Receiving a letter informing you of a Public Inquiry can be worrying. For many in the transport industry, it signals serious concerns about compliance with your vehicle operator’s licence. But don’t panic—understanding why Public Inquiries happen, and what the Traffic Commissioner is looking for, can make all the difference in how your case is handled.
This guide walks you through what to expect, how to prepare, and how to present yourself and your business when attending a Public Inquiry.
What Is a Public Inquiry?
A Public Inquiry is a formal hearing held by the Traffic Commissioner. It’s not a court, but it does follow legal procedures. It is used to examine concerns about an existing licence or during the process of an operator licence application, particularly when issues have come to light.
You may be called to a Public Inquiry if:
-
You’ve breached licence conditions or undertakings
-
There’s been a loss of good repute or financial standing
-
Your transport manager’s competence is in question
-
You’ve failed to maintain vehicles or follow safety rules
-
There are concerns about your restricted operators licence
It’s serious, but it also gives you the opportunity to explain your position and show how you’ve addressed the issues.
Why Are Public Inquiries Held?
To Protect Road Safety and Fair Competition
The Traffic Commissioner’s job is to protect public safety and ensure fair play in the road haulage and passenger transport sectors. The Commissioner must be confident that every operator is fit to hold a licence—this includes your systems, staff, and day-to-day operations.
If something has gone wrong, or if your systems are weak, the Commissioner needs to see evidence of restoration and a genuine willingness to improve.
What Is the Traffic Commissioner Looking For?
1. Evidence of Good Repute
Reputation matters. The Traffic Commissioner will look at:
-
Your compliance record
-
Any criminal convictions (personal or company-related)
-
Your attitude toward legal obligations
A single serious offence, or repeated failures, may suggest you’re not fit to hold a vehicle operators licence.
Show you care about safety and compliance by being honest, accountable, and committed to change.
2. Financial Standing
Ongoing financial standing is essential for keeping your operator licence. At the inquiry, you may be asked to provide:
-
Up-to-date bank statements
-
Overdraft agreements
-
Proof of funds covering your fleet (e.g. £8,000 for the first vehicle, £4,500 for each additional one)
Falling below the required financial threshold can lead to curtailment, suspension, or complete revocation unless clear plans for restoration are made.
3. Effective Management Systems
The Traffic Commissioner wants to see that your operation is run professionally and in line with regulations.
Expect questions about:
-
Vehicle maintenance systems and records
-
Driver checks and licence monitoring
-
Tachograph analysis and working time rules
-
Regular audits and management reviews
If you’re applying for a pco operator licence application, similar expectations around control and oversight apply, especially in passenger safety and record-keeping.
4. The Role of Your Transport Manager
For a standard operator licence, the transport manager plays a central role. If there are concerns about their competence, capacity, or involvement, the Traffic Commissioner will want explanations.
The manager must:
-
Hold a valid CPC qualification
-
Be actively involved in day-to-day operations
-
Not be overstretched by managing too many licences
Failure to meet these requirements often results in a call for a new, properly appointed manager—or worse, a suspended licence.
How to Prepare for the Public Inquiry
Don’t Go in Unprepared
Turning up without proper documents or explanations will only worsen your case. Start preparing as soon as you receive the notice.
Documents to Bring
-
Financial statements and bank letters
-
Maintenance records and inspection schedules
-
Driver training records
-
Evidence of disciplinary action (if relevant)
-
Updated compliance systems or audits
The more organised and professional your presentation, the better.
Demonstrate Corrective Actions
If something went wrong, admit it and show what you’ve done to fix it. The Commissioner isn’t looking for excuses—but they do appreciate honesty and effort.
For example:
-
Appointed a new transport manager
-
Implemented a digital maintenance system
-
Hired external transport consulting experts
-
Carried out driver CPC refresher training
The key is to prove that you’re committed to renewal and improvement.
What Outcomes Can You Expect?
The Traffic Commissioner May Decide To:
-
Take no further action if you’ve demonstrated full compliance
-
Issue a formal warning
-
Impose conditions or undertakings on your licence
-
Curtail the number of vehicles you’re allowed to operate
-
Suspend your licence for a set period
-
Revoke the licence entirely
They may also disqualify you (or your transport manager) from being involved in any vehicle operators licence for a period of time.
Every case is different—but how you handle the inquiry plays a major role in the final decision.
What If Your Licence Is Suspended or Revoked?
Don’t assume all is lost. You can apply for reinstatement or submit a new operator licence application later—once the Commissioner is satisfied that the original concerns have been addressed.
In these situations, having support from a professional transport consulting firm can make a huge difference. They’ll help you understand what went wrong, guide you through corrective actions, and prepare a solid application when it’s time for a fresh start.
The Importance of Professional Support
Facing a Public Inquiry is daunting. There’s a lot at stake—your business, your drivers, your reputation.
Working with experienced transport consulting professionals ensures you don’t walk in blind. They’ll help you:
-
Review your case and build a strong defence
-
Gather supporting evidence
-
Prepare for questions you may be asked
-
Present yourself confidently and respectfully
The Traffic Commissioner holds the responsibility of keeping our roads safe and transport operations fair. A Public Inquiry isn’t meant to punish—it’s meant to assess whether an operator remains fit to hold a licence.
If you’re open, honest, and show that you’re taking steps to put things right, you’ve already taken the first step toward preserving or regaining your licence.
Are you facing a Public Inquiry or concerned about compliance?
Contact Blue Flag Transport Consulting today for expert support in preparing your case, maintaining your vehicle operators licence, or handling your next operator licence application with confidence.