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West One Overnight boss made "error of judgement"
'.brownfarbi.co.uk A CARDIFF PUBLIC inquiry (PI) has heard how the director of a haulage firm in the city committed a "very had error of judgement" by forging 0-licence documentation for a new pre-pack company.
Tim Culpin, representing Jason Hamer, director and transport manager at West One Overnight — which bought the business and assets of related company West One Express in January — told the hearing his client had created the licence to ensure the business kept its work with Thc Pallet Network (TPN).
The PI heard how West One Overnight had also used the forged document when dealing with its bank, as well as administrator Bcgbies Traynor, to disguise the fact there was no licence in place when it started trading.
Culpin said his client "deeply regretted" what he had done and that his actions had amounted to a "very had error of judgement".
According to Hamer, he had been under "huge pressure" to keep vehicles running in an attempt to salvage his 20-year-old business and the jobs of 63 employees.
Nick Jones, Traffic Commissioner for Wales, said one consideration in granting the interim licence had been the possibility that jobs at the business could have been under threat if authorisation was not given.
A written decision on the licence application from the new company, as well as the repute of Hamer. will follow.
West One Overnight is looking for authorisation to run 25 vehicles and 25 trailers.