Preliminary Hearing
Have you been called to a Preliminary Hearing?
The Traffic Commissioner has reviewed your case and is concerned about aspects of your operation. Get help from a professional transport consultant now.
This is still a very serious matter where and may still proceed to a public inquiry if the Traffic Commissioner decides that is appropriate.
The Traffic Commissioner has reviewed your case and is concerned about aspects of your operation. The Traffic Commissioner is considering calling you to a public inquiry.
However, before making a decision as to whether a public inquiry is convened, the Traffic Commissioner invites you to attend a preliminary hearing at the Office of the Traffic Commissioner to discuss the issues and allow an opportunity to provide further information relating to the issues identified in the call-up letter. The call-up letter has been sent to you, the directors, and your transport manager asking you to attend.
Action you will need to take
You will need to comply with the directions the Traffic commissioner has sent you and provide documents at least 14 days in advance of the hearing. I will help you prepare that.
Who should attend?
A board level director of any company, the partners, the sole trader, and your transport manager should attend and be prepared to speak to the traffic commissioner and answer any questions. I will advise you what may be asked and what information you should have available at the public inquiry.
The Traffic Commissioners decision
The presiding Traffic Commissioner at the public inquiry will then decide whether they can trust you to comply in the future, whether any action is needed and, if so, what form that action might take. Most operators are not dishonest and want to be compliant and I will assist you in presenting the evidence so the Traffic commissioner can make an informed decision that you are honest and wish to comply.
With over 30 years’ experience in representing operators at public inquiries as a transport consultant I’m here to help and guide you through this inquiry and protect your operator licence.
As a professional transport consultant, I do not instruct agents and from start to finish I will support you. If I cannot help, then I will advise you asap and recommend someone who can.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for all that you have done to support both Paul and myself during the PI and after, it is very much appreciated.”
Action Taken at preliminary hearing
If the traffic commissioner concludes at the preliminary hearing that you are not so complying or have failed to comply in the recent past, they may – according to the seriousness of their findings-
- Convene a public inquiry to consider taking regulatory action against the operator’s licence
- Issue a warning
- Ask you to give additional undertakings
If the Traffic Commissioner revokes a licence at the public inquiry, they may also disqualify the company or any of its directors for a specific period or indefinitely from holding another operator’s licence, and from being a director of any company which holds such a licence.
Don’t risk losing it, call Paul Atkinson transport consultant today.
Representation at a Preliminary Hearing by a Transport Consultant
These are serious matters. Your licence and therefore your business are at stake. You should identify competent legal or professional representation quickly unless you are confident that you do not need it. I have over 30 years’ experience in representing operators at preliminary hearings and I will.
- Meet with you personally before the preliminary hearing two or three times or as are needed.
- Advice you as to the best course of action.
- Assist with preparing the vehicle files that will need to be sent to the Traffic Commissioner.
- Advise on preparing a compliance file that will present the positive changes you have made.
- Prepare any statements that will assist the Traffic Commissioner.
- Help with the conduct of a preliminary hearing and what may happen.
- Recommend any training or course that may benefit you.
- Attend with you at the preliminary hearing, assist with the presentation and speak on your behalf as required.
Senior Traffic Commissioners Statutory Guidance
The Senior Traffic Commissioner has also issued Statutory Guidance and Statutory Directions that contain detailed information on the requirements that operators are expected to meet at a public inquiry and may provide a useful explanation of the legislation.
Don’t risk losing your operator licence, call Paul Atkinson transport consultant today.
Call 07885 380766 or Email atkinsontc2018@gmail.com
Testimonials
Contact Transport Consultant, Paul Atkinson
07885 380766