Receiving notice of a Traffic Commissioner hearing can be one of the most stressful moments for any operator.
The key point is this: a Public Inquiry is serious, but it is not automatically the end of your operator’s licence. Preparation and evidence make the difference.
Why Operators Are Called to Public Inquiry
A Public Inquiry is held by the Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain to determine whether an operator remains fit to hold a licence.
Common triggers include:
• Repeated roadside prohibitions
• Unsatisfactory maintenance systems
• Drivers’ hours breaches
• Failure to comply with licence undertakings
• Loss of professional competence
• Regulatory action following a DVSA investigation
A Traffic Commissioner hearing is fundamentally about trust and control. The Commissioner must be satisfied that your operation is safe, compliant, and properly managed.
What the Traffic Commissioner Will Examine
At an operator licence Public Inquiry, the Commissioner will assess:
• Good repute
• Financial standing
• Professional competence
• Continuous and effective management
You should expect detailed questions about:
• Maintenance planning and PMI control
• Tachograph analysis and drivers’ hours monitoring
• Defect reporting systems
• Role allocation between Directors and Transport Manager
• Corrective actions taken since issues were identified
Turning up without structured evidence is one of the most common mistakes operators make.
What Strong Preparation Looks Like
Effective public inquiry preparation involves:
• Conducting an independent compliance review
• Identifying root causes, not just symptoms
• Implementing documented corrective actions
• Allocating clear responsibilities
• Demonstrating ongoing monitoring
Traffic Commissioners are not looking for perfection. They are looking for leadership, control, and evidence of improvement.
Where operators can show structured change — such as updated maintenance systems, retrained drivers, revised policies, and regular audits — the position is significantly strengthened.
The Importance of Early Action
Waiting until the week before a Traffic Commissioner hearing is rarely enough. The earlier corrective action is taken, the stronger your position becomes.
A Public Inquiry is ultimately about whether you can be trusted to operate safely and lawfully moving forward.
Protecting Your Operator Licence
If you are facing an operator licence public inquiry or have received correspondence from the Traffic Commissioner, early professional support is critical.
LDP Transport Consultancy provides:
• Full compliance reviews
• Corrective action planning
• Responsibility matrices
• Evidence preparation
• Ongoing compliance systems
If you need structured support with a Traffic Commissioner hearing, contact us today. The right preparation can protect your licence and your business.
