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Public Inquiries
Those who have been called to attend a Public Inquiry know that to achieve a successful outcome, it is crucial to prepare. The Traffic Commissioner needs to know that, despite failings, they can trust the Operator moving forward To do this, the Operator must prove they are compliant, not just say they are compliant.
In particular, the Operator must prove that the issues raised have been addressed. These may relate to:
- Operator Licensing
- Tachograph Systems
- Maintenance Systems
- Encounter History
- Failure to Notify
- Other Regulatory Matters
Operators need to prove that lessons have been learnt, and that they have implemented robust, remedial action and systems to prevent it from happening again and that these systems are continually monitored moving forward to prevent any repetition.
Our Tachographs & Transport Compliance team can assist you, whether you have been inspected by the DVSA, had a driver stopped and experienced a negative encounter, had directors, managers, or drivers interviewed, or received a Public Inquiry brief or a Court summons.
The earlier you contact us, the better. In some situations, taking action early in an investigation can prevent further inquiries down the road. We can refer you to specialist solicitors that we have worked with in the past if you need legal advice.
The first steps we take together are crucial, regardless of whether you are an Operator or the solicitor representing them. After reviewing the entire situation, we will analyse relevant information, examine the Public Inquiry Brief (if it has been served), identify areas of concern, and implement quick-response systems (tachograph, maintenance, and other statutory undertakings, as appropriate). These standards include those identified by the Transport Tribunal as the ‘Gold Standard’ for the transportation industry to prevent a recurrence.
As individuals and as a Company we are known to the Traffic Commissioners for being diligent and robust so, when you come to us for analysis, reports and advice, you have the peace of mind that our attention to detail, honesty and integrity are widely acknowledged and accepted.
You can rest assured that when you choose Foster Transport Compliance for analysis, reports and advice – our attention to detail, honesty and integrity are widely acknowledged and accepted by Traffic Commissioners and solicitors.
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Frequently Asked Questions.
If you have a question that has not been answered in our FAQs, get in touch with us and a member of the Foster Transport Compliance team will be able to provide further details.
A public inquiry is an investigation conducted by the Traffic Commissioner to determine whether an Operator has breached any regulations or standards related to their transport operation. It is essential to prepare for a public inquiry to prove that the Operator has addressed any issues raised and implemented robust remedial action to prevent recurrence. A successful outcome in a public inquiry requires detailed preparation and evidence of compliance.
An Operator needs to prove that they have addressed any issues raised, such as Tachograph and/or Maintenance Systems, Encounter History, Failure to Notify the Office of the Traffic Commissioner, or other regulatory matters. Operators must also demonstrate that they have implemented robust remedial action and systems to prevent a recurrence. The areas of concern may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the public inquiry.
Foster Transport Compliance team can assist Operators in preparing for a public inquiry, whether they have been inspected by the DVSA, had a driver stopped and experienced a negative encounter, had directors, managers, or drivers interviewed, or received a public inquiry brief or a summons. They can refer Operators to specialist solicitors if they need legal advice. The team will review the entire situation, analyse relevant information, and identify areas of concern. They will also implement quick-response systems (tachograph, maintenance, and other statutory undertakings) as appropriate to meet the 'Gold Standard' for the transportation industry to prevent recurrence.
When an Operator contacts Foster Transport Compliance for analysis, reports, and advice, they can expect attention to detail, honesty, and integrity. The team will conduct a thorough review of the situation, including any public inquiry brief (if served), analyse relevant information, identify areas of concern, and implement appropriate quick-response systems. The team is recognized as qualified experts to conduct analysis and audits that may be required following a successful public inquiry outcome.
Taking early action when faced with an investigation or public inquiry can prevent further inquiries down the road. In some situations, it may also help to reduce the severity of the investigation's outcome. Foster Transport Compliance team recommends taking the first steps together as soon as possible, whether an Operator or solicitor represents them. Early action enables the team to prepare more thoroughly, implement quick-response systems, and identify any areas of concern.
A Wealth of Experience in Transport Compliance
For more than 55 years, Foster Transport Compliance has been providing top-of-the-line service in tachograph systems, maintenance system compliance, operator licensing and compliance audits. From individual drivers to multinational companies, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail and professional approach.
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Ensure Continuous and Effective Management of Compliance
Many operators are not thoroughly audited and only a few undertake internal audits. Even fewer have a “tick-box” approach to auditing. This is problematic because as we have seen, many clients come to us after a major compliance issue has arisen, at which point the underlying problem has been detected by the enforcement body. Get in touch with us to find out more about you can proactively monitor and audit systems.