Licence Granted Despite History of Failed Companies

The long tail of Covid for businesses is still causing concern for Traffic Commissioner who will call a an applicant for an Operator Licence to public Inquiry if an operator has a history of failed companies. When Directors appoint insolvency practitioners it is important to remember that the onus is on the former director to make notifications to the Traffic Commissioner. The Senior Traffic Commissioner notes in his guidance that Directors are often aware of financial difficulties well in advance of the decision to close the business and there is condition on all operator’s licences that requires the business owners operator’s notify the Traffic Commissioner of Material changes to the business  that may affect financial standing. Murray Oliver reviewed the whole application and he was successful in helping the operator to explain their past history and to show good tangible evidence to satisfy the Traffic Commissioner that they would operate good compliance systems if the New O licence were granted. A restricted Licence for 3 vehicles was granted.