Coach with 70 Passengers on Board Catches Fire – No Action taken Against Driver or Operator at Public Inquiry.

We represented a PSV licence holder, who had operated a coach carrying 70 passengers which caught fire on a dual carriage way, after a wheel came off the vehicle, whilst passengers were on board. The Operator and Transport Manager were able to submit evidence prior to the hearing including an audit from their compliance consultant. The Traffic Commissioner, in a hearing lasting only 30 minutes was able to conclude that there has been no breaches in the Licence obligations and the maintenance regime was of a high standard. The Traffic Commissioner concluded that no action was necessary and the Operator and Transport Manager Repute remained in-tact. The Operator had taken legal advice and engaged an approved compliance consultant as early as possible which was commended by the Traffic Commissioner and allowed for a very swift hearing.