Traffic commissioner public inquiries
Objecting to a licence
Licence applications are made public. Objections can be made by certain public bodies and in some cases individuals.
Objections by public bodies
Bodies that can object to a licence application include:
- local and planning authorities
- the police
- some trade associations and trade unions
When a public body can object
A public body can object to a licence about the:
- professional competence of the operator or its transport manager
- operator’s finances
- operator’s reputation or fitness to hold a licence
- operator’s arrangements for vehicle maintenance and drivers� hours
- operating centre’s environmental standards and general conditions
Objections must be put in writing to the traffic commissioner within 21 days of a licence application being made public.
You can see the latest applications and traffic commissioner decisions in the regularly updated ‘Applications and Decisions� guides for goods vehicles and the ‘Notices and Proceedings� guides for public service vehicles (PSVs).
Read the guide on goods vehicle operator licensing for further information.
Objections by individuals (representations)
If a vehicle operator wants to add an operating centre to a licence or make changes to an existing centre, owners and residents of land nearby can object. This is called a ‘representation�.
However, representations must be about environmental issues, such as concern over noise, and only if they’re going to affect the owner or resident’s ‘use or enjoyment� of the land.
Read the guide on making a representation or complaint for further information.