Operator Keeps Repute and Avoids Revocation at Traffic Commissioner’s Public Inquiry

Solicitor, Laura Newton, represented our client, the holder of a Goods Vehicle Operators’ Licence, who was called to Public Inquiry for consideration of Licence revocation. It was accepted that there had been a ‘fronting’ operation although this was not through a dishonest intent. The Operator had attempted to surrender the Licence via the Central Licencing Office, but was referred to a hearing. Although fronting is always taken seriously by the Traffic Commissioner, we were able to show that the Operator was honest, had acted reasonably and quickly to rectify the situation and could be trusted to re-enter to the Licencing regime in the future is his business required this. The Operator retained his good repute and the Deputy Traffic Commissioner allowed the surrender of the Licence rather than terminating the entitlement by means of a formal revocation.