What is a public inquiry?

A public inquiry is a hearing before the traffic commissioner. It can have huge consequences for Fleet Operators. Traffic commissioners have the power to revoke, curtail or suspend your licence. They can disqualify licence holders and transport managers from being involved in the operation of commercial vehicles. Contact us for Public Inquiry Help and Advice.

If you are called to public inquiry, traffic commissioners will want to know what steps have been taken to remedy failures within your systems for fleet compliance. They will expect that robust systems and procedures have been implemented as soon as the issues were identified. This reassures the traffic commissioner that there are unlikely to be any further breaches.

When you receive your letter calling you to public inquiry. It’s vital that you take action as soon as possible. Delaying action can be very detrimental to the possibility of a positive outcome. If called to public inquiry, your operator licence, ability to operate vehicles and your own repute as an operator is now at risk.

The Traffic Commissioners have extensive powers to affect your business. This includes the ability to restrict the vehicles you can operate, place additional undertakings on your licence and even revoke your licence completely. They even have the power to disqualify a director of a company if they see fit.

Traffic Commissioners will expect the people running the business to be present at the public inquiry. i.e. Directors and any Transport Managers. Contact us for Public Inquiry Help and Advice.