PUBLIC INQUIRY SUPPORT FOR HGV & PSV OPERATORS – PROTECT YOUR LICENCE AND BUSINESS
Traffic Commissioner Public Inquiry for HGV and PSV
- Grant or refuse licenses for HGV or PSV operators.
- Take action against a vehicle operator, bus service operator or driver of a bus, minibus or lorry.
This may occur when someone has objected to a licence being granted or the traffic commissioner thinks an operator may have broken the terms or undertakings of their licence.
What is a Public Inquiry?
A Public Inquiry is the method used by a Traffic Commissioner to hear either allegations against an operator. There are three main reasons as to why you would be called to a Public Inquiry:
- There are suspicions that you are not managing your licence properly as an Operator Licence holder or Transport Manager. You have applied for an operator’s licence but –
- The Traffic Commissioner has concerns with you or your application.
- Local residents have complained about your operating centre.
Daily driver defect reports
Poor vehicle maintenance
MOT failures
Prohibitions by DVSA
Tachograph Infringements
Proof of financial standing
Proof of proper maintenance contracts and records in place
Dependent on the purpose of the Public Inquiry, the Traffic Commissioner will make his/her decision and give the reasons for doing so. The Traffic Commissioner should always have regard to Human Rights issues. If the issue is in respect of a licence application then the application may be refused or granted. If granted the Traffic Commissioner can do so with restrictions which may include a reduction in the number of vehicles originally requested.
After this evidence has been presented, the Traffic Commissioner will then decide what action to take against your licence.
The purpose of the Public Inquiry is to hear evidence from either complainant, DVSA or other interested parties, and the operator, in order that the Traffic Commissioner can come to a fair and reasoned view as to a course of action, such as granting or refusing a licence. It is a formal hearing very much like that of a Magistrates Court although the Traffic Commissioner sits alone and without a clerk for advice.
The Traffic Commissioner can require the payment of a fine and can also make an order that results in a financial penalty. For wrongdoing the Traffic Commissioner may order:
Revocation
The licence is taken away and the company can no longer trade
Suspension
The licence is suspended and the company cannot trade during that period
Curtailment
Formal warning
Many Public Inquiries can be straight-forward but most will involve complex issues of law or technical matters.
The Transport Consultant are specialists in defending Operators, Directors and Transport Managers who are called in to a Public Inquiry with the Traffic Commissioner.The Transport Consultant can help you prepare for your public inquiry. With the initial consultation, through to document collection and attending the public inquiry, we will support you throughout the process.
Facing a public inquiry can be daunting, but expert guidance can safeguard your HGV or PSV Operator Licence, your business, and your reputation.
What Is a Public Inquiry for HGV or PSV Operators?
A public inquiry is a formal investigation led by the Traffic Commissioner, often following concerns about compliance or operational fitness. The DVSA reviews your records, maintenance, driver qualifications, tachograph systems, and operational procedures to ensure legal and safety standards are met.
Even minor compliance issues can lead to warnings, fines, or licence revocation. It is essential to prepare thoroughly to protect your licence and demonstrate full compliance.
- Grant or refuse licenses for HGV or PSV operators.
- Take action against a vehicle operator, bus service operator or driver of a bus, minibus or lorry.
Why Should you take a Public Inquiry Seriously?
A public inquiry puts your licence, operations, and reputation at risk. Reasons for being summoned include:
- Multiple vehicle roadworthiness failures, such as PG9 prohibitions.
- Failing DVSA investigations or Desk-Based Assessments (DBA).
- Recurrent tachograph and driver hours violations.
- Inadequate maintenance systems or missed Preventive Maintenance Inspections.
- Poor defect reporting and transport manager failings.
- Financial stability concerns or adverse reputational factors.
- Regulatory or law enforcement reports.
- Past convictions.
Preparation and professional compliance audits are critical to mitigating these risks.
What Happens During a Public Inquiry?
- Held at regional Traffic Commissioner offices.
- Attended by the operator, directors, Transport Manager, and DVSA representatives.
- Evidence includes maintenance logs, tachograph data, training records, and financial documents.
- Direct questioning of the operator and Transport Manager.
- Legal, binding hearing recorded and part of your regulatory history.
Possible Outcomes of a Public Inquiry
The Traffic Commissioner’s powers include:
- Issuing warnings or imposing additional licence conditions.
- Curtailing vehicle numbers or suspending the licence.
- Licence revocation or operator disqualification.
- Judging Transport Manager competence affects their ability to hold licences.
Decisions can be appealed with a potential stay of enforcement pending outcomes.
How to Prepare for a Public Inquiry
- Conduct thorough compliance audits in advance.
- Show evidence of corrections made.
- Organise all relevant documentation (maintenance, tachograph, driver training, financials).
- Demonstrate continuous improvement systems.
- Consider specialist representation or transport consultancy support.
- Approach hearings proactively, honestly, and responsibly.
Why Choose Expert Public Inquiry Support?
We offer specialist guidance, audits, and representation to help you:
- Shine in your compliance presentation.
- Identify and rectify operations gaps pre-hearing.
- Minimise the risk of licence suspension or revocation.
- Safeguard your business livelihood and reputation.
Worried About an Upcoming Public Inquiry?
Book your compliance audit and representation now to protect your licence and ensure you are fully prepared.
Public Inquiry Coming Up? Don’t Risk Your Licence.
There is the warning, suspension, or complete revocation of the licence created by even minor breaches of compliance.
Stay Audit-Ready. Get Expert Support.
Facilitate that your records, systems, and procedures are in complete compliance and seek representation to secure your business and reputation.
Do It Now – Book Your Compliance Audit and Public Inquiry Support.