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Tribunal gives cautious hope
Page 12
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A Transport Tribunal has warned Oliver's stay of execution is far from a pardon. Jennifer Ball reports.
THE TRANSPORT Tribunal has warned Hexham firm William Martin Oliver & Partners that its decision to allow it to continue to trade does not imply it will win an appeal against its licence revocation.
Last week the firm was thrown a lifeline when the Tribunal granted the partnership a stay of execution (CM 14 October).
But Tribunal president Hugh Carlisle told the firm's three partners, William Martin. and Marion and Stuart Oliver, that his decision is not a sign that it will overturn Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell's decision. She revoked the firm's licence and disqualified the trio from holding or obtaining an 0-licence in any Traffic Area following widespread tacho abuse among the firm's drivers.
The Tribunal's decision was made on the back of the length of time it took from the initial investigation to the eventual appeal, which was applied for last August.
The firm has continued to operate since its first appearance before the Traffic Commissioner in February 2003 and to refuse a stay would be draconian, the Tribunal concluded.
Carlisle stressed that the partners still have to persuade the Tribunal to allow their appeals and "if it came to light that they had permitted safety to be imperilled, their prospects of retaining their licences will be negligible".
More over 40 Oliver employees have signed a letter to Corm nercial Motor backing the firm.They point out that it has made many improvements, investing in driver training and new technology such as satellite tracking and an IT system linking with its customers. They say this is not a scenario you would associate with a 'fly by night' firm: "The firm's reputation may have been tarnished by people not involved in the current everyday management of the company," the letter concludes.
Stuart Oliver says he has always intended to continue the business; he has no further comment.