Insolvent firm worked using false documents
Page 21
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
TC revokes haulier's 0-licence and disqualifies firm's sole director and transport manager By Roger Brown
THE 0-LICENCE of Marricarr has been revoked after one of its vehicles was discovered with a false community authorisation.
In a written decision following a public inquiry in August in Birmingham, Nick Jones, the traffic commissioner (TC) for the West Midlands, also disqualified sole director Lucy Stanton from holding a licence for an indefinite period and transport manager Patrick Colgan indefinitely.
Vosa made an unannounced visit to Marricarr's operating centre in Progress Drive, Cannock, in June 2012, after one of its vehicles picked up S marked prohibitions. Vosa also had concerns about the haulier after one of its vehicles was spotted painted with the logo of revoked hauliers WD Cooper Recycling and WD Cooper Transport. When inspectors arrived, the gates were locked and there was no sign of anyone working in the maintenance facilities.
In a statement, traffic examiner Richard Eland said that in July 2012 he was on duty in Dover docks when a vehicle fully loaded with mixed beer was stopped for a check.
The driver, who had an address in Hednesford, Cannock, indicated he was employed by Craigavon-based Dewart Transport, the vehicle was run by that operator and he was acting on its behalf.
No operator identity disc was displayed but the driver did produce a community authorisation.
Officers discovered the authorisation document was fraudulent. All other documents produced were photocopies or inconclusive regarding the actual operator of the vehicle.
A check by Port of Dover police confirmed the registered keeper of the vehicle was Lucy Stanton of Marricarr.
Vosa checks in August 2012 revealed Marricarr had gone into insolvency.
The TC said the operator had lost its repute, did not have the appropriate financial standing, and had no stable establishment.
He added: "Enquiries have revealed that despite the limited company appearing to be in liquidation with an insolvency practitioner having been appointed, it was still operating, albeit without the knowledge or consent of the appointed insolvency practitioner.The limited company had a nominated transport manager, but Patrick Colgan did not prevent S-marked prohibitions and vehicles being operated illegally."
Summing up
The TC said he believed the forgery of the documentation meant the operator was not capable of being compliant.