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Commercial Transport Law Solicitors

Transport Law Specialists

Expert specialists in legal support for businesses operating goods or passenger vehicles.

Why you many need help from a Solicitor

Few people outside the transport sector understand how tightly regulated the industry is. With piles of laws, regulations, standards and best practice, its not surprising that businesses involved in transport have regular need for legal support. Its also a competitive sector with acute commercial pressures. Things do go wrong and sometimes you need professional support navigating the complexities of things such as operator licensing just as one example. We're here to help with all your legal and regulatory needs.

You should feel free to pick up the phone and speak to us at any time to discuss your problems and requirements. We’ll be very glad to listen to your issue, give you feedback and tell you how we can help you. Where we can help you, we’ll assess your case and propose an action plan. This is all absolutely free of charge and without obligation so please pick up the phone and get in touch.

Typical things we can help you with:

As well as transport law and regulatory issues, we can advise you on business and employment. Common things we help our clients with are:-

Why people turn to us for help

We help a large number of transport related businesses with their legal problems every year. We believe this is because we provide:-

  • Successful outcomes to problems, we’re very good at what we do. You’re in very safe hands.
  • Value for money at reasonable rates. We normally offer you a Fixed Price Fee so the full cost is certain from the start.
  • You can pay us through a monthly instalment plan if you need to.
  • When necessary we can work at short notice and pull out all the stops for you.

We can help you wherever you are based

We provide a truly national service. It doesn’t matter whereabouts in the country you are based, we can help you.

We cover public inquiries in all UK Traffic Areas : North East, South West, North West, South East, West Midlands, Eastern, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We deal with operator licence applications from any part of the UK. We can represent you in all Courts and Tribunals throughout England and Wales.

Some more info about how we work

We are experts in our specialist field and have high success rates

Over 15 years experience, we’re set up to provide you with the best specialist advice and representation on transport law matters. Our clients achieve very high success rates helped by our commitment and genuine interest in winning cases.

Free discussion and initial assessment of your case

You can speak to us without obligation and run through the issues with a solicitor. You’ll get comments on your case and a proposal on how we can help. Pick up the phone and call.

Strategic approach

We do far more than blandly going through the legal motions. We discuss and agree a plan to go forward intelligently and with a clear purpose based on your needs and desired outcome.

Fixed price fees, payment options and instalment plans available

You’ll probably find it helpful for costs to be transparent, fixed and if need be payable by regular monthly instalments. Our client generally find this far better for cash flow and budgeting than hourly rates where the final bill is unknown.

Nationwide Service

We work for transport operators in all parts of the United Kington including England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.  Wherever you are based in the country, we can help, advise and represent you exactly the same.  

Contact us with your commercial transport law matters 

The best way to find out if we can help you and if you’d like us to work for you is to pick up the phone and call us. We’ll be happy to speak to you, listen to your problem and give you some feedback on how we might be able to help.

You can contact us at any time, free and without obligation, on 0800 1777 522.

Call us for free on 0800 1777 522

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We advise and represent transport businesses throughout the whole of the UK in all parts of England, Scotland, Wales and N.Ireland. 

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Latest Info Articles

Applications for an O Licence — Why Accuracy Is Critical
September 01, 2025
Anyone seeking to operate heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) or passenger service vehicles (PSVs) must approach the Operator’s Licence (O Licence) application process with precision and care—especially where...
Case Study: Operator’s Licence Application Form – Why Getting It Right Matters
July 18, 2025
Applying for an Operator’s Licence (O Licence) is more than just completing a form—it's a demonstration of trustworthiness. The Traffic Commissioner (TC) will only grant a licence if satisfied that th...
Case Study: Failure to Follow Up on Audit Leads to Second Public Inquiry
June 15, 2025
Being called to a Public Inquiry is a serious matter for any operator. But facing two inquiries within a year can put an operator’s very survival at risk. In this case, our client—a licensed operator—...
All Info Articles

IF YOU NEED HELP OR ADVICE

Call us today for free on 0800 1777 522
Send us an enquiry online via our contact form HERE
Email us on contact@nalegal.co.uk

Latest Transport Law

Applications for an O Licence — Why Accuracy Is Critical 01 September 2025
Transport Law

Anyone seeking to operate heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) or passenger service vehicles (PSVs) must approach the Operator’s Licence (O Licence) application process with precision and care—especially where there is a history of regulatory issues. This is particularly important in cases involving previously surrendered or revoked licences.

We were recently instructed by a company whose previous O Licence had been revoked within the past year. The company had entered financial difficulty and was placed into administration. They notified the Office of the Traffic Commissioner (OTC), but unfortunately failed to respond adequately to follow-up inquiries. When the OTC requested further information, the company did not reply. Although they attempted to surrender the licence voluntarily, the Traffic Commissioner (TC) ultimately revoked it.

A new application was submitted by a newly formed company with the same directors. This triggered a public inquiry before the TC—a crucial opportunity to demonstrate two key points:

• That the company would be fully compliant with O Licence requirements

• That the directors retained the necessary repute, despite the circumstances surrounding the administration

We worked closely with the company’s transport manager and directors to prepare a comprehensive submission, which was sent in advance of the hearing (typically required at least two weeks prior). With experienced staff now in place, the compliance issues were straightforward to address. The more challenging aspect was persuading the TC that the directors’ conduct did not warrant refusal of the licence.

