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鈥檚 finances
  • operator鈥檚 reputation or fitness to hold a licence
  • operator鈥檚 arrangements for vehicle maintenance and drivers鈥� hours
  • operating centre鈥檚 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 鈥楢pplications and Decisions鈥� guides for goods vehicles and the 鈥楴otices and Proceedings鈥� 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 鈥榬epresentation鈥�.

However, representations must be about environmental issues, such as concern over noise, and only if they鈥檙e going to affect the owner or resident鈥檚 鈥榰se or enjoyment鈥� of the land.

Read the guide on making a representation or complaint for further information.