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revoked at a Bristol Public Inquiry many after evidence was
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heard that many of its driver's pulled fuses on their tachographs to enable them to complete jobs.
Last week William Hockin, owner of William C Hoskin (Transport), was also banned from holding an 0-Licence for a year when he appeared before Western Traffic Commissioner Phillip Brown.
The inquiry heard that the Vehicle inspectorate had been tipped off that some drivers were breaking the hours rules and launched an investigation which resuited in 20 of the firm's drivers being convicted.
VI Traffic Examiner Alison Tipper said that drivers employed by Hockin had wound clocks forward, drawn charts by hand and pulled fuses. These were infringements that would have come to fight if the tachograph records had been checked properly, she added.
The inquiry heard details of how work was given out to drivers by Edward Matravers, who acted as transport manager. The VI claimed that many of the instructions he gave drivers could not have been done within the hours rules and no checks were made.
For Mackin, the inquiry was told that the faults lay in the failure of the management system. The company had never been in trouble with the VI or police before and this was its first appearance at a Public Inquiry.
Announcing his decision, the TO said he viewed the convictions recorded against the drivers as serious matters. They are not, as Mr Hockin has stated in his evidence, a mere 'blip'," he added. "If Mr Hockin had given any thought to his responsibilities as an operator he would have ensured that there was an effective system in place for checking tachographs. I determine that he too has lost bath his repute and his professional competence in the light of his failure."
Hockin said he was "surprised and disappointed at the severity of the penalty imposed" and would be considering the options open to him. This includes whether to lodge an appeal against the decision.
The revocation is due to come into effect at 23:59hrs on 30 September.