Traffic Commissioner halts football transport consultation

A consultation on plans to bring Scottish football match transportation guidelines in line with those of Wales and England has now been halted.

On announcing the consultation launch, B&CB highlighted there had been unease over the plans for guidance change. Scottish football organisations expressed concern over the plans to change the guidelines, saying the proposals demonise football fans. The Scottish FA, Scottish Professional Football League and Scottish Women’s Premier League said in their statement the proposed guidelines interfere unnecessarily in people’s lives.

Mainstream press reported political opposition to the change too.

“I have listened to the strength of feeling expressed and it is clear to me that there is further work required to understand the full impact of the introduction of any proposed guidance in Scotland” – Senior Traffic Commissioner, Richard Turfitt

A statement from the Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain, Richard Turfitt, said: “As the Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain, I think it is important to stress that the traffic commissioners are safety regulators and that we are independent of Government.

“Any guidance that is issued is intended to assist bus and coach operators. However, before I can issue any guidance, I am required to consult, including with the UK and Scottish Governments. But we also consider the views of a wide range of other stakeholders.

“I have listened to the strength of feeling expressed and it is clear to me that there is further work required to understand the full impact of the introduction of any proposed guidance in Scotland.

“As a result, I have asked my officials to cease this consultation exercise.”