Daughter's Licence bid fails over phoenix firm fears
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dominic.perryfarbi.cia.uk A WOULD-BE HAULIER with family ties to a disqualified operator has had her bid for an 0-licence refused after Scottish TC Joan Aitken (pictured right) branded the business "a phoenix operation": Lyndsay Pettigrew, who wanted to trade as Linruss Transport, is the daughter of John Pettigrew, who ran John Pettigrew Haulage near Glasgow until it was stripped of its 0-licence in August 2009.
Although Lyndsay Pettigrew attempted to play down the family links, Aitken decided she could not trust her given that she would be living in the same house as her father and he would be providing the finance for the business.
In her written decision, Aitken added: "Given that Ms Pettigrew would be working under the control and influence of a revoked and disqualified operator, I further do not know whether I could trust any compliance with the licence undertakings in relation to drivers' hours and tachographs."
Pettigrew had wanted to base vehicles at Norfolkline's Larkhall site and said the logistics firm would not be charging her rent as she knew the transport manager there, Pat Clinton. Aitken asked her why Norfolkline would give "a completely inexperienced operator" work, and was told that this was because Clinton had known Pettigrew for years.
The TC's decision adds: "It is clear that she is in close contact with Mr Clinton at Norfolkline and I have to ask the question why, given the fierce competition for haulage work, someone who professes herself to be inexperienced but aspirational. should be so favoured.
"I have to leave that question hanging for I do not know the answer."
The licence bid was rejected on grounds of repute, financial standing and professional competence.