a traffic commissioner has given a direction under subsection (6) above he may withdraw it at any time.

(8) If the traffic commissioner refuses to give a direction under subsection (6) above or withdraws such a direction, the person requesting it may apply for such a direction to the Transport Tribunal and the Transport Tribunal shall give their decision on the application within fourteen days.

(9) This section does not apply in relation to conditions attached to a PSV operator’s licence under section 8 of the Transport Act 1985 (enforcement of traffic regulation conditions).

51 Appeals to the Secretary of State.

(1) A person applying for—

(a) a certificate of initial fitness under section 6 of this Act; or

(b) a certificate under section 10 of this Act that a vehicle conforms to a type vehicle;

may appeal to the Secretary of State against the refusal of a certifying officer to issue such a certificate.

(2) Where the refusal by a certifying officer or public service vehicle examiner to remove a prohibition under subsection (1) of section 9 of this Act (including a prohibition under that subsection as it applies by virtue of section 9A of this Act) has been referred to a certifying officer (“the referee”) under subsection (8) of that section by a traffic commissioner, any person aggrieved by the refusal of the referee to remove the prohibition may appeal to the Secretary of State.

(3) An appeal under this section must be made within the prescribed time and in the prescribed manner; and provision may be made by regulations as to the procedure to be followed in connection with such appeals.

(4) On the determination of an appeal under this section, the Secretary of State may confirm, vary or reverse the decision appealed against, and may give such directions as he thinks fit to the certifying officer for giving effect to his decision; and it shall be the duty of the certifying officer to comply with any such directions.”

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C38 S. 31 excluded by S.I. 1986/1450, art. 3(2)

Miscellaneous E+W+S

32 Repeal of sections 28, 47 and 48 of the 1981 Act. E+W+S

F246 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F246 S. 32 repealed (22.7.2004) by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 2004 (c. 14), s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 14

33 Extension of safety controls to certain passenger vehicles other than public service vehicles. E+W+S

The following section shall be inserted in the 1981 Act after section 9 (prohibition on driving unfit public service vehicle following inspection under section 8)—

“9A Extension of sections 8 and 9 to certain passenger vehicles other than public service vehicles.

(1) Section 8 of this Act shall apply, with the omission of subsection (1)(b), to any motor vehicle (other than a tramcar) which is adapted to carry more than eight passengers but is not a public service vehicle as it applies to a public service vehicle.

(2) Section 9 of this Act shall apply to any such motor vehicle as it applies to a public service vehicle with the omission of subsection (4).”