Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the reasons are for the time taken to establish the traffic office in Wales intended to support the Traffic Commissioner for Wales.
Work to establish the traffic office in Wales is under way. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency IS in the process of sourcing suitable accommodation and initiating the necessary procurement processes and recruitment of suitable Welsh-speaking staff. The Department is committed to working with the Welsh Government in both areas.
It would not be appropriate to provide exactly the same resourcing to the traffic office for Wales as is provided for Scotland. The Traffic Commissioner for Scotland has significant additional responsibilities under the terms of the devolution arrangements. For example, she is responsible for appointments to the Parking and Bus Lane Tribunal for Scotland. Staffing levels in all traffic commissioner areas are kept under regular review to reflect work flows.