Partner & Head of Transport
Anton Balkitis leads the Transport Law team and is a nationally recognised Transport and Motoring Law specialist at Nottingham-based law firm Rotheras Solicitors.
Representation in Magistrates’ and Crown Courts
Traffic Commissioners’ Disciplinary and Environmental Public Inquiries
Motorist Defence & all Road Traffic Offences
Prosecutions for Goods & PSV Operators & Drivers
Advocacy at Trials, Appeals and Plea Hearings
Operator Licensing & Regulatory Compliance
Civil Penalties & Stowaways
International / Carriers Liability
Driver Conduct hearings
Vehicle Seizures / Impounding
Driving Licence Entitlements and Totting Up
DVSA Investigations
Representation at Coroners’ Inquests
Health & Safety
Environment Agency Prosecutions
Anton is one of the country’s leading experts in his field and has been recognised as a leading individual by the Legal 500 and Chambers legal directories for many years. In 2018 he was recognised by the Legal 500 Hall of Fame as a lawyer who has received constant praise from his clients for continued excellence. Legal 500 states that “The Hall of Fame highlights partners who are at the pinnacle of the profession”. Legal 500 describes that Anton has “a wealth of experience on all aspects of transport law..”.
Anton deals with road transport and regulatory law for all types of business. Anton is able to provide expert legal advice and advocacy defending commercial operators, professional drivers and private motorists on a wide range of prosecutions including vehicle offences and licence entitlements. He represents at both Goods and Passenger Service Vehicle Operator Licensing public inquiries before Traffic Commissioners. He is a regular in Magistrates’ Courts across England & Wales. As well as being a member of the main transport trade associations, Anton sits on the Logistics UK Regional Freight Council. He is also is a member of the International Road Transport Union’s Legal Assistance Network and frequently acts for EU and Non EU operators in Carrier’s Liability (Clandestine Entrants) cases and with vehicle seizures. Anton is based at our Lace Market office in Nottingham.
2018 Legal 500 Hall of Fame
“Anton Balkitis leads the transport team at the firm and has substantial experience acting for commercial goods hauliers and other transport operators. He advises on a range of contentious issues including operator licence, maintenance and tachograph matters, with a wealth of experience acting in public inquiries before Traffic Commissioners. "Anton understands our business and how we operate and is very personable." "He is very knowledgeable in all aspects of transport law. ”Chambers UK, 2022
“Anton has substantial experience acting for commercial goods hauliers and other transport operators. He advises on a range of contentious issues including operator licence, maintenance and tachograph matters, with a wealth of experience acting in public inquiries before Traffic Commissioners."Anton is a highly informed and personable lawyer.”Chambers UK, 2020
“On product knowledge, they are on top of their game i.e Anton has extensive knowledge of road transport law & a constant willingness to help.”Chris Ruane – Public Authority Development Officer at The Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport
“We were called to a public inquiry regarding our O Licence and I instructed Anton to represent before the Traffic Commissioner. Anton was able to safeguard the licence and is very knowledgeable in road transport law. I would always recommend his help”Mick Moody – Moody International Refrigeration Ltd
“I highly recommend efficient, proactive and highly competent Mr Balkitis and his excellent team of skilled legal experts that support our Company in the UK”Frederic Giustetti, Vice President of Operations, Transfreight Automotive Logistics Europe
“Anton’s persistence helped secure our operator’s licence. His representation at public inquiry and help throughout was exceptional. The service was worth every penny!”Susan Briggs, Rapid Travel Ltd
“I have worked with Anton on numerous occasions and find his dedication and commitment to his profession outstanding. He has an in depth knowledge of the transport industry and an unquestionable ability to apply his legal knowledge to real operational situations. Anton's ability to work closely with the business under pressure is a key skill and I have no hesitation in recommending him.”John Matthews, Head Of UK Fleet & Procurement MSOE MIRTE EngTech at XPO Logistics
“I instructed the firm to assist in obtaining an Operator's Licence for my Company. Anton knew what the Traffic Commissioner wanted and made detailed representations on my behalf to secure the grant of my Operator's Licence. I can highly recommend Anton concerning issues with the Traffic Commissioner's Office.”Nigel Haines, Phil Haines Coaches Ltd
“I recently used Anton to defend me on my speeding case. It was going to be a difficult one having argued exceptional hardship twice in the last 18 months. Anton put together a novel argument outlining the impact of a driving ban on television production companies and charitable organisations with which I work. The court accepted the argument and I escaped a driving ban. When it comes to driving offences, as a professional motorcycle racer and lorry driver I would not hesitate to recommend Anton and his team.”Guy Martin, road racer, engine builder, professional pistonhead, author and star of film & TV, Lincolnshire
“It was a pleasure working with Anton. Thank you for all your help. I can’t speak highly enough of his firm. They specialise in Traffic Commissioner’s Public Inquiries and are simply the best!”E Colson, Transport Manager, Colson Transport Ltd.
“We’ve used Anton and Rothera Sharp for many years and are always delighted with the clear, calm and sound advice. With Anton you’re always in good hands”Lucie Oglesby, Pykett Bros. Haulage
“Anton Balkitis frequently represents the operators of both goods and passenger vehicles in court proceedings. Clients remark: "He has a commercial understanding of real-life issues and will always provide a balanced view”Chambers UK, 2019
2018 Legal 500 Hall of Fame
Rotheras Personal Injury Department is pleased to announce its support of the Back Up Trust.
Posted on 11/05/2022
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