Applying for an Operator’s Licence
Applying for an Operator’s Licence
Applying for a new operator’s licence can be a frustrating process. Applicants often find they have to deal with many requests for further information from the Central Licensing Office. A badly handled application can even result in a Public Inquiry hearing with the Traffic Commissioner.
At Rotheras, our transport solicitors are experts in all operator licensing matters. We can manage the application process and respond to any requests for information on your behalf.
We understand that some applications are time sensitive. Our team can help you to apply for an urgent interim licence so you can start operating as soon as possible.
Common Application Problems
There are many reasons an application for a new licence can run into difficulties. These include:
Financial standing problems
You will have to show that you have enough money available to keep your vehicles in good repair. We can advise on the forms of financial evidence that will be accepted.
Failing to declare other licences or previous convictions
The Central Licensing Office will expect you to declare all operator licences you or anyone named in the application has been involved in, along with any relevant previous convictions. If you have failed to declare, they will want to know why.
“Fronting” concerns
The Traffic Commissioner may want assurances that any new application is not a “front” for a disqualified director. Concerns of this kind can often arise from a simple misunderstanding but, unless handled carefully, can lead to a Public Inquiry.
“Main occupation” concerns
If you are applying for a restricted PSV licence, you will have to show that you meet the “main occupation” requirement. We can advise you on this complex area of law and can help you to show that you meet this requirement.
Operating centre “environmental” objections
If you want to apply to use a site to operate goods vehicles you will need to advertise this in a local newspaper. We can help you to respond to any complaints from either the local authority or local residents.
What Type of Operator’s Licence do I need?
If can sometimes be difficult to know what type of operator’s licence you need, or whether you in fact need one at all.
Our transport solicitors can advise on whether you fall within an exemption from operator licensing, and if not, what type of licence you should apply for.
There are three types of Operator’s Licence:
- Restricted Operator’s Licence
- Standard Operator’s Licence
- Standing International Operator’s Licence
The application requirements vary depending on whether you are applying for a goods vehicle or PSV licence, and the type of goods or passengers you are carrying.
Public Inquiry Hearings
If the Traffic Commissioner has concerns with your application, you may be called to a Public Inquiry hearing. A Public Inquiry is a type of public regulatory court hearing at which you will be questioned and your application scrutinized. Our advocates are extremely experienced in representing applicants at Public Inquiry hearings.
Public Inquiries – further information
For more information on applying for an Operator’s Licence contact our Road Transport Law Team on 0115 910 6210 or email transportlaw@rotheras.co.uk.
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“Our experienced and specialist team represent clients nationally on a day-to-day basis”
Anton Balkitis
Head of Transport Law
Posted 27/01/2020
"Impressive group with expertise in both matrimonial finance cases and children matters. A strong childcare team handles cases involving physical and emotional abuse, as well as fatalities. Well versed in matters with international aspects, Hague Convention cases, as well as adoption and guardianship issues.
Chambers UK, 2018
Posted 27/01/2020
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
Posted 27/01/2020
Impressive group with expertise in both matrimonial finance cases and children matters. A strong childcare team handles cases involving physical and emotional abuse, as well as fatalities. Well versed in matters with international aspects, Hague Convention cases, as well as adoption and guardianship issues.
Chambers UK, 2018
Posted 02/06/2020
Chris Powell at Rotheras was recommended to us by a trusted associate within the Transport Industry; without doubt we wouldn’t have had the excellent outcome we did without his and his team’s involvement. The level of professionalism, expert advice and assistance was faultless; we felt reassured and well informed throughout the whole process. It was a pleasure to do business with him and would highly recommend his services!
Julian Brindley - John Brindley Ltd
Posted 12/08/2020
The team at Rotheras, and Mr Powell in particular, have provided us with an outstanding service. We are extremely grateful for the help and support they gave us in dealing with issues relating to our transport operations and our goods vehicle operators licence. Mr Powell was professional, knowledgable, efficient and effective. He quickly understood our business and the problem we had. He responded with sensible advice and acted quickly on our behalf to resolve the matter. I cannot thank him enough for his help and I would recommend Mr Powell, and the Rotheras team, without hesitation. I am extremely grateful for the help they gave us.
