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Licence revocation for firm that went under in January
Page 33
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Vosa may pursue a criminal prosecution against managers for conspiracy to falsify tachograph records. Mike Jewell reports.
A COMPANY THAT ceased trading in January has had its licence for 20 vehicles and 20 trailers revoked and faces prosecution by Vosa for tachograph fiddling.
Longridge, Lancs-based TJ Slater had been called before North-Western Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell following problems with vehicle maintenance and the conviction of a number of the firm's drivers for tachograph falsification.
In her decision the TC referred to "very serious" allegations that the company, through its officers.servants or agents, had played a part in the falsifications, and in failures to observe the drivers' hours and tachograph rules.
She said matters were complicated by notification that Vosa was considering bringing prosecutions alleging conspiracy to falsify tachograph records against the company; its former MD,Terence Slater; its former logistics manager, Ian Slater; and current director, Carol Slater (CM 11 January).
In January the company ceased trading; despite their best efforts, administrators were unable to sell the business as a going concern. The TC had been told the company's assets were being disposed of and all that was left for sale were five milk tankers.
The TC found that the company no longer met the requirement to be of good financial standing. In addition, the company and its servants or agents had received convictions involving goods vehicles, and its vehicles had been issued with prohibition notices because of their mechanical condition.
Bell remarked that those findings were undisputed and were unlikely to jeopardise any future prosecution. However, she made no order for disqualification as that would be prejudicial and inappropriate.
Fin ally,she directed that any new a ppl ications for an 0-licence by the company or any linked entity were to be considered by a TC. And she made it clear that any such application was unlikely to succeed while criminal proceedings were being considered. •