You can decide to represent yourself or ask someone to represent you, such as a lawyer. This could be someone else like a transport consultant if the traffic commissioner agrees. Evidence is not given under oath but witnesses have to tell the truth.
If you do not tell the truth you could lose your licence or face criminal charges.
What happens at the hearing
Report to the inquiry clerk as soon as you arrive, the traffic commissioner will then:
- Decide whether oppositions should be heard.
- Listen to the application outline and ask questions about it.
- Listen to objectors or a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) traffic examiner outline their cases and ask questions.
- Ask applicants and objectors to present their cases in detail – they or any of the parties may ask questions.
- Question applicants on how conditions added to the licence may affect their business.
- Ask applicants and objectors to sum up their cases.
The traffic commissioner will announce their decision at the time, or give it in writing later, usually within 28 days.
Decision and penalties that can be made
The traffic commissioner can decide to:
- Refuse to grant a licence.
- Refuse to vary an existing licence.
- Attach conditions to a licence.
- Grant a licence allowing fewer vehicles than the number applied for.
- Impose financial penalties on registered bus service operators.
- End or suspend an existing licence.
- Disqualify an individual or a company from having a licence.
- Disqualify transport managers.
You can appeal against the decision.
Follow this link to see a range of recent decisions that have been made by the traffic commissioner’s office in the north west region: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/applications-and-decisions-for-the-north-west-of-england#applications-and-decisions
