Legal Representation at a Public Inquiry – Do You Need It?

If you’re facing a Public Inquiry (PI) from the Office of the Traffic Commissioner, it’s natural to feel anxious. For operators, transport managers, and company directors, a PI is a formal legal hearing — and the outcome can have a serious impact on your vehicle operators licence, your livelihood, and your company’s future.

So, the big question is: do you need legal representation at a public inquiry? The short answer? Most of the time, yes — and here’s why.

What Is a Public Inquiry?

A Public Inquiry is a formal hearing held by the Traffic Commissioner to review concerns about your operation. You might be called in if:

• Your application for an operator licence has raised red flags

• You’ve been reported for non-compliance by DVSA or the police

• There are issues around financial standing, maintenance, or driver hours

• Someone has objected to your operator licence application

• Your transport manager has failed to meet professional standards

These are not informal chats — they’re legal proceedings, and the decisions made can affect your right to operate under the operators licence UK framework.

What Can Happen at a Public Inquiry?

The outcomes of a PI can vary. Depending on what’s discussed, the Traffic Commissioner can:

• Grant or refuse your licence

• Issue a formal warning

• Reduce the number of vehicles you’re allowed

• Suspend your operations for a period of time

• Disqualify you as a transport manager or director

• Revoke your vehicle operators licence altogether

In some cases, you’ll be given the opportunity to make improvements and return to compliance — but only if you’ve made a strong case.

Do You Legally Have to Bring Representation?

No — you’re not required by law to have legal representation at a PI. However, the stakes are high. Appearing alone, especially if you’re unfamiliar with how PIs work, can leave you vulnerable. You may not know:

• How to answer questions effectively

• What evidence will carry weight

• When to challenge a claim or accept fault

• How to explain complex issues like financial standing or safety records

That’s where professional help makes a huge difference.

Why Legal Representation Matters

1. You Only Get One Shot

A PI isn’t something you can redo if it goes badly. Legal representation ensures that:

• Your case is presented clearly and professionally

• You’re prepared for the types of questions asked

• You avoid saying things that may be misunderstood

• All your documents are in order and submitted properly

An experienced representative understands how the Traffic Commissioner thinks — and that insight can change the outcome.

2. Your Livelihood Is at Risk

Losing your operator licence could mean:

• You can’t run your vehicles

• You lose contracts and clients

• Your drivers are out of work

• You may even face disqualification as a company director

Is it worth risking all of that to save the cost of a solicitor or transport consulting specialist?

3. It Shows You Take Things Seriously

When you walk into a PI with proper representation, it sends a strong signal:

“I understand the seriousness of this, and I’m doing everything possible to stay compliant.”

This can influence how the Commissioner views your professionalism and attitude towards future compliance.

Who Can Represent You?

You don’t have to use a solicitor — though that’s often a wise choice in complex cases. Many operators work with:

• Specialist transport solicitors

• Transport consultants with deep PI experience

• Former DVSA officers or traffic court experts

• Professional licensing advisors who understand the legal landscape

The right person will depend on the nature of your inquiry — and your budget.

When Is Representation Essential?

You should strongly consider legal representation if:

• You’re facing licence revocation or suspension

• You’ve received a DVSA report citing multiple defects

• Your restricted operators licence is under scrutiny for expansion

• There are concerns about your financial standing

• Your transport manager’s repute is being questioned

• Your previous operator licence application was refused

Basically, if there’s any chance your licence, vehicles, or business might be affected — bring in the experts.

Preparing for the Public Inquiry

Even with representation, you still have a role to play. Here’s how to prepare:

✅ Gather Evidence

Bring:

• Vehicle maintenance records

• Financial documents

• Training logs

• Inspection reports

• Correspondence with the DVSA

• Any corrective actions taken

✅ Be Honest

Don’t try to hide mistakes. Most Traffic Commissioners are more willing to forgive past errors if you’ve shown a genuine effort to put things right.

✅ Act Early

Don’t wait until the last minute to seek help. The sooner your representative gets involved, the stronger your defence will be.

Real-Life Example: Andy’s Public Inquiry Outcome

Andy, an operator from Liverpool, was called to a PI after DVSA found repeated issues with driver walkaround checks and poor maintenance logs. He didn’t have the time or legal knowledge to prepare on his own, so he contacted a transport consulting firm.

They helped him:

• Identify weak spots in his operation

• Introduce a proper defect reporting system

• Create a training programme for drivers

• Prepare a statement and evidence bundle for the PI

Thanks to that effort, the Traffic Commissioner gave Andy a warning and allowed him to keep his vehicle operators licence with conditions — avoiding suspension.

What About the Cost?

Legal and consultancy fees vary. But compared to the cost of losing your licence, representation is almost always cheaper.

Think about:

• Lost revenue from suspended vehicles

• Damaged business reputation

• Time and money spent on reapplying for a licence

• The personal stress of going it alone

Representation is an investment — not a luxury.

Support Beyond the Inquiry

Even after the PI is over, you may need to:

• Make improvements to your operation

• Submit regular updates to the Traffic Commissioner

• Train your drivers or hire a new external transport manager

• Apply for a licence reinstatement or variation

A good transport consulting firm will continue to support you throughout the process and help ensure you stay compliant moving forward.

Need Help with a Public Inquiry?

Whether you’re preparing for your first PI or dealing with a complex issue, Blue Flag Transport Consulting is here to help.

We offer:

• Legal representation at Public Inquiries

• Full PI preparation support

• Expert review of your compliance systems

• Help with operator licence applications and variations

• Continued support for businesses at risk

👉 Contact Blue Flag Transport Consulting today to give yourself the best possible chance at your Public Inquiry and protect your operator licence and your future.

Don’t leave it to chance. Get expert support — and take back control of your operation.