Our road transport solicitors have an excellent track record of successfully representing operators called to Public Inquiry before Traffic Commissioners. We regularly assist clients applying for new operator’s licences and clients facing regulatory action. If you have been called to Public Inquiry it is important that you seek specialist advice and representation. For free initial advice 24/7 from one of our road transport lawyers, call us on: 0845 00 20736.
Operators of Heavy Goods Vehicles and Passenger Carrying Vehicles are required to obtain an operator’s licence and obey the undertakings attached to that licence. The operator’s license system is subject to oversight by the Traffic Commissioner for the relevant traffic area. If any concerns arise during the application for, or use of a licence, the Traffic Commissioner may call the operator to attend a Public Inquiry.
A Public Inquiry may be called for a number of reasons, for example maintenance shortcomings; issues over drivers’ hours regulations; issues over financial standing; commercial insolvency; changes to company appointments or corporate entity; questions over repute; and criminal prosecutions.
At Public Inquiries the Traffic Commissioner will consider whether to grant applications for new operator’s licences and whether to take regulatory action against existing licences. Regulatory action may include curtailment, suspension or revocation of a licence.
Therefore being called to attend a Public Inquiry has serious implications for operators – the refusal to grant an operator’s licence or the decision to revoke a licence will be fatal to most operators. Curtailment can have serious financial implications and can prevent business expansion.
The most important fact to bear in mind is that if you are called to attend a Public Inquiry, you will be judged on the state of affairs on the date of that Inquiry – it is therefore vital that the valuable time between receiving the calling in letter and attending the Inquiry is used effectively so that any issues can be identified and rectified.
We can assist with every aspect of the Public Inquiry process. We will visit your operating centre to discuss your case and advise on what steps need to be taken. We will assist in rectifying the issues which have prompted a Public Inquiry. We will then accompany you to the Public Inquiry to represent you and make submissions on your behalf.
If you are called to attend a Public Inquiry you should specialist advice without delay in order to protect your business’ future. To speak to a specialist road transport lawyer immediately call 0845 00 20736.
