Traffic Commissioner
What is a Public Inquiry (PI)?
A public inquiry held by the
Traffic Commissioner is a formal hearing that investigates any concerns related
to the safety, compliance, and conduct of commercial vehicle operators,
drivers, and transport managers. The inquiry is conducted by an independent
Traffic Commissioner, who is appointed by the UK government.
During a public inquiry, the Traffic Commissioner
has the power to question witnesses, review evidence, and make decisions that
can affect the future of the operator's license. The inquiry may cover a wide
range of topics, including vehicle maintenance, driver hours, road safety, and
environmental compliance.
Some examples of issues that may trigger a public
inquiry include:
A
history of non-compliance, such as repeated traffic violations, vehicle
defects, or driver misconduct.
Serious
accidents involving a commercial vehicle.
Complaints
from the public or other operators about the safety or conduct of a
commercial vehicle operator.
Significant
changes to an operator's business, such as the acquisition of new vehicles
or the appointment of a new transport manager.
The Traffic Commissioner may take a range of
actions based on the outcome of the public inquiry, including:
Revoking
or suspending the operator's license.
Imposing
conditions on the license, such as requiring additional training or
vehicle inspections.
Imposing
financial penalties or ordering the operator to pay costs related to the
inquiry.
Disqualifying
a driver or transport manager from holding an operator's license.
