Running a successful haulage or passenger transport business in the UK involves more than just keeping your fleet moving. Staying compliant with the terms of your operator licence is essential—because when things go wrong, you could find yourself facing a Public Inquiry.
A Public Inquiry is a formal hearing with the Traffic Commissioner, and it’s rarely good news. It often follows serious compliance failures and could result in anything from a warning to suspension, curtailment, or even revocation of your vehicle operators licence.
So, how can you spot trouble before it lands you in front of the Commissioner? This article explores the top warning signs that suggest you might be headed for a Public Inquiry—and how to avoid it.
What Is a Public Inquiry?
A Public Inquiry is a formal legal hearing, usually held in front of a Traffic Commissioner, to assess whether a transport operator is meeting the requirements of their licence. It often arises when there’s evidence of:
- Serious non-compliance
- Safety issues
- Financial instability
- Mismanagement of drivers or vehicles
Public Inquiries are not casual meetings—they’re official proceedings and could end with the suspension or complete revocation of your operator licence.
Sign 1: Poor Maintenance and Safety Records
One of the quickest ways to land in hot water is neglecting vehicle maintenance. Whether you operate a restricted operators licence or a large-scale national fleet, your vehicles must be roadworthy at all times.
Red Flags Include:
- Missed or overdue safety inspections
- Incomplete or falsified maintenance records
- High MOT failure rates
- Roadside prohibitions issued by DVSA
- Reports of unroadworthy vehicles in service
If your vehicles are breaking down, failing checks, or causing safety risks, you’re at high risk of being called in for a Public Inquiry.
Sign 2: Driver Hours and Tachograph Offences
Drivers’ hours and tachograph compliance are strictly enforced in the UK. Repeated infringements show a lack of control, poor management, or a culture of cutting corners.
Common Issues:
- Drivers exceeding daily or weekly driving limits
- Missing or tampered tachograph data
- Failure to monitor drivers’ rest periods
- Inadequate systems to check compliance
If DVSA finds a pattern of driver offences during routine stops or audits, the Traffic Commissioner may request a formal hearing.
Sign 3: Missed Financial Standing Requirements
Meeting the required financial thresholds is essential to keep your operator licence valid. This applies whether you’re going through a new operator licence application, a pco operator licence application, or a renewal.
Warning Signs You’re at Risk:
- Insufficient funds shown in bank statements
- Missed payments to suppliers or maintenance providers
- Letters from DVSA requesting updated financial information
- Delays or issues during licence renewal, restoration, or reinstatement
For 2025, financial standing requirements have increased (for example, £9,100 for the first vehicle and £5,100 for each additional vehicle under a standard licence). Falling below these levels could trigger enforcement action.
Sign 4: Irregular or Incomplete Record-Keeping
Proper records aren’t just helpful—they’re a legal requirement. Your vehicle operators licence depends on clear and accurate documentation.
Problem Areas Include:
- Maintenance schedules not backed by paperwork
- Driver training records missing or out of date
- Poor record-keeping around working time and rest periods
- Unavailable inspection or defect reports when requested
If you can’t produce these records during a DVSA visit or desk-based assessment, expect further investigation—and potentially a Public Inquiry.
Sign 5: DVSA or Police Visits and Fixed Penalties
Have you had a sudden spike in DVSA encounters or police stops? These aren’t just bad luck. They’re often targeted checks based on risk profiling.
Possible Triggers:
- Multiple roadside inspections in a short time
- Prohibitions or fixed penalties issued for your vehicles
- Warnings from DVSA inspectors after visits
- Intelligence shared from complaints or other enforcement bodies
While one visit may not cause concern, repeated enforcement action is a sign that something is seriously wrong. The next step could be a letter inviting you to a Public Inquiry.
Sign 6: Lack of a Qualified or Active Transport Manager
A Transport Manager is legally required for all standard licence holders. They are responsible for maintaining compliance in areas like vehicle safety, drivers’ hours, and record-keeping.
Concerns That Raise Alarm:
- No qualified CPC holder on file
- Inactive or overstretched Transport Manager
- Lack of documented oversight by the Transport Manager
- Failure to notify the DVSA of Transport Manager changes
If your Transport Manager isn’t fulfilling their duties—or worse, no longer working with you—you must act immediately. Otherwise, your compliance status is compromised, and a Public Inquiry could follow.
Sign 7: Ignoring DVSA or Traffic Commissioner Correspondence
Ignoring official letters or requests is a huge mistake. It signals to authorities that you are either unaware of your responsibilities or actively avoiding them.
Dangerous Behaviours:
- Failing to respond to correspondence within deadlines
- Not sending requested documents for inspection
- Ignoring warnings, improvement notices, or audit requests
- Refusing to attend informal interviews or preliminary meetings
This type of behaviour often escalates straight to a Public Inquiry—especially if there’s a history of poor communication or non-compliance.
Avoiding the Cost of a Public Inquiry
Being called to a Public Inquiry can have significant financial, legal, and reputational consequences.
What You Risk:
- Suspension or loss of your operator licence
- Vehicle reductions or route limitations
- Additional operators licence cost for reinstatement
- Damage to your Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS)
- Loss of customer trust and insurance complications
Acting early is always the better choice. If you’re seeing any of these signs, get advice right away—especially before your licence is up for renewal or restoration.
How Transport Consulting Can Help
Working with a transport consulting expert can be the difference between losing your licence or staying on the road.
A Consultant Can:
- Review your compliance systems
- Prepare you for DVSA audits
- Help you respond to Traffic Commissioner inquiries
- Assist with financial standing proof and updates
- Support a clean and professional operator licence application
Whether you’re applying for a vehicle operators licence, facing a compliance review, or preparing for licence reinstatement, don’t go it alone.
Keep Control Before the Commissioner Calls
Staying on top of your responsibilities as a transport operator isn’t always easy. But the signs of trouble are usually clear—if you know where to look.
Regular checks, a strong Transport Manager, and a proactive approach to compliance can keep you off the Commissioner’s radar and ensure your business continues to run smoothly.
Need Help? Contact Blue Flag Transport Consulting
At Blue Flag Transport Consulting, we work with operators across the UK to ensure full compliance with their licence obligations. Whether you’re facing a DVSA audit, worried about financial standing, or have received a Public Inquiry letter, we can help.
Protect your vehicle operators licence—contact Blue Flag Transport Consulting today for expert support, guidance, and peace of mind.