TCs scrutinise applications rigorously to uphold the principle of fair competition. In this case, our detailed submission addressed all potential concerns. At the hearing, the director and transport manager provided clear and credible first-person evidence, reinforcing the points made in our written materials. We argued that this operator could be trusted and would conform to O Licence compliance and fair competition.

The licence was granted with immediate effect.

Case Study: Operator’s Licence Application Form – Why Getting It Right Matters 18 July 2025
Transport Law
Applying for an Operator’s Licence (O Licence) is more than just completing a form—it's a demonstration of trustworthiness. The Traffic Commissioner (TC) will only grant a licence if satisfied that the applicant can be relied upon to comply with the responsibilities that come with it. That trust starts with the application.

The Application Form – A Critical First Impression

For new applicants, the first and most important step is completing the application form correctly. Done properly, a licence can often be granted within the target timeframe of six weeks or less. Done incorrectly, and the process can stall or even result in a proposed refusal and a call to attend a public inquiry (PI).

One of our clients experienced exactly that.

The Issue: An Honest Mistake with Serious Consequences

Our client had submitted an application which, on its face, appeared to be incomplete. Specifically, it failed to declare a historic association with a previous O Licence application. While the omission was a genuine mistake, it raised a red flag for the TC.

The Office of the Traffic Commissioner (OTC) treated the matter seriously. The failure to declare past associations can suggest negligence—or worse—and it called into question the applicant’s reliability.

Our Approach: Full Disclosure and Positive Evidence

We assisted our client in preparing a comprehensive written submission to the TC's office in advance of the hearing. This included:

  • A clear explanation of how the error occurred.

  • Evidence showing that there was no intent to mislead.

  • Detailed information about the client’s proposed compliance systems.

  • Supporting documentation showing that the error had brought no advantage—only the disadvantage of triggering a PI.

The Outcome: Licence Granted with Conditions

At the public inquiry, the client gave open and honest answers about the error and demonstrated an up-to-date understanding of the maintenance and compliance obligations expected of O Licence holders.

The TC was ultimately satisfied that the application had been made in good faith. The licence was granted, with a condition that the operator complete an independent systems audit within six months and submit the findings to the OTC.

Key Takeaway: Accuracy is Essential

This case serves as a clear reminder of the importance of getting the application right first time. Even minor errors can result in delays, additional scrutiny, and the stress and cost of a public inquiry.

If you're applying for an O Licence, it pays to seek professional guidance from the start. Our team can help you navigate the process, ensure your paperwork is accurate and complete, and give you the best chance of a smooth application.
Case Study: Failure to Follow Up on Audit Leads to Second Public Inquiry 15 June 2025
Transport Law
Being called to a Public Inquiry is a serious matter for any operator. But facing two inquiries within a year can put an operator’s very survival at risk. In this case, our client—a licensed operator—found themselves before the Traffic Commissioner for the second time in under twelve months. The issue? Failure to follow through on a straightforward undertaking given at the first hearing.

The First Public Inquiry

The operator initially faced a Public Inquiry due to several maintenance failings, along with wider compliance concerns. On paper, the case looked serious. However, the company was committed to improvement and had started taking corrective action even before the hearing date was set.

We were instructed in good time and provided detailed advice not just on the maintenance issues raised, but also on other areas of compliance that had not been fully appreciated by the operator. The company took on board our recommendations and made a robust response to the DVSA’s findings. At the inquiry, the Traffic Commissioner acknowledged the positive steps taken, and the outcome was a formal warning—no more.

The Missed Undertaking

One of the undertakings given at the first hearing was for the operator to arrange an independent systems audit within six months. This was a clear and reasonable requirement. Unfortunately, the audit was not carried out within the required timeframe, and no communication was made with the Traffic Commissioner’s office.

When the TC’s office followed up, the operator explained that the failure had been an honest oversight. An audit was booked immediately, but by then it was too late to avoid the consequences. A second Public Inquiry was called—this time with the O Licence at serious risk.

The Second Hearing

We were instructed once again. The operator accepted our further advice and offered several new undertakings to address the situation. As before, the company’s director and transport manager presented well at the hearing.

In our legal submissions, we emphasised that this was a compliant and responsible operator that had learned from past mistakes and was not a threat to road safety or fair competition. We acknowledged the seriousness of the repeat appearance but highlighted the progress made and the company’s genuine efforts to get things right.

The Outcome

Despite being unimpressed by the need for a second hearing, the Traffic Commissioner accepted that the business had taken appropriate action and showed genuine intent to comply. While revocation was considered, the TC decided—just—to stop short of it.

The result was a short, two-week curtailment of vehicle authority. Given the circumstances, this was a remarkable outcome.

Our client recognised how close they had come to losing their licence altogether and expressed their sincere thanks for our guidance and representation throughout both proceedings.

© 2025 NA Legal, a trading name of NAL Business Law Limited
NA Legal is a trading name of NAL Business Law Limited, Company No : 10566328 Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales
Directors : Simon Newman and Eliot Willis. SRA Reg No : 654942  www.SRA.org.uk

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