Haulage Operator Keeps Licence at Public Inquiry after Tachograph Offences and Financial Standing Concerns

A large haulage Operator, represented by SBC, was called to Public Inquiry before the Traffic Commissioner following evidence of driver tachograph offences. There had also been concerns over the Transport Manager’s good repute. A DVSA investigation had uncovered numerous tachograph offences committed by the drivers. The Operator gave evidence to the Traffic Commissioner that they had been unaware of the tachograph offences, and would never have allowed it had they known.

The Traffic Commissioner allowed the Operator to continue in business with a minor reduction in vehicles allowed on the licence. After hearing representations, the Traffic Commissioner accepted that whilst in the past the Transport Manager had lacked “continuous and effective management” of the transport operation, this was no longer the case. The Transport Manager retained their good repute.

A period of grace was also granted to allow the Operator to demonstrate that they had the necessary financial standing.