Voluntary Interview under PACE

[G7ivp]

An HGV driver has been 'invited' to an interview under pace at the local office of the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency to explain irregularities in a vehicle tachograph record.
The letter says he doesn't have to attend but asks him to telephone and arrange a date/time for the meeting.
What are the implications of not arranging a meeting?
Can he get legal aid for a Solicitor to advise/attend with him?

[GoodOldBoy]

The way the post is worded rather suggests (to me) that the driver feels threatened by this Invitation. It may be a simple interview to clarify something relating to another driver of the same vehicle who used it before of after him, or aproblem the the vehicle operator.
Unless the driver already knows what the interview is about I suggest that he should attend, listen and then refuse to answer any questions that may incriminate him. He is not required under PACE to incriminate himself.

Undoubtably, the interview will be for the DVSA to collect (more) evidence. If his 'hands are clean' has has little to fear. If not, he should volunteer nothing until he has taken legal advice. At least he will come out knowing what it is all about.

All the above is 'in my opinion' of course.

As a retired HGV driver, I have always found the DVSA to be firm but fair.