0-licence transfer led to revocation
Page 23
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
by Herren Hayes • A Bardwell based haulier who allowed his 0-Licence to be used on a vehicle belonging to his transport manager has had his licence revoked at a Cambridge public inquiry.
Eastern Traffic Commissioner Brigadier Compton Boyd called the performance of PJ Barty "abysmal and irresponsible", adding "I cannot trust you where road safety is concerned."
Vehicle Inspectorate examiner Mervyn Lockwood told the inquiry of a series of immediate and delayed prohibitions issued against the firm's fleet of six vehicles and trailers over the past two years.
Following a number of visits to Barty's depot Lockwