Operators are invited to a ’Mock Traffic Commissioner Public Inquiry’ on Wednesday 10 July at Senate House, University of London, organised by Motor Transport, Weightmans and Brigade Electronics.

This will be a unique opportunity for transport managers, fleet directors and transport professionals to experience a simulated Traffic Commissioner’s Public Inquiry in a safe and engaging environment.

The event will be designed and presented by Weightmans’ specialist road transport regulatory lawyers, with years of experience representing operators at real public inquiries nationwide.

It will feature real-life operators playing key roles, such as drivers and transport managers, to add to the realism of the event.

The mock inquiry is free to attend and will provide essential insight on what to expect at a public inquiry and the type of questions and evidence required from operators, should they find themselves in this situation.

Chris Powell, partner at Weightmans, said: “We are delighted to host this event in collaboration with Motor Transport and Brigade Electronics, bringing forth an exciting and informative demonstration of an operator, transport manager and driver being called to a public inquiry by the Traffic Commissioner.

”At Weightmans, our team of specialist road transport regulatory lawyers have an expert understanding of the legal conventions, rules and regulations related to this specific scenario, as well as the wider transport and logistics sector.

”This will be a fantastic opportunity for transport managers, operators and fleet directors to experience a simulated Traffic Commissioner’s Public Inquiry in a safe and engaging environment.”

Emily Hardy, marketing manager at Brigade Electronics UK, added: ”We are all well aware of the potential consequences when an HGV driver fails to check their blind spots and drive with due care and attention, when the worst happens.

”More commonly, transport managers face scrutiny from the Traffic Commissioner for minor offences, which can reveal non-compliance issues and lead to significant financial repercussions for companies. This event will specifically examine the implications of installing non-compliant DVS equipment.”

Places at the event are capped, so if you would like to join us, please register your interest as soon as possible.

The scenario

The Traffic Commissioner has reviewed your case and is concerned about aspects of your company’s operation. It has therefore been decided to hold a mock Public Inquiry, to consider these apparent shortcomings. The Traffic Commissioner will then decide whether they can trust you to comply in the future and whether any action against the company’s operator’s licence is needed.

These are serious matters. Your licence and therefore your business are at stake.

The issues

The issues of concern to the Traffic Commissioner include:

  • A DVSA roadside stop in which one of your vehicles was found to be in breach of the Direct Vision Standard requirements

  • A follow up DVSA/police compliance visit marked “unsatisfactory”

  • The evidence of your former driver, who will be in attendance as a hostile witness

If the Traffic Commissioner concludes that you have failed to comply with the conditions on your licence, they may take action against your licence, including in the form of a revocation, suspension or curtailment.

Agenda

09.30 – 10.00 Arrival and networking

10.00 – 11.00 Introduction and review of evidence pack

11.00 – 11.15 Coffee break

11.15 – 12.30 Public Inquiry – proceedings and evidence

13.00 – 14.00 Lunch

14.00 – 14.30 Public Inquiry - decision and outcome

14.30 – 15.00 Q&A

15.00 - Optional networking