Traffic Commissioner Public Inquiry Solicitor
If you have received a call-up letter to attend a Traffic Commissioner Public Inquiry concerning your Operator's Licence, the outcome could have serious consequences for your transport business. Getting advice at an early stage gives you time to understand the Traffic Commissioner's concerns, address any compliance issues and prepare your case properly.
I advise and represent goods vehicle and passenger vehicle operators facing Public Inquiries. I can help you understand the matters raised in the call-up letter, review the evidence, address compliance concerns, prepare the documents required for the hearing and present your case before the Traffic Commissioner.
Why Have I Been Called to a Public Inquiry?
There are a number of reasons why a Traffic Commissioner may decide to hold a Public Inquiry. For an existing operator, this will often be because concerns have arisen about compliance with the requirements of the Operator's Licence.
These concerns may relate to matters such as a DVSA Investigation into vehicle maintenance, drivers' hours and tachograph compliance, the use of authorised vehicles or operating centres, or compliance with undertakings and conditions attached to the licence. A Public Inquiry may also be held in connection with an application for, or variation of, an Operator's Licence.
What can happen at a Public Inquiry?
A Public Inquiry is a formal tribunal hearing at which the Traffic Commissioner will consider the evidence and decide what, if any, action is appropriate.
In a regulatory case concerning an existing Operator's Licence, the Traffic Commissioner's decision can have serious consequences for the operator and the business. That makes it important to understand the matters raised in the call-up letter, address any compliance shortcomings and prepare carefully for the hearing.
The work done before the Public Inquiry can be just as important as the hearing itself. Taking appropriate action to address identified shortcomings and being able to demonstrate the effectiveness of those changes can form an important part of preparing the case.
How can I help You Prepare for a Public Inquiry?
Good preparation is important. The call-up letter will identify the matters the Traffic Commissioner intends to consider, and these should be addressed carefully before the hearing.
I can help you understand the matters to be considered at the Public Inquiry, review your compliance systems and available evidence, identify any shortcomings that need to be addressed and prepare the documents required for the hearing.
Where problems have occurred, my approach is not simply to explain them. It is to help you demonstrate what has been done to put matters right and what measures are now in place to support future compliance.
I can also represent you at the Public Inquiry, present your case and deal with the matters raised during the hearing.
I can assist with:
- Reviewing the Public Inquiry call-up letter
- Identifying the issues and evidence the Traffic Commissioner will consider
- Reviewing maintenance and compliance systems
- Drivers' hours and tachograph issues
- Operator Licence undertakings and conditions
- Preparing supporting documents and evidence
- Preparing you for the hearing
- Representation at the Public Inquiry
Have you Received a Public Inquiry Call-Up Letter?
If you have been called to a Traffic Commissioner Public Inquiry, getting advice early gives you more time to understand the concerns, address any compliance issues and prepare properly for the hearing.
Contact me to discuss your Public Inquiry and how I can help.