Goods Vehicles Operator’s Licences
Importance of an Operator’s Licence
An Operator’s Licence must be obtained by the “user” of the vehicle for all the vehicles they intend to “use”.
Operator Licensing requires that in the case of restricted licences, applicants are fit and proper persons that are of appropriate financial standing.
For standard licences, national and international and also for national transport operations, applicants must be of good repute, of appropriate financial standing, be professionally competent and employ a person who is also professionally competent.
How we help with gaining your Operator’s Licence
Before granting an Operator’s Licence, the Applicant must be of “good repute”. We can advise upon past record and convictions and rehabilitation. The position of a Company and Individuals convicted of offences may also require careful consideration before applying.
Traffic Commissioners do not look solely at convictions and circumstances surrounding particular offences but will also look at conduct involved. We can also advise on issues such as “fronting” and how the Traffic Commissioner treats hiring and lending of the licence.
Adherence to financial standing is a mandatory requirement and we can also advise on levels of finance required and how holders of Operator’s Licences can satisfy the Traffic Commissioner upon financial standing. It is fundamental that the Operator has funds to demonstrate that it is of appropriate financial standing, rather than financial resources being elsewhere. The burden of satisfying financial standing remains upon the Operator and we can advise and assist to how financial standing might be met where the Office of the Traffic Commissioner may have raised concerns.
We can also advise on how a designated Transport Manager must meet the requirements of Operator Licensing, giving “continuous and effective responsibility” for the management of the operations of the business that relate to carriage of goods. We can advise upon the issues of good repute and professional competence of a Transport Manager and deal with any representations to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner where the Traffic Commissioner may have concerns over the repute or competence of a Transport Manager.
Operator Licence exemptions
Some vehicles are exempt from an Operator’s Licence and we can also advise upon vehicle exemptions. We can assist with the application for the Operator’s Licence, or if the Operator wishes to change the type of vehicle or change of a Transport Manager or the addition of a new Operating Centre. We can also advise upon the surrender of the licence and provide legal representation at an Operator Licensing Public Inquiry. We represent at both environmental and disciplinary Public Inquiries.
For further information on Operator Licensing contact our Specialist Road Transport Law Solicitors on 03456 465 465.
Send us a message
“Our experienced and specialist team represent clients nationally on a day-to-day basis”
Anton Balkitis
Head of Transport Law
stars
Posted 14 November 2025
Very professional service. Prompt replies from Jo Clarke and Nirvair to any queries. Will be using their services again.
Tony Ellis
stars
Posted 14 November 2025
Abbey Freeman is very professional also kept me in formed through out this difficult house move. I would definitely recommend this Rothera Bray and also Abbey.
Lisa L
stars
Posted 13 November 2025
Emily was really good and helped last minute but nothing was too much trouble . She did a fantastic job wouldn't hesitate if I needed a solicitor again. 5 star service.
Laura
stars
Posted 12 November 2025
I recently engaged Ewan Paton from Rothera Bray – he was approachable, professional, and genuinely understanding throughout a difficult time. He took the time to explain everything clearly, kept me updated at every stage, and always made me feel at ease. His calm and practical approach gave me great confidence, and I couldn’t have asked for better support. I’d highly recommend Ewan to anyone needing reliable and compassionate legal advice.
Mr Morrison
stars
Posted 12 November 2025
I was with another firm but as soon as I seen the reviews on this firm I changed to this firm. I cannot recommend this firm enough. I have had Gabriella and Hannah working on my case they are a credit to this firm also informing me on my case. Raising any issues immediately. Very polite and professional. I would recommend anyone using this firm.
Hannah
stars
Posted 12 November 2025
Brilliant solicitors, very quick with responding to emails too, and helping with any questions you may have. I used Rothera Bray to buy my house, and honestly I can 100% recommend them. Very fast, professional! I would and will use them again in future. Thank you so much.
Anna C
stars
Posted 11 November 2025
I can’t thank the team enough for everything they’ve done for me and my children. From start to finish, the whole company have been absolutely brilliant — always putting our needs and wishes first and supporting us every step of the way. Their communication, care, and understanding have been second to none. A special mention has to go to Emily, who is truly one in a million. She went above and beyond to make sure I felt heard, reassured, and fully supported throughout what was one of the most difficult times in my life. I’d highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for a solicitor who genuinely cares about both you and your family. Thank you all so much for everything you’ve done.
Nathan
stars
Posted 10 November 2025
Professional, courteous and thorough. Will took just the right amount of time to explain details, processes and approaches. Recommended.
Tom M
stars
Posted 10 November 2025
I would like to send a big shout out to Anton Balkitis at Rothera Bray. Appearing at Court for me and handling the judges, knowing what to say and how to say it, is not something I could have done on my own. It felt good to have someone on my side that really knew their stuff. I highly recommend for anyone who needs a helping hand and wants the best outcome at Court.
Ryan
stars
Posted 10 November 2025
I was very satisfied by the experience of asking the solicitors at Rothera Bray to assist my wife and I sell our property. They were most helpful, easy to liaise with and always gave excellent advice and service. I would recommend Rothera Bray without hesitation because of their professionalism throughout my interaction with them. First class!
Richard
stars
Posted 10 November 2025
Lauren Kilbride at Rothera Bray was extremely helpful throughout my case. Highly recommended.
Emile
stars
Posted 10 November 2025
My Solicitor (Georgina) meticulously reviewed all my details in the case, explained the process clearly and prepared a strong defence. I felt supported throughout the entire process and was very grateful for their guidance. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing legal assistance.
Anonymous
Natalie Abbott
Partner & Head of Employment
Natalie works in our Nottingham office. She is a Partner and 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.
Anton Balkitis
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 Rothera Bray Solicitors.
Olivia Maginn
Barrister & Senior Associate
Olivia Maginn is a transport and motoring law specialist at our Lace Market, Nottingham office.
Georgina Power
Associate Solicitor
Georgina Power is an Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Transport team and is based at our Lace Market office in Nottingham city centre.
Chelsey Sewell
Managing Paralegal
Chelsey Sewell is a paralegal in Rothera Bray’s transport and motorist offence department and is based at our Nottingham Lace Market office in the city centre.
Rebeca Large-Rodriguez
Paralegal
Rebeca Large-Rodriguez is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Transport and Motorist Offence department and is based at our Lace Market office.
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