Running a transport business in the UK comes with responsibilities—and if those responsibilities aren’t met, you could face a Public Inquiry. This formal hearing, led by the Traffic Commissioner, can put your operator licence at serious risk. Whether you hold a restricted operator’s licence or a standard one, understanding what triggers these inquiries is crucial.
If you’re a professional driver, fleet manager, or transport company owner, this guide is written for you—clear, practical, and right to the point.
What Is a Public Inquiry?
A Public Inquiry is a formal process conducted by the Traffic Commissioner. It gives you the opportunity to explain why you may have failed to meet your obligations as a licence holder.
You could be called to a Public Inquiry after:
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An investigation by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency)
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A complaint from the public
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A report from your maintenance provider
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Irregularities found during your operator licence application or renewal
The outcome could be anything from a warning to the complete loss of your vehicle operators licence. It’s not something to take lightly.
1. Poor Maintenance and Vehicle Safety Standards
The most common reason for being called to Public Inquiry is poor vehicle maintenance. As an operator, you are responsible for ensuring your vehicles are safe, roadworthy, and serviced regularly.
Signs you may be in trouble:
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Missed inspections or service intervals
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Repeated MOT failures
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Maintenance records that are incomplete or missing
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Vehicles being stopped by DVSA and found with serious defects
If you can’t prove you have a solid maintenance system in place, expect to be questioned.
2. Hours of Work and Tachograph Offences
Drivers’ hours are heavily regulated for a reason—road safety. Breaches in this area are taken seriously and often lead to a Public Inquiry.
Common hours-related issues:
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Failing to keep proper tachograph records
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Ignoring rest periods
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Falsifying driving hours
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Not downloading or checking tachograph data
Even if you didn’t know the rules, it’s still your duty as the licence holder to make sure they’re followed. Lack of knowledge is not a valid excuse.
3. Financial Standing Not Maintained
To hold an operator licence, you must prove you have the financial means to keep your vehicles in safe working order.
The required financial standing for 2025 is:
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£9,100 for the first vehicle
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£5,000 for each additional vehicle
If your business’s finances drop below this level—even temporarily—you must inform the Traffic Commissioner. Failing to do so could land you in hot water.
4. Poor Record-Keeping and Admin Failures
Even if your vehicles and drivers are fine, sloppy admin can lead to trouble.
You must keep:
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Up-to-date vehicle maintenance records
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Driving licences and CPC records for all drivers
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Details of any roadside checks or enforcement notices
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Copies of your PCO operator licence application or renewals if applicable
Losing track of your paperwork or letting it become outdated can raise serious concerns about your ability to manage a transport business.
5. Operating Outside Licence Conditions
If you have a restricted operators licence, you’re limited to transporting your own goods only. Standard licences have broader permissions.
Problems arise when:
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Operators run more vehicles than they’re authorised for
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They operate from an unauthorised operating centre
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They run services not allowed under their specific licence type
These breaches suggest you’re not in control—and that’s a red flag.
6. Criminal Convictions and Reputational Concerns
The Traffic Commissioner expects licence holders and their senior staff to be “fit and proper” people. If someone in a position of responsibility has a criminal conviction, especially for dishonesty or fraud, you may face a Public Inquiry.
This also applies if:
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Your company has been linked to illegal activity
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You’ve been disqualified as a director
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There are concerns about your reputation within the industry
Even old convictions can be reviewed if they affect your standing today.
7. Failure to Notify Changes
You’re legally required to inform the Office of the Traffic Commissioner if any key details change.
This includes:
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Changes to your operating centre
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Changes to your business structure or directors
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A change in the number of vehicles you operate
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A change in your transport manager
If you don’t update your operator licence, you risk appearing dishonest or careless. That alone is enough to warrant a Public Inquiry.
8. No Transport Manager or Lack of Control
Every standard licence holder must have a qualified transport manager. Their job is to make sure your operations comply with safety and legal standards.
If the manager isn’t involved, or they’re overloaded with other businesses, the Traffic Commissioner may call an inquiry to investigate.
Signs of concern:
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Your transport manager is based far from your depot
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They don’t have day-to-day involvement in operations
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No clear control over drivers, vehicles, or paperwork
If you don’t have a transport manager, or if they’re just there in name only, you’re inviting scrutiny.
9. Multiple Traffic Offences and Complaints
Frequent roadside stops, public complaints, and police involvement raise big red flags. These suggest systemic issues within your operation, even if no single event is serious on its own.
Issues include:
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Reports of reckless or dangerous driving
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Regular roadside prohibitions
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Repeat offences by the same drivers
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Ignoring warning letters or previous enforcement
Repeated minor issues can stack up into one major problem—especially if you’ve already been warned.
10. Failure to Cooperate with Enforcement Officers
If the DVSA or Traffic Commissioner contacts you, you must respond—promptly and fully.
Not cooperating, missing deadlines, or giving vague or incomplete answers can signal that you’re hiding something, or that you’re not taking your responsibilities seriously.
You must:
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Provide requested documents on time
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Attend scheduled interviews or hearings
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Answer inquiries truthfully
Refusal or delays could lead directly to a Public Inquiry and, possibly, licence revocation.
How to Avoid Being Called to Public Inquiry
Prevention is always better than cure. You can avoid most Public Inquiries by staying organised, honest, and compliant.
Here’s how:
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Keep vehicles well maintained with documented service records
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Monitor and enforce drivers’ hours and rest rules
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Stay on top of your financial requirements
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Appoint a competent, hands-on transport manager
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Update your licence with any business or vehicle changes
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Train your admin staff on compliance procedures
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Get professional help from a transport consulting firm
Need Help? Contact Blue Flag Transport Consulting
If you’re worried about being called to a Public Inquiry or need help with your operator licence application, reinstatement, or compliance systems, get in touch with Blue Flag Transport Consulting.
We offer:
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Professional support for your operators licence UK
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Expert guidance on avoiding costly mistakes
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Help with vehicle operators licence renewals and compliance
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Peace of mind for your transport business
Contact Blue Flag Transport Consulting today to stay compliant and protect your licence.