Public Inquiries
Have you been called to a Public Inquiry?
Have you received a letter by email or post from the Office of the Traffic Commissioner that says: “Public inquiry into your goods vehicles operators license. This letter requires urgent attention”.
Don’t panic but act quickly and get professional help from Paul Atkinson professional transport consultant at this public inquiry.
Learn more about Public Inquiries?
A traffic commissioner has expressed concern about aspects of your operation and therefore it has been decided to hold a public inquiry to consider these apparent shortcomings and to give you the opportunity to explain what you are doing to ensure compliance with the rules and the fulfilment of the undertakings that were given at the time the licence was applied for.
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 Public Inquiries
If the traffic commissioner concludes at the public inquiry that you are not so complying or have failed to comply in the recent past, they may – according to the seriousness of their findings-
- Issue a warning;
- Ask you to make new undertakings;
- Reduce the number of vehicles you are allowed to operate (“curtailment”);
- Suspend your licence for a period of time;
- Revoke it entirely
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.
Representation at Public Inquiry 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 public inquiries and I will.
- Meet with you personally before the public inquiry 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 public inquiry and what may happen.
- Recommend any training or course that may benefit you.
- Attend with you at the public inquiry, 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
Public Inquiries Testimonials
Contact Transport Consultant, Paul Atkinson
07885 380766