Operator Retains Licence Following Traffic Commissioner’s Public Inquiry

An owner-driver based in the South of England was called in to a Public Inquiry and driver conduct hearing. It was alleged that he had failed to co-operate with DVSA in an investigation, failed to keep adequate records and had driven using the card of a driver whom DVSA were aware had emigrated to Canada. Martin Smith for the Operator and Driver was able to demonstrate that weighbridge data obtained by DVSA was unreliable with regard to the identity of the driver on each visit. He was also able to demonstrate that the owner-driver had turned around his business after taking and passing the Transport Manager CPC examinations. The Traffic Commissioner gave the operator a warning and took no action against the driver’s vocational entitlement.