Northern Ireland Operator’s Licence Granted After 3-Years Delay

Our client in this case had originally applied for an LGV Operators’ Licence in March 2017.  In April 2020, following an unexplained delay of 2-years waiting for the DVA to action his application, our rather patient client contacted us for help. Unfortunately we then had the Covid-19 Lockdown and so a further delay arose. Finally, our client’s application was considered at Public Inquiry by the Presiding Officer of the TRU, who considered issues of Financial Standing, some very old infringements and a suggestion of ‘Fronting’.

Simon Clarke BL, representing our client, dealt with all of these issues to satisfy the Presiding Officer that the applicant was a person who met the criteria and could be trusted with a Licence and so, after 3½-years of largely unnecessary delay, our client has his Operators’ Licence.

It is worth noting that the TRU’s explanation for what is essentially an endemic delay to which all Public Inquiry work by the TRU is subject, is that of the unavailability of properly qualified Presiding Officers. Given that the TRU is a Public Body established by the Government, this is a wholly unsatisfactory and unacceptable excuse – applicants are entitled to have their applications considered and ruled upon within a reasonable time, rather then be kept waiting for in excess of, in some cases, 3-years or more.

Smith Bowyer Clarke’s Public Inquiry team has a strong track record in representing Operators and drivers at Public Inquiries across the United Kingdom. In addition, Simon is a member of the Northern Ireland Bar and so is able to represent clients before all of the Northern Ireland courts. If you need urgent advice contact us immediately by using the enquiry on our home page or by telephoning our 24-hours number.