Facing a Public Inquiry before the Traffic Commissioner can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re an established operator, a transport manager, or a driver, the stakes are high — your operator licence, reputation, and business continuity may be on the line.
At Blue Flag Transport Consulting, we believe inquiries don’t have to end in disaster. With the right preparation, guidance, and documentation, operators can turn an inquiry into an opportunity to demonstrate professionalism and regain trust. Here’s how we help you prepare for success.
Understanding the Inquiry Process
A Public Inquiry is called when there’s evidence that an operator or transport manager may have breached their licence obligations. Common reasons include:
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Failure to maintain financial standing.
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Vehicle maintenance and safety issues.
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Repeated tachograph or driver hours infringements.
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Poor record-keeping or lack of management control.
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Misuse of a restricted operators licence.
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Failure to notify the Traffic Commissioner of key business changes.
The inquiry aims to determine whether you remain “fit and proper” to hold an operator licence. Our job is to ensure you’re fully prepared to prove that you do.
Comprehensive Case Review
The first thing our consultants do is conduct a full case review. We carefully examine:
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The call-up letter from the Traffic Commissioner.
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Evidence gathered by the DVSA.
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Your compliance systems and documentation.
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Financial statements, maintenance records, and driver data.
This review allows us to pinpoint the exact issues that triggered the inquiry and identify what’s needed to present your case clearly and confidently.
Building Strong Evidence
Solid, well-organised evidence is the foundation of inquiry success. We help you gather and prepare everything required, including:
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Up-to-date financial statements proving financial standing.
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Detailed maintenance records and inspection reports.
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Tachograph analysis and driver compliance logs.
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Training records for drivers and transport managers.
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Updated policies and procedures showing corrective action.
We ensure all documents are properly formatted, labelled, and easy to reference during questioning — making your presentation professional and persuasive.
Developing Your Statement and Strategy
Many operators struggle to explain their case clearly. We guide you in drafting your personal statement or operator’s summary, focusing on:
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Acknowledging the issue honestly.
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Explaining corrective measures taken.
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Demonstrating understanding of your responsibilities.
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Showing commitment to future compliance.
We help you find the right balance between accountability and confidence — ensuring your message resonates with the Traffic Commissioner.
Coaching for the Hearing
Standing before the Commissioner can be nerve-wracking. That’s why we provide one-on-one coaching to help you:
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Understand what to expect during the inquiry.
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Respond to questions calmly and effectively.
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Avoid defensive or emotional language.
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Refer confidently to evidence when making points.
We simulate real inquiry scenarios so you can practise answering questions clearly, stay composed, and make a strong impression.
Strengthening Compliance Systems
Inquiry preparation isn’t just about the hearing — it’s about proving you’ve fixed the root causes. We help you rebuild your compliance framework with:
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Updated maintenance schedules and inspection records.
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Financial monitoring systems to maintain operator licence cost requirements.
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Regular driver hours audits.
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Staff and manager training tailored to compliance roles.
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Implementation of ongoing internal audits.
By demonstrating sustainable change, you show the Commissioner that the inquiry has led to long-term improvement.
Representation and Ongoing Support
If required, our consultants can attend the hearing alongside you or provide detailed written submissions. We stay by your side throughout the process, ensuring you have professional, informed guidance at every stage.
After the inquiry, we continue supporting you with:
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Post-inquiry compliance monitoring.
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Advice on operator licence renewal, restoration, or reinstatement.
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Long-term training and audit programmes to keep your systems compliant.
Our aim is not just to get you through the inquiry — it’s to help you build a more resilient and compliant transport operation.
Why Choose Blue Flag Transport Consulting?
Here’s what sets us apart:
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Specialist knowledge of UK operator licensing regulations.
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Hands-on experience supporting operators during inquiries.
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Tailored solutions for both restricted and standard licence holders.
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Transparent communication and practical advice you can trust.
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Proactive prevention — helping you avoid future inquiries altogether.
When you work with Blue Flag, you’re not just hiring a consultant — you’re gaining a partner dedicated to your compliance success.
A Public Inquiry doesn’t have to be the end of your transport business — it can be a turning point. With expert preparation, strong evidence, and professional representation, you can rebuild trust and continue operating with confidence.
If you’ve been called to a Public Inquiry or want to strengthen your compliance before one arises, contact Blue Flag Transport Consulting today. Our team will guide you through every step, ensuring you’re fully prepared, confident, and ready for inquiry success.