BC19

Proposed Provision of Bus and Coach Services Legislative Competence Order (LCO)

Response from Welsh Association of Chief Police Officers (WACPO)

12^th September 2008

I write on behalf of the Association of Chief Police Officers in Wales (WACPO), in response to the above consultation process. As such this response should be considered the view of all four Police Forces in Wales.

WACPO welcomes the opportunity to participate in this consultation process and as such have provided the below responses to the questions posed within the consultation document. We ask that if further assistance is required, this can be facilitated via the Police Liaison Office at Cathays Park, Cardiff.

Superintendent Darren Phillips
Police Liaison Officer
Welsh Assembly Government

Consultation Response: Proposed Provision of Bus and Coach Services Legislative Competence Order (LCO)

1. Do you agree with the principle that legislative competence for "the provision of bus and coach services” in Wales should be conferred on the National Assembly for Wales?

Yes. Devolved Powers to National Assembly of Wales will improve access to public transport to the socially deprived. At present routes are more or less assigned as to profitability for the Transport Companies. By conferring these powers to The National Assembly of Wales this will further support The Road Safety Strategy for Wales in order to provide a safe and sustainable access. This will further support the issue of tackling the serious matter of social disadvantage.

2. If you agree with the principle, do you think that the wording of the proposed legislative competence order is correct, or do you think it is too broad or too narrow?

An area that is not controlled within the current Powers for the issuing of an Operators Licence for Passenger Vehicles is the inability to direct the Operator as to where the Passenger Carrying Vehicles are kept. There are no powers to regulate PCV’s as is the case with Heavy Goods Vehicles where such vehicles, when not in use, MUST be normally kept at an Operating Centre. This anomaly results in Passenger Carrying Vehicles being left at inappropriate locations. When the Police receive complaints concerning the parking of PCV’s there are no current powers available to deter this practise. I consider this to be a worthy matter for inclusion as a 'measure’ within the policy.

3. Do you think that the National Assembly for Wales should be given competence over some or all of the exceptions listed above in relation to the provision of bus and coach services in Wales?

We share the considered opinion that Public Service Operating Licensing should be taken over as explained in 2 above. We are of the view that current legislation exists with regards to the other exceptions.

4. What are your views on the main objective of the proposed LCO which is to introduce a bus franchising system in Wales?

We consider that the proposed LCO will go a long way towards improving safety, improve access to sustainable transportation to the poorest members of society irrespective of their location. People in the more remote areas of Wales need reliable and safe access to Public Transport. The Transport Framework for Wales outlines three strategic aims: - sustainable development, tackling social disadvantage and promoting equal opportunities. What is proposed here hits the right notes.

5. What are your views on the use of the proposed LCO to provide the Assembly with the necessary powers to improve school transport safety?

WACPO, fully support the introduction of a Legislative Competence Order. We consider that the provision of a safe, clean, modern and reliable service to be important. All too often School Buses are not of a satisfactory standard. This needs to be regulated in the best interests of Road Safety.