Quarantine rules still apply even if you have a Public Inquiry!
21 August 2020
The Office of the Traffic Commissioner (OTC) has today issued a note reminding the industry that the 14-day quarantine rule must be adhered to, even if a Public Inquiry has been scheduled. The 14-day quarantine rule applies to those who have travelled abroad and are returning to the UK from a country that is not on the exemption list.
According to the OTC, there have been a number of recent incidents whereby people have attended their Public Inquiry “almost immediately after flying back to the UK”. The communication reiterates it is vitally important that if you have recently returned from holiday and are due to attend a hearing, you must ensure that your travel destination is exempt from the quarantine requirements. The rules apply to all travel by coach, ferry, train or plane and as stated by the OTC, if you do not adhere to the rules, “this puts everyone’s health at risk and undermines the strict rules the government have put in place”. The OTC has undertaken thorough risk assessments in order to enable hearings to be heard in person and the safety of all concerned remains of paramount importance.
If you are unable to attend a physical hearing due to the 14-day quarantine rules you must contact the OTC at your earliest convenience so that alternative methods of running the hearing, such as attendance via video link, can be considered. For further guidance regarding the quarantine rules, click here.
Backhouse Jones have a thousand first-hand experiences dealing with operators and transport managers who are experiencing a compliance hiccup or facing issues with the management of their Operator’s Licence. Our experienced sector-specialist solicitors represent clients at Public Inquiries before the Traffic Commissioners throughout the UK. We are intimately familiar with the Public Inquiry process and the expectations of the Traffic Commissioners, using our unrivalled expertise to hand-hold you through every step of your Public Inquiry journey. Arm yourself with the best representation available by contacting our team of expert road transport solicitors on 01254 828 300 or by email at regulatory@backhouses.co.uk
