Situation
We represented a haulage company at a Traffic Commissioner’s public inquiry in Edgbaston in the West Midlands. We helped them retain their operator’s licence.
A DVSA investigation had revealed numerous drivers’ hours violations and instances of drivers not using their tachograph cards. The company was unaware due to outdated tachograph analysis. Additionally, some drivers operated with expired CPC cards.
Action taken
We worked with the company to address these issues early on. This led to a significant reduction in drivers’ hours violations and improved fleet compliance.
At the inquiry, the Traffic Commissioner highly criticised the company’s failings. However, we demonstrated that the company did not gain any unfair advantage from these violations. We explained that the drivers’ failure to use tachograph cards had no clear reason. We also showed that most CPC issues had been resolved.
Evidence was also provided by the Traffic Examiner who carried out the investigation and several drivers during their driver conduct hearings.
Outcome
The Traffic Commissioner acknowledged the seriousness of the case but decided against revoking the licence. Instead, he imposed a short-term fleet reduction followed by a longer-term curtailment. The transport manager’s reputation was damaged but not lost, and several drivers received temporary HGV licence suspensions.
Conclusion
Despite serious violations, the company avoided licence revocation due to early problem-solving and effective advocacy.
Keep Me On The Road has extensive experience representing haulage companies at public inquiries across the country. If you’re at risk of losing your operator’s licence and need help, contact us on 0115 910 6239 or email info@keepmeontheroad.co.uk.