Restricted licences criticised
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• The existence of restricted licences without any requirement for a qualified transport manager has been strongly attacked at a Birmingham public inquiry. Transport consultant Colin Ward, who was appearing for Staffordshire farmer Howard Stanford, described the situation as appalling, arguing that restricted licences should not exist.
West Midland Deputy Traffic Commissioner Alan Cattell was considering taking action against the four-vehicle and two-trailer licence held by Stanford, who trades as Stanford Bros, of College Farm, Pattingham, near Wolverhampton, because of concern about his maintenance standards.
Ward said that when Stanford took over the licence from his father he was not invited to a new operator's seminar. As it was a restricted licence, there was no CPC holder and Stanford had been ignorant of the requirements.
Cattell said Stanford had been invited to a new operators' seminar in March 1996 but had replied saying he did not want to attend as they were very busy and "there were not enough hours in the day". After Stanford had denied that it was his signature on the letter, his wife said that it could be hers.
Ward said there was now a proper maintenance system and the intention was to seek a national licence in the future and employ a CPC holder. Stanford agreed to accept an invitation to another seminar and Cattell said that as he had not appeared at any previous public inquiry he would do no more than issue Stanford with a very serious warning.
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