15Purpose of accreditation

15 Purpose of accreditation

(1)  The purpose of mandatory accreditation is to ensure that the operator of a passenger transport service or hire and drive passenger service –

(a) is a fit and proper person to operate the service; and

(b) implements, as far as reasonably practicable, appropriate safety, security and related systems for the service; and

(c) has the requisite competence and capacity to manage the safety, security and related risks associated with operating the service; and

(d) is held accountable for any deficiencies in the safety, security or related performance of the service.

(2)  The purpose of voluntary accreditation is to encourage and assist the operator of the relevant passenger service to –

(a) implement, as far as reasonably practicable, appropriate safety, security and related systems for the service; and

(b) develop and maintain the competence and capacity to manage the safety, security and related risks associated with operating the service; and

(c) take responsibility for, and address, any deficiencies in the safety, security or related performance of the service.