Preliminary Hearings with the Traffic Commissioner
We represent operators called to preliminary hearings with the Traffic Commissioner and senior team leader (STL) interviews.
A preliminary hearing is a chance to put to rest any concerns that the Commissioner may have with your operation without the matter escalating to a full Public Inquiry.
Our lawyers will work closely with you before your hearing to gather evidence and to address any areas of concern. We will represent you at your preliminary hearing and help you to present your case.
If you have an upcoming STL interview, we will help you to prepare for it and accompany you to the meeting to present your evidence.
Reasons to be called to a Preliminary Hearing
The Traffic Commissioner preliminary hearings take place when there are concerns over the way you manage your transport business. Common reasons can include:
- a poor MOT pass rate or OCRS score
- maintenance or drivers hours problems or prohibitions
- a failure to notify a change of maintenance provider or company director
- lack of financial standing
- tachograph infringements
Sometimes the Traffic Commissioner will call a preliminary hearing following a DVSA investigation. However, they can also arise from an unsatisfactory desk-based assessment by the Remote Enforcement Office (REO).
Whatever the reason, our transport lawyers can help.
Senior Team Leader Interviews
An STL interview is a meeting with a senior team leader from the Office of the Traffic Commissioner. It will typically be held if there are concerns that require an explanation but cannot easily be dealt with through correspondence.
We can advise you on appropriate assurances and undertakings that can be offered to allay the Commissioner’s concerns.
Our Approach
Whether you have a preliminary hearing or a senior team leader interview coming up, our team can help. We will work closely with your business to address concerns and resolve problems. Whilst we do not believe in taking an unnecessarily antagonistic approach, we will always examine all options to get you the best outcome possible. We provide free initial consultations and offer fixed fees. Speak to one of our transport lawyers today on 03456 465 465.
Send us a message

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Rothera Bray Solicitors Loughborough; On a number of occasions I have asked Nelissa Hicks (Partner) to be my legal representative, she delivers with professional conduct, is thorough in all matters and a great communicator. She gets things done in a timely manner and she is a very nice person. I highly recommend Nelissa & Rothera Bray Solicitors, Loughborough for their legal support & services.
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I’ve been using Rothera Bray for a number of years now. I really appreciated their professionalism following the death of my wife. Together we sorted out her estate and rearranged my powers of attorney to accommodate my altered circumstances. Now four years on from that I’ve taken the opportunity to update my Will. Once again Rothera Bray were a pleasure to deal with under the guidance of Nelissa Hicks who was able to make suggestions which helped enormously to assist my thought process. From my experience I would have no hesitation in recommending them and Nelissa Hicks for a professional, caring and successful outcome.
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Abbey was absolutely amazing throughout the whole process of helping us buy our house. From the very start she was incredibly responsive and supportive always just a call or message away whenever we needed her, and nothing was ever too much trouble. What really stood out was how quickly everything moved. We first got in contact on January 9th and we’re getting our keys on March 6th, which is incredibly fast for a house purchase. Abbey kept everything progressing smoothly and made what could have been a stressful process feel straightforward and well managed. We’re so grateful for all her hard work and dedication. I would highly recommend Abbey to anyone looking for a solicitor, she’s professional, efficient, and genuinely cares about her clients.
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Alex Woolley
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Kate
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Natalie was fair, unbiased and honest. Professional throughout. Competitive pricing, good comms and scheduling. Very happy with the process and result. Highly recommend.
Tom Spooner
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Posted 4 March 2026
I recently used Sara at Rothera Bray to act for me on the sale of a property. The nature of the sale was complicated but Sara acted with great patience, always keeping me updated with frequent communication and expertise. I can't thank her enough. Highly recommended to you.
Ian Clay

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.

Four-week suspension of HGV driver’s licence at driver conduct hearing following dangerous driving incident
Traffic Commissioner Driver Conduct Hearing – Bristol – December 2020 Chris Powell represented a professional HGV driver at his Driver Conduct Hearing. This was in front of the Traffic Commissioner in December 2020. Background of the case Almost 2 years before, the driver was in a road rage incident in his private car which had […]Posted on 17th February 2021