DEPARTMENT PROFILE

Backhouse Jones Ltd

Transport: Road: Regulatory

7 ranked lawyers

Band 1

UK-wide

UK 2022 View ranking table

chambers review

department information

Ranked Lawyers

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What the team is known for

Market-leading practice with specialist expertise across the full spectrum of road regulatory matters, including representing operators in public inquiries and prosecutions. Acts for commercial and passenger clients. Represents a range of high-profile transport providers, including bus operators and logistics companies. Frequently appears on behalf of operators in the magistrates' court and in Crown Court proceedings.

Strengths

"Backhouse Jones are the best at what they do," according to clients.

Sources note: "They are known for this work and have always had a good reputation in the market."

One client says: "I have no hesitation in recommending them to any person involved in the transport industry. They are easy to work with, clear and precise in their instructions and provide the information and support that is needed," adding: "The experience of working with all the team is that they have the knowledge and background, and we can bounce ideas off them with respect to the regulations, interpretation and how this can be applied to specific cases."

Work highlights

Represented Mansel Davies & Son in a public inquiry called by the Traffic Commissioner for consideration of regulatory action against its operator licence following a guilty plea to 19 counts of falsifying records.

Notable practitioners

Andrew Woolfall is a solicitor advocate with extensive court and public inquiry experience. He has notable expertise in operator licensing matters. He acts for a range of clients, including passenger, entertainment and goods companies, as well as individuals, in criminal and compliance proceedings nationwide.
"Andrew Woolfall is a very experienced transport lawyer."

James Backhouse enjoys an excellent reputation in the sector for his deep public inquiry experience and wide-ranging regulatory expertise. He represents clients in court and tribunals, and has extensive experience handling issues relating to the application and protection of operator licences. He also advises on issues such as load security and bus reliability.
"James is very experienced and has a smashing reputation."

John Heaton has a strong reputation in the market and a wealth of expertise advising on road transport disputes. He has a great deal of experience before the courts, Traffic Commissioners and tribunals as both a prosecutor and defender in road disputes.

Jonathon Backhouse has notable expertise in road transport matters. He has experience in public inquiries, cases involving operator licences and matters involving serious road traffic accidents. He also provides clients advice on compliance.
"Jonathon Backhouse's knowledge of the transport sector is second to none, and his experience is invaluable."

Laura Hadzik regularly acts for a range of operator clients at public inquiries. She is additionally adept at advising clients on a host of regulatory and compliance matters.
"Laura is very good with the operator side of things."

Head of the regulatory road transport team Mark Davies focuses his practice on contentious cases. He has considerable experience advising on regulatory action and transport-related crimes including fraud in the Crown Court.
"Mark is extremely knowledgeable in the transport field."

Scott Bell has broad experience of road transport matters and assisting clients with public inquiries. He regularly advises on compliance and operator licence applications.

Department Information

This content is provided by Backhouse Jones Ltd.

Overview

Backhouse Jones, is an award winning firm whose Road Regulatory team provide Industry specific and UK-wide advice and representation in relation to:

public inquiries (and appeals);
criminal matters (ranging from allegations of fraud and causing death by dangerous driving to speeding and overloading prosecutions);
HSE and Environment Agency prosecutions;
illegal immigration Border Force matters;
matters concerning the carriage of animals;
operator licensing;
construction and use;
dangerous goods or loads;
tachograph offences;
police and DVSA investigations;
road regulatory compliance; and
best practice.