Section 90 — Interpretation

(1) In this Part— “automated passenger service” has the meaning given by section 82(2); “permit” means a permit under section 82(1) (and “permit holder” is to be read accordingly); “permit condition” has the meaning indicated in section 82(4)(d).

(2) The remaining subsections apply for the purposes of this Part.

(3) An automated passenger service is “provided in” an area if (and only if) it involves passengers being carried in that area.

(4) Subject to subsection (5), the “appropriate national authority” is—

(a) the Secretary of State, in relation to a permit for the provision of a service in England;

(b) the Scottish Ministers, in relation to a permit for the provision of a service in Scotland;

(c) the Welsh Ministers, in relation to a permit for the provision of a service in Wales.

(5) In relation to a permit for the provision of a service in a public service vehicle, the “appropriate national authority” is the Secretary of State.

(6) A permit is of that description if, under the permit, a service could be provided in a vehicle that, by virtue of its use in providing that service, would count as a public service vehicle within the meaning of the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 (assuming that section 83 did not apply).

(7) In relation to the exercise of power by a traffic commissioner further to regulations under section 89(7), references in this Part to the appropriate national authority are to be read as including a traffic commissioner.