We are pleased to welcome you to our Mock Traffic Commissioner’s Public Inquiry at the Titanic Hotel, Liverpool.
Drawing from real-world situations, this scenario follows Headache Logistics as a gradual decline in compliance and risk management leads to a serious incident with far-reaching repercussions for both individuals and the organisation. The narrative carefully tracks the progression from early warning signs - such as driver fatigue - through to a fatal accident, followed by criminal proceedings, regulatory intervention, and ultimately, examination by the Traffic Commissioner. This sequence powerfully underscores the essential role of proactive safety measures and strong leadership in preventing such outcomes.
There will be ample opportunity throughout the day for you to ask questions so we invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy the day.
Timings |
Agenda |
| 09:30-11:00 | Introduction, what is a Traffic Commissioner Public Inquiry? |
| 11:00-11:15 | Coffee break |
| 11:15-12:30 | Mock Public Inquiry |
| 12:30-13:15 | Lunch break |
| 13:15-14:15 | Decision, Q&A session and closing remarks |
1. Pre 2020: Compliance Decline
At the Gotham depot, Transport Manager Alex Kyle becomes complacent. Driver refresher training reduces, compliance standards fall and fatigue-related near misses increase.
2. Early 2020: Fatigue Risks Identified
Alex discovers drivers are regularly reaching maximum working hours. Agency driver hours are not being checked and business pressures are driving excessive workloads.
3. Early 2020: Warning Ignored
Alex emails the directors about fatigue-detection technology. A meeting is held where Alex and Robin consider the implementation of the devices. They jointly conclude that due to cost, driver resistance and operational issues the devices should not be implemented. No alternative controls are introduced and the business decides to reconsider the devices the following year.
4. 18th April 2020: Fatal Incident
Driver Charlie Dent returns to the Gotham depot exhausted after a long shift. He momentarily falls asleep while entering the yard and strikes a colleague crossing the road.
5. 18th April 2020: Emergency Response
The colleague dies from injuries sustained. Police attend immediately, secure the scene and begin collecting evidence. Charlie is left devasted and is signed off work.
6. 2020/22: Criminal Investigation
During police interview, Charlie explains his caring responsibilities, lack of sleep, long working hours and reliance on energy drinks. Prosecutors charge him with causing death by dangerous driving.
7. 2022: Crown Court Trial
Prosecutors argue Charlie knowingly drove while dangerously fatigued. The jury convicts him of causing death by dangerous driving.
8. 2022: Sentencing
Charlie receives a 5-year prison sentence and a 5-year driving disqualification. The court identifies fatigue as a key factor and treats the commercial vehicle as an aggravating feature.
9. 2020/25: HSE Prosecution
The HSE investigates the company's failure to manage fatigue risks, near misses and ignored safety advice. Headache Logistics Ltd is convicted under the Health and Safety at Work Act and fined £1.2 million in 2025.
10. 2025/26: Traffic Commissioner Inquiry
Following the conviction, the matter is referred to the Traffic Commissioner. The company receives a Public Inquiry call-up, engages lawyers, conducts an internal review and prepares its defence.
