Public Inquiry Representation

Expert Legal Support When It Matters Most

Public Inquiry Representation

 

Public Inquiries are formal hearings held by the Traffic Commissioner to assess whether you should be granted or allowed to keep your operator’s licence. For many HGV operators, just receiving the notice of a hearing can be stressful and confusing.

We’ve helped hundreds of operators across the UK prepare for and succeed at Public Inquiries. Our role is to guide you through the process, protect your livelihood, and put your best case forward.

When and Why Operators Are Called to a Public Inquiry

Why You Might Be Called to a Public Inquiry

You may be called to a Public Inquiry if:

  • There are concerns with your application for an operator’s licence
  • Someone has objected to your licence or a proposed change
  • You’re accused of breaching licence conditions (e.g. using more vehicles than authorised)
  • Environmental objections have been raised about your operating centre
  • Your conduct or that of your Transport Manager is under scrutiny
  • Financial standing or professional competence is in question

Surprisingly, many Public Inquiries are triggered by operators themselves—often after applying to increase vehicle numbers or vary operating centres. These changes can prompt a DVSA visit, and if that happens when your systems are already under pressure, compliance issues may come to light.

The Traffic Commissioner will consider your case based on statutory guidance and previous Upper Tribunal decisions. Preparation is key. Our experienced transport lawyers will:

  • Review the allegations or concerns in detail
  • Prepare written submissions and evidence
  • Represent you at the hearing
  • Help demonstrate your commitment to compliance and future improvement

We’ve represented operators at Public Inquiries in every traffic area in the UK. Clients choose us because we’re straightforward, responsive, and results-driven—making a stressful process feel more manageable.

  • The average decision time for new goods-vehicle operator licence applications improved to 31 working days, and for PSV licences to 34 working days.
  • Public Inquiries listed within 12 weeks stood at 82% (down from 85%).
  • There were 1,066 Public Inquiries completed during the year.
  • There were 244 Preliminary Hearings held in the year.
  • There were 1,532 bridge-strike incidents in 2023-24 noted in the report.
CE Transport Law - Public Inquiry Representation, Transport Law, Operator Licensing

Professional Guidance at a Sensible Price

We understand that time off the road is time lost—and we’re here to help you get back to business. Whether you’re preparing for your first Public Inquiry or you’ve been through it before, our team is ready to support you.

📞 Contact us today for a no-obligation conversation about your situation.

Public Inquiry FAQs for HGV Operators

What is a Public Inquiry?

A Public Inquiry is a formal hearing held by the Traffic Commissioner to decide whether to grant, vary, or revoke an operator’s licence. It may also be used to consider compliance or fitness issues related to the operator or Transport Manager.

You might be called because of a licence application issue, alleged non-compliance, poor maintenance records, an increase in authorised vehicles, environmental objections, or concerns about financial standing or repute.

Yes. A Public Inquiry can result in your licence being refused, curtailed, suspended, or revoked. That’s why it’s critical to seek professional legal representation as early as possible.

Absolutely. We regularly represent HGV operators at Public Inquiries across all UK traffic areas. We’ll handle your preparation and speak on your behalf at the hearing.

We offer transparent, fixed-fee packages wherever possible. Contact us for a no-obligation quote based on your specific case.

Don’t delay. The sooner we get involved, the more we can help. Reach out today for an initial conversation with our specialist transport law team.

📞 Call 01908 464480
📩 info@cetransportlaw.com

Public Inquiries for Transport Managers

Expert Legal Representation for Transport Managers Called to Account

As a Transport Manager, you’re legally responsible for ensuring that vehicles operated under an HGV operator’s licence are roadworthy, compliant, and operating within the terms of that licence.

 

If you’ve been called to a Public Inquiry, it means the Traffic Commissioner has serious concerns about your conduct, your effectiveness in the role, or your ongoing good repute. We understand how high the stakes are—and we’re here to help you defend your position, protect your reputation, and continue your career.

Why You Might Be Called to a Public Inquiry

A Transport Manager may be required to attend a Public Inquiry if:

  • The Traffic Commissioner questions your professional competence or good repute
  • An operator you’re linked to has been non-compliant, and your oversight is in question
  • You’re listed on multiple licences and your capacity is under scrutiny
  • There are concerns about your involvement (or lack thereof) in compliance systems
  • You’ve been associated with serious vehicle or driver safety failings

In many cases, these issues arise following a DVSA investigation, maintenance inspection, or audit that uncovers systemic compliance failings.

The outcome of the Inquiry can have serious personal and professional consequences. You may:

  • Be found to have lost your good repute
  • Be disqualified from acting as a Transport Manager
  • Face financial, reputational, and career damage
  • Lose your role on one or more licences

Even where no immediate action is taken, the Commissioner may issue a formal warning, which can affect future appointments.

Usually because the Traffic Commissioner believes your management of the operator’s compliance obligations may have been ineffective or lacking. It may also follow vehicle prohibitions, DVSA reports, or a licence variation.

They’ll assess whether you’ve fulfilled your statutory duties, maintained good repute, and continue to be professionally competent. They’ll consider your active involvement, systems in place, and your understanding of your legal obligations.

Yes. If the Commissioner is not satisfied with your explanations or corrective action, they can find that you are no longer of good repute or disqualify you from acting as a Transport Manager. That’s why preparation is critical.

Yes—especially if you intend to remain in the role. Having a lawyer who understands the operator licensing regime, the Statutory Guidance, and Upper Tribunal decisions gives you the best chance of a positive outcome.

We work closely with you to understand the case, prepare your evidence, and ensure your explanation and mitigation are clearly and professionally presented. We’ll appear at the Inquiry and represent your interests throughout.

With over a decade of experience representing Transport Managers across the UK, we know how to prepare a strong case and present it persuasively.

We will:

  • Review all relevant material and help you understand the allegations
  • Draft clear, credible submissions for the Traffic Commissioner
  • Help you demonstrate your engagement, ongoing training, and plans to rectify any issues
  • Represent you at the Inquiry and guide you through the process start to finish

Our approach is supportive and strategic. We don’t just represent you—we work with you to protect your repute and professional future.

Contact us as early as possible—we’ll talk you through the process and provide a clear plan and cost estimate. The earlier we’re involved, the more we can help.

 

📞 Call 01908 464480
📩 info@cetransportlaw.com

Call us today or contact our team for an initial consultation.

Contact an experienced transport lawyer to handle your case.

 

Further Information

 

Case Studies

 

Tell us a few words about your case

Get in touch with the team with your enquiry and we’ll endeavour to get back to you as soon as we can.

Office

01908 464480

Â