Card Pulling Drivers Lead Operator to Traffic Commissioner’s Public Inquiry

This Operator, represented at Public Inquiry by barrister Harry Bowyer, was called in as his drivers were pulling their cards in order to get home early. The Transport Manager had been given additional duties which affected his ability to have continuous and effective control of the transport operations. As a result the vehicle units were not properly downloaded and the proper analysis of drivers’ hours was not completed.

When one of the drivers was stopped the DVSA found that three drivers were pulling their cards and prosecutions ensued. The company was called into a Traffic Commissioner’s Public Inquiry. It was plain that their systems needed an overhaul and a reputable firm of Transport consultants was engaged to do this.

The Traffic Commissioner allowed the licence to continue subject to a curtailment of the margin and undertakings.