Operator With Restricted Licence Drops the Ball But Keeps Licence At Public Inquiry

This operator, a manufacturer, represented at Public Inquiry by Barrister Harry Bowyer, held a restricted licence. The transport side of the business was operated competently until key personnel left. The Transport side of the operation was effectively left to run itself until one of the trucks was stopped by the DVSA whilst grossly overloaded. This turned out to be the result of a load being transferred from an 18 tonne vehicle to a 7.5 tonne vehicle without thought to the consequences. The operator immediately put systems in place that ensured that this would not happen again.

SBC in conjunction competent transport consultants arranged an audit which revealed further shortcomings and bad practices.

Proper systems were put in place and staff were trained in their use.

After hearing evidence and on the operator’s own admission the breaches in the call in letter were found to be proved but the Deputy Traffic Commissioner found that she could trust the company going forward and allowed the licence to continue subject to a temporary curtailment and certain undertakings.