4Traffic commissioners
(1)For each traffic area constituted for the purposes of this Act there shall be a body of three commissioners, to be known as traffic commissioners for the area, who shall have the power and be charged with the duty of issuing licences under this Act and shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as are conferred or imposed on them by or in pursuance of this Act.
(2)Without prejudice to section 62(1) of this Act, subsection (1) above shall not operate to confer on the traffic commissioners for the Metropolitan Traffic Area powers and duties as regards licences to drive public service vehicles.
(3)Subject to the provisions of this Act, the traffic commissioners shall act under the general directions of the Secretary of State.
(4)Except where the context otherwise requires, in this Act " the traffic commissioners" means the traffic commissioners for any traffic area constituted for the purposes of this Act.