Appealing a Traffic Commissioner’s Decision

Public Inquiry Appeals, Driver Conduct Decisions & Impounded Vehicle Cases

Traffic Commission Appeals

If you believe a decision made by a Traffic Commissioner is unfair, harsh, or legally flawed — you may have the right to appeal. At C E Transport Law, we help operators, Transport Managers, and drivers across the UK challenge decisions that put their livelihoods at risk.

Whether it’s the outcome of a Public Inquiry, a Driver Conduct Hearing, or a refusal to return an impounded vehicle, we can guide you through the entire appeals process.

Types of Traffic Commissioner Appeals We Handle

Public Inquiry Appeals

If you’re a licence holder, applicant, Transport Manager or statutory objector who is unhappy with a Traffic Commissioner’s decision, you may appeal to the Administrative Appeals Chamber of the Upper Tribunal.

 

Key points to consider:

  • Appeals should usually be lodged within 1 month of the decision being published
  • Appeals are not re-hearings — the Upper Tribunal reviews the material already considered
  • You must show the Traffic Commissioner’s decision was plainly wrong
  • You may need to apply to stay the effect of the decision (to delay it taking effect), especially if waiting for the appeal risks business interruption

We can prepare and file your appeal, draft persuasive legal arguments, and represent you at the hearing if required.

If you’ve received a decision affecting your LGV or PCV vocational licence based on your conduct, you may have grounds to appeal.

Driver conduct decisions are made under Part IV of the Road Traffic Act 1988, and cover:

 

  • LGV drivers – conduct only as a driver of a motor vehicle
  • PCV drivers – conduct as a driver and any other matter relevant to holding a PCV licence

While many decisions are made by correspondence, you may be asked to attend a conduct hearing. These are informal, but the impact on your ability to work can be serious. If the outcome is unjust, we can review your case and advise on whether an appeal is likely to succeed.

If your vehicle has been seized and impounded by the DVSA, and an application for its return has been refused, we can help you challenge that decision.

 

There are strict time limits and legal conditions involved, so early advice is essential.

CE Transport 55 of 83 Picsart AiImageEnhancer

Why Choose C E Transport Law for Your Appeal?

  • Experts in transport law only — We specialise in representing HGV and PCV operators
  • Clear and honest advice — We tell you whether an appeal is worth pursuing
  • National coverage — We’ve acted in appeals across England, Scotland, and Wales
  • Trusted by clients — Known for patience, communication, and delivering great results

“They made a difficult process feel effortless — professional, prompt, and reassuring throughout.”

Key Statistics from the Traffic Commissioners’ annual report to the secretary of state 2024-25

  • 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.

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

Contact an experienced transport lawyer to handle your case.