PSV Operator Allowed to Keep Contract Services Running Despite Suspension at Traffic Commissioner’s Public Inquiry!

Specialist Transport Barrister Helen Newbold represented this operator at Public Inquiry after he was called in when a driver failed to stop for the DVSA when requested. A subsequent DVSA visit identified issues surrounding drivers hours, in particular Working Time Directive recording and breaches, maintenance and driver reporting.

The Operator had made some attempts to deal with the issues but there was still a significant amount of work to be done to satisfy the Traffic Commissioner.

Following detailed representation by Helen Newbold as to the nature of specific contracts held by the Operator the Traffic Commissioner was minded to allow the licence to remain in place to satisfy those contracts without interruption. The operator did not escape without sanction but this applied only to specified period of private hire work and a curtailment of one licence disc.

The operator’s repute remained intact but the transport manager’s repute was tarnished as a result of the findings.