In Clitheroe, Backhouse Jones is noted for its specialism in the road transport sector, often assisting haulage, bus, and coach operators. Mark Davies heads the practice, and is particularly adept at acting in public inquiries concerning bus reliability and drivers’ hours, in addition to health and safety investigations. Jonathon Backhouse routinely handles transport related crime cases concerning death by dangerous driving, while James Backhouse often appears before the Traffic Commissioner and the Upper Tribunal Administrative Appeals Chamber. Notably having represented the Road Haulage Association and the British Association of Removers, Steven Meyerhoff is known for his broad knowledge of competition litigation and commercial disputes.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Steven Meyerhoff - Outstanding support for all of our industrial relations and general legal matters. He ensures we're receiving the very best service.'
  • 'Mark Davies - The very best when it comes to operator licence compliance and roadworthiness. His guidance and expertise in this field has led to significant improvements in the quality of our systems and procedures, and our fleet is safer because of his diligence and understanding.'
  • 'Excellent sector specific advice which cuts through to the issues in hand. Clear & pragmatic guidance provided in a timely manner.'
  • 'The team have a personal touch and make stressful/difficult circumstances more light hearted - allowing us to address any challenges whilst feeling at ease.'
  • 'Irrespective of role, each team member is friendly and always willing to help. Jonathon Backhouse and Charlotte Fowler have been a massive help to the company over the last 12 months.'
  • 'One of the premier Transport Law firms in the UK - they live and breathe transport.'
  • 'The Backhouse Jones team have provided exceptional service and support to our business throughout over the last year. Their promptness, expert knowledge, and unwavering assistance have been invaluable to us, consistently exceeding our expectations.'
  • 'Jonathan Backhouse is extremely knowledgeable, practical and gets the job done. He is solutions driven and a safe pair of hands. James Backhouse is an effective communicator and an expert in transport regulation. He gives clear advice and is a pleasure to work with.'

Key clients

  • Biffa
  • Krispy Kreme
  • Go South Coast
  • Abellio
  • Veolia UK
  • Viridor
  • Somerset Passenger Solutions Ltd
  • Blackpool Transport
  • Day Aggregates
  • Rotala plc
  • MDS Distribution Limited
  • Bidfood
  • Tesco
  • Forfarmers
  • Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire
  • Malca-Armit
  • Howdens

Work highlights

  • Advising on the Road Haulage Association collective proceedings claim in the Competition Appeal Tribunal which seeks to represent over 17,000 truck operators seeking damages arising out of an EC decision finding the major European truck operators guilty of anti-competitive practices.
  • Assisting the Greater Manchester Combined Authority with consultation documentation, and the consideration of expert evidence, in addition to advising on the impact of the client's bus franchising scheme. The firm lodged a judicial review.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Mark Davies

Other key lawyers

Jonathon Backhouse, James Backhouse, Steven Meyerhoff, Charlotte Fowler