Richard Hitchcock - Hitchcock & King
Posted 12/08/2020
I would highly recommend James Briggs, solicitor at Rotheras. He has been extremely helpful, patient and thorough whilst helping me with affairs following the death of my husband. Even during lockdown (covid) he maintained communication and kept me informed of what was happening. He successfully achieved the outcome I needed and I would not hesitate to recommend him.
Yvonne Gold
Posted 30/09/2020
We are in the middle of launching our own packaging agency and contacted Rotheras for some professional legal advice with regards to contracts. After an initial call with Billy, he made it clear what we needed and asked plenty of questions to understand what it was we needed. He was very responsive to our questions, whether it be over the phone or via emails and made the process really simple. We had little experience in this area so it was fantastic to work with Billy, who explained everything concisely. We were also really pleased with the quick turnaround and great value offered. Would thoroughly recommend working with Rotheras.
Tom Burden, Director of Rightbox Ltd
Posted 30/09/2020
Billy understood our requirement from the get go and really nailed down on what we needed in our commercial agency agreement. Billy kept us informed every step of the way and showed great professionalism. We would recommend his services to any start-up business who is in need of legal advice and guidance with commercial contracts.
Axl Barber, Sales Director of Rightbox Ltd
Posted 11/02/2021
I was extremely pleased with the service that Kerry provided in order to sell my mothers house. Good, prompt communication and all questions dealt with or answered as requested. Consequently I would recommend yours services to others.
Adam Stevens
Posted 25/03/2021
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
Posted 25/03/2021
Chris Powell focuses his practice on road transport issues, regularly representing haulage, transport and logistics companies. He has considerable experience in regulatory matters involving operator licences and compliance failings, as well as more serious criminal investigations relating to fraud.
Chambers UK, 2020
Posted 07/06/2021
Dear Sally, I can’t thank you enough for today! You took the pressure off me and I felt so looked after and understood everything that was happening. Thank you so much!
Kelly Neave
Anton Balkitis
a.balkitis@rotheras.co.uk
Anton Balkitis leads the Transport Law team and is a nationally recognised Transport and Motoring Law specialist at Nottingham-based law firm Rotheras Solicitors.
Natalie Abbott
n.abbott@rotheras.co.uk
Natalie is an Employment Law specialist with over 10 years’ experience representing both businesses and individuals across a range of employment services including settlement agreements, discrimination, dismissals and redundancy.
Olivia Maginn
o.maginn@rotheras.co.uk
Olivia Maginn is a transport and motoring law specialist at Nottingham based law firm Rotheras Solicitors.
Chris Powell
c.powell@rotheras.co.uk
Chris Powell is a senior associate solicitor at Rotheras, specialising in road transport law and motorist defence. He advises and represents haulage and PSV operator licence holders, Transport Managers and drivers on all road transport regulatory matters.
Lindsey Richmond
l.richmond@rotheras.co.uk
Lindsey is a Chartered Legal Executive and Paralegal based in our transport and motorist offence department.
Billy Shaw
b.shaw@rotheras.co.uk
Billy advises businesses on a range of commercial and corporate issues and is happy to assist you with buying or selling businesses, corporate mergers and shareholder agreements
Hardeep Chumber
h.chumber@rotheras.co.uk
Hardeep Chumber is a paralegal in Rotheras Motoring and Transport department and is based at our Lace Market office.
Lauryn Wright
l.wright@rotheras.co.uk
Lauryn Wright is a paralegal in Rotheras’ Transport and Motoring department and is based at our Head Office in the Lace Market.
Transport Manager Keeps Good Repute at Traffic Commissioner’s Public Inquiry
Traffic Commissioner’s Public Inquiry Eastbourne January 2021 We were instructed by a Transport Manager called to a Public Inquiry by the Traffic Commissioner. The Transport Manager had been an external Transport Manager on an operators’ licence held by a single vehicle bus company. Despite being granted a licence, the business had not in fact started […]Posted on 17th February 2021