4 Mistakes Operators Make When Called to a Public Inquiry
If you have been called to a Public Inquiry by the Traffic Commissioner, your response matters. A Public Inquiry is a formal regulatory hearing and the Traffic Commissioner has powers that can include revocation, suspension, or curtailment of an operator licence.
Watch the short video below, then use the checklist in this article to avoid the most common mistakes.
Watch the video
What a Public Inquiry is, in plain terms
A Public Inquiry is a formal hearing held by a Traffic Commissioner to examine concerns about an operator or a transport manager. It is a regulatory process, not a criminal court case, but the consequences for a business can be severe.
Great Britain is divided into eight traffic areas, each overseen by a Traffic Commissioner.
Minimum notice periods
GOV.UK guidance states you should receive a minimum of:
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21 days notice for a new or existing goods operator licence inquiry
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14 days notice for a new or existing passenger operator licence inquiry
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28 days notice if the inquiry is about a transport manager
The 4 mistakes that put operator licences at risk
Mistake 1: Delaying or mishandling the call up letter
Operators lose control of the process when deadlines are missed, correspondence is ignored, or the issues in the call up letter are not addressed directly. Start by reading the letter carefully and building a response against each point raised.
Mistake 2: Turning up with explanations instead of evidence
Traffic Commissioners assess whether compliance is now embedded and reliable. Bring structured evidence that directly answers the concerns raised, not a general folder of paperwork.
Mistake 3: Blaming others rather than owning the system
Responsibility for compliance sits with the operator and the nominated management controls. Evidence of active management, controls, and oversight is far more persuasive than shifting blame to drivers, workshops, or third parties.
Mistake 4: Leaving preparation too late
A Public Inquiry can move quickly. The time between the notice and the hearing is limited, so evidence gathering, auditing, corrective actions, and presentation structure must start immediately. GOV dot UK also notes you cannot ask for a change of hearing date unless you have a good reason supported by evidence.
What to do in the first 48 hours
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Read the call up letter in full and list every allegation or concern.
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Gather maintenance records and identify gaps early.
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Audit driver files and drivers hours controls, including downloads and analysis evidence.
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Write down corrective actions already implemented and evidence them.
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Get professional guidance early, while there is still time to fix gaps properly.
A recent Public Inquiry outcome
As Dan, Director of OH Logistics, explained after a successful Public Inquiry: “It is a relief knowing we can leave here and operate immediately.” That outcome followed structured preparation, documented corrective action, and clear evidence presented to the Traffic Commissioner. Public Inquiries are evidence-driven. Proper preparation materially changes the direction of the hearing.
Need help now
If you have received a call-up letter, contact us for a FREE consultation to assess how we can support you in facing your PI.
Phone +44 330 179 7379
Email info@bftconsulting.co.uk
Short FAQ
Can a Traffic Commissioner revoke, suspend, or curtail an operator licence at a Public Inquiry
Yes. Primary legislation provides powers for revocation, suspension, and curtailment.
How much notice should I receive for a Public Inquiry?
GOV dot UK guidance states minimum notice periods of 21 days for goods operator matters, 14 days for passenger operator matters, and 28 days for transport manager inquiries.
How many Traffic Commissioner areas are there
Great Britain has eight traffic areas.
