PUBLIC INQUIRY
We help with Public Inquiries - Operators are called to Public inquiries, when mistakes are made, these are referred to shortcomings. The Traffic Commissioners grant an operators licence on trust, but this trust is now being questioned at a public inquiry.
YOU MAY HAVE TO ATTEND A PUBLIC INQUIRY IF...
Someone has objected to your application for a licence or change to a licence
You haven’t kept to the conditions of your licence, eg you’ve used more vehicles than permitted
There are environmental concerns about a goods vehicle operating centre on your licence
Your conduct has come into question, eg you’ve been caught using a mobile phone while driving
You’ll get a letter with all the details. Traffic commissioners are responsible for licensing and regulating operators of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), public service vehicles (PSVs) and local bus services. They can also take action against their drivers.
They can call a formal public inquiry in a court to get more evidence to help them decide if they should:
Grant or refuse licences for HGV or PSV operators
Take action against a vehicle operator, bus service operator or driver of a bus, minibus or lorry
This might be if someone has objected to a licence being granted or the traffic commissioner thinks an operator may have broken the terms of their licence.
NOTICE TO ATTEND
You’ll get a minimum of:
28 days’ notice if the inquiry is about a transport manager
21 days’ notice if the inquiry is about a new or existing goods operator licence
14 days’ notice if the inquiry is about a new or existing passenger operator’s licence
AT THE PUBLIC INQUIRY
You should carry out an independent audit. You can decide to represent yourself or ask someone to represent you, eg a lawyer. This could be someone else like a transport consultant if the traffic commissioner agrees. Evidence is not given under oath but witnesses have to tell the truth. If you don’t tell the truth you could lose your licence or criminal charges may follow. If you would like us to act on your behalf please complete the form at the bottom of this page.
DECISION & PENALTIES
The traffic commissioner can decide to:
Refuse to grant a licence
Refuse to vary an existing licence
Attach conditions to a licence
Grant a licence allowing fewer vehicles than the number applied for
Impose financial penalties on registered bus service operators
End or suspend an existing licence
Disqualify an individual or a company from having a licence
Disqualify transport managers