TRAFFIC COMMISSIONERS FINDINGS

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will be able to continue its bus operation following the findings of a Traffic Commissioners Public Inquiry.

The Traffic Commissioner has restricted the number of buses the Comhairle may operate from 17 to 15 for a period of six months. The Comhairle will remain in a position to operate its services.

The Commissioners also put a condition on the Comhairle to increase the number of CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) holders in their employment. The Comhairle has already taken steps to meet this condition.

Two Public Service Vehicle licences have been suspended for two weeks and warnings have been issued.

Chief Executive Bill Howat said: “We accept the findings of the Traffic Commissioner. I am grateful to the Traffic Commissioner and the Inspector for the rigorous and professional way the hearings and investigations were conducted and pleased that that the Comhairle will be able to continue providing bus services to the people of the Western Isles. Whilst contingency plans would have been introduced I am clearly of the view that it is in the best interests of service users for the Comhairle to continue running the operation.
Undoubtedly there have been failings in the management of the bus operation and we have already made significant improvements in structures and procedures which have been recognised by the Commissioners. Nevertheless, our corporate shortcomings were not acceptable and we will continue to develop and improve upon how we provide this service to the people of the Western Isles.”

Chairman of the Commercial Operations Board, Cllr Donald MacDonald said: “When I took over the COB it was clear to me and the rest of the new Board that the serious problems already identified by the previous Board in the running of the bus operation were going to take time to sort out. It was also evident that improvements needed to be made in structures, procedures and practices. I do believe that we have made considerable improvements but the COB will continue to closely monitor the management of this operation. The management will have our full support in continuing to make improvements”.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk