It’s a situation no operator wants to find themselves in, but many do – being called to a Public Inquiry. At this year’s Coach & Bus UK, visitors found out more about the process and how to avoid it
At Coach & Bus UK, visitors to The Theatre were given a detailed look into the common pitfalls that can affect operators and find them called to a Public Inquiry (PI).
The mock PI was hosted by broadcaster and journalist Dave Guest, with Backhouse Jones solicitor Laura Hadzik on hand to explain the process, and DVSA Traffic Examiner Peter Yarrington (pictured right) standing in as Mr Tyre – the Transport Manager of fictional company Tyres Travel Limited, who had been called to attend the PI.
Backhouse Jones Director Andrew Woolfall (pictured left) played the role of Traffic Commissioner, and the audience heard that following two roadside checks, which subsequently resulted in two ‘S’ marked prohibitions, the company had been subject to an unannounced maintenance check.
It was during this that a number of compliance and record keeping issues were discovered, and an MOT success rate of just 56%. The financial standings of the company were also called into question.
When questioned by the TC, Mr Tyre was unaware of many of the shortcomings of the business, and had not yet put any changes in place to rectify them.
For TCs when making their decision, it is this lack of action along the lengthy process to a PI that can mean the difference between curtail, suspension or revocation of a licence.
Though fictional, the scenario presented was one that TCs deal with on a regular basis – and one that can be avoided when the proper standards and regulations are maintained.
Not knowing isn’t a defence, and it’s up to operators to be aware of the rules and regulations that govern their operations and keep on track – or face possible action at a real PI.
