BUS & COACH

Bus and coach operations are subject to intense regulatory scrutiny, reflecting the safety-critical nature of passenger transport. Compliance failures can lead to immediate enforcement action, regulatory hearings before the Traffic Commissioner, and serious reputational and commercial consequences.

I advise bus and coach operators, directors and transport managers on licensing, compliance systems, investigations and enforcement, with a focus on protecting operator licences, maintaining service continuity and managing regulatory risk.

Bus and coach operators must comply with a complex regulatory framework that goes well beyond day to day operational pressures. Traffic Commissioners and enforcement bodies will typically focus on the following areas:

• Operator licence undertakings and licence authorisation

• Transport manager responsibility and effective continuous and effective management

• Vehicle maintenance systems, inspections and defect reporting

• Drivers hours, tachograph compliance and record keeping

• Domestic and European drivers hours rules

• Road transport working time compliance

• Driver conduct, fitness and vocational entitlement

• Financial standing and good repute

• Operating centres and authorised vehicle limits

• Service reliability and punctuality where applicable

Regulatory intervention often arises where systems exist on paper but are not properly implemented, monitored or evidenced. I help operators understand what regulators expect to see and how to demonstrate effective control.

I advise and represent clients across the PSV sector, from small private hire and coach businesses to larger PSV operators running scheduled and contracted services. Typical instructions include:

• PSV operator licence applications, variations and changes to operating centres

• Advice on transport manager appointments and compliance oversight

• Compliance reviews and operator licence health checks

• Representation at Traffic Commissioner preliminary hearings and public inquiries

• Advice following DVSA investigations, encounter reports and inspections

• Assistance with prohibitions, fixed penalties and referrals

• Appeals strategy and regulatory litigation support where available

• Ongoing compliance advice, policy drafting and management support

My approach is practical, proportionate and focused on reducing regulatory exposure while allowing the business to operate effectively.