Called to Public Inquiry ?
If you have received a letter from the Traffic Commissioner asking you to attend a Public Inquiry then you need to bear the following in mind:-
- There could be serious consequences following from the Public Inquiry - your operator's licence is your livelihood.
- There are no second chances to present the evidence and adjournments are only granted in very exceptional cases.
- Remember that everything that is said at a Public Inquiry is recorded on tape in case it is needed for future reference.
- Expect to be questioned in depth by the Traffic Commissioner
- The Traffic Commissioner will expect that you come to the Public Inquiry well prepared. Arriving on the day without all your documentation with you will not be looked on very favourably, nor will ignoring requests to send in information beforehand.
The advice that you receive on transport law could make the difference between losing or keeping the licence. Solicitors and barristers are qualified to give legal advice. Using a solicitor means that you have the added protection of knowing that solicitors have to comply with strict requirements that are for the sole benefit of protecting the client. All solicitors have to include the words "Regulated by the Solicitors' Regulation Authority" on their material.
Those attending a public inquiry in 2010, should be aware that the government have introduced new financial requirements for holders of standard national and standard international licences. There has been a significant increase in the amount of money required with an increase from £6200 to £8100 for the 1st vehicle and from £3400 to £4500 for each subsequent vehicle. This means an increase of nearly £12,000 for a fleet of 10 vehicles. The increase is due to the fall in the value of the pound against the euro but is a significant additional financial burden that operators could well do without in these difficult times.
Although it is important for operators to keep an eye on costs, qualified legal advice and representation need not costs the earth. If you have been called to an inquiry and would like to discuss your case, please contact me on 01756 790631
Topics
- January 2012 - Traffic Commissioners issue guidance for applications for operator licences during the Olympics
- January 2012 - Traffic Commissioners issue guidance for applications for operator licences during the Olympics
- December 2011 - A new approach from Traffic Commissioners to public inquiries
- November 2011 - VOSA introduces new application form for an operator’s licence
- October 2011 - Operator licence holders – don’t miss the 17 October deadline
- September 2011 - Being green – but still need a tachograph
- August 2011 - Tachograph offences – what constitutes driving?
- July 2011 - Face to face with the Traffic Commissioner
- July 2011 - Directory of detailed advice given in Topic of the Month articles.
- June 2011 - MOTs – get VOSA on side
- May 2011 - Traffic Commissioners get tough with Transport Managers
- April 2011 - Financial standing for operators – another nail in the coffin of the small haulier?
- March 2011 - Changes to drink drive laws
- February 2011 - Car insurance – is yours valid?
- January 2011 - An operator’s licence or not an operator’s licence?
- December 2010 - Stuck in traffic - no joke
- November 2010 - Getting the message across
- September 2010 - New drivers - make sure that you are insured.
- August 2010 - A change of mind
- July 2010 - Legal costs – a victory for the innocent
- June 2010 - Taking an LGV driving test - make sure you know the rules
- May 2010 - Driver unable to find safe parking
- April 2010 - How soon do I need to “report “ an accident?
- February 2010 - Pitfalls when applying for an operator's licence
- January 2010 - Called to Public Inquiry ?
- December 2009 - Careless talk costs points on the licence
- November 2009 - Your NIP is in the post!
- October 2009 - Thinking of making an application of an operator's licence?
- September 2009 - Are VOSA targeting the right vehicles?
- August 2009 - The new driver CPC - the hidden costs for non-compliance
- July 2009 - Driver defect reporting- yet more paper filling or the key to successful operation?
- June 2009 - Beware of the dangers of summer drinking
- May 2009 - Taking the penalty
- April 2009 - New "L" plate proposals
- March 2009 - Duties to the Traffic Commissioner when a business fails
- February 2009 - Don't get caught without an operator's licence
- January 2009 - How to lose your operator's licence without thinking
- December 2008 - Perils associated with a winter wonderland
- November 2008 - Time to get tough on Working Time
- October 2008 - Blue badge parking - abuse and reform
- September 2008 - New provisions for careless driving.
- August 2008 - All change to operator licensing
- July 2008 - First impressions count