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TC concerned that franchise was lending out its licence

23rd August 2007, Page 33
23rd August 2007
Page 33
Page 33, 23rd August 2007 — TC concerned that franchise was lending out its licence
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A FRANCHISEE WHO operated under the franchise holder's licence while waiting for his own has been granted a restricted licence with a warning that he must not be so foolish in future.

In granting the one-vehicle restricted licence to Livingston-based Jeffrey Hodge, trading as Autosmart, Scottish TC Joan Aitken expressed concern about the activities of Autosmart International. which appears to be lending its licence to prospective or actual franchisees.

Traffic examiner Evelyn Hill said that in June 2006 the vehicle driven by Hodge and loaded with chemicals was stopped in a check There was insufficient per sonal protective clothing and a Hazchem prohibition was issued. The vehicle was displaying an 0-licence identity disc in the name of Autosmart International, trading as Autosmart. issued in the West Midlands Traffic Area, When interviewed,Hodge said he had been operating the vehicle for up to five months and had applied for an 0-licence. He had been under the impression he could operate under the displayed licence until his own came through.

Hodge said that in November 2005 he had agreed to the purchase of a franchise from Autosmart In ternational:That company had said that it would put his vehicle on its licence as a temporary measure, but he would need to apply for his own licence.

When stopped by the traffic examiner in June 2006 he did not have the high-visibility vest and eyewash required by law as the vehicle had been in for a safety inspection and he had taken his personal effects out of the cab.

Granting the application with a warning, the TC said Hodge had relied upon the franchisers to provide him with a package and induct him in the ways of the business including operating the vehicle. She believed he had been extremely foolish, but he would not make the same mistake again.


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