Traffic Commissioner’s Public Inquiry – 5 Do’s and Don’ts

A Public Inquiry hearing with the Traffic Commissioner is a serious matter. Preparation is vital and there are several important do’s and dont’s. If you know what to expect and what you need to do, you will stand a far better chance of a good outcome. Below, we look at some do’s and don’ts for operators who are facing a hearing with the Traffic Commissioner. For more information, you can also read our article: “Facing a Traffic Commissioner’s Public Inquiry? – 3 Things You Can Do to Prepare”

 5 Public Inquiry Do’s

  • Take the time to carefully read all the papers sent to you by the Traffic Commissioner – then read them again.
  • Act fast to fix the concerns raised in the call-in papers.
  • Consider whether you need to undergo further training (eg: a Transport Manager’s refresher course, or an Operator Licence Awareness Course).
  • Make sure that you provide the Traffic Commissioner with the information requested in the call in letter in good time.
  • Seek legal representation as soon as possible and read our “Guide to Appearing at a Public Inquiry Before a Traffic Commissioner”

5 Public Inquiry Don’ts

  • Bury your head in the sand. These are important legal proceedings and there is usually much that can be done to rectify concerns before the date of the Inquiry.
  • Assume you can get the Inquiry moved to a new date. The Traffic Commissioner will usually only allow this in exceptional circumstances.
  • Assume the hearing will always be in private. A Public Inquiry is a public hearing, and occasionally members of the public and other interested parties will attend to observe
  • Turn up late. The call-in letter will usually require you to attend at least an hour before the hearing.
  • Panic. A call to a Public Inquiry can be extremely stressful. You should strongly consider engaging legal representation to guide you through the process.

If you follow these 5 do’s and dont’s, you will stand a better chance of a good outcome. At Rothera Sharp our Public Inquiry solicitors offer free initial consultations and fixed fees. Call us today on 0115 910 6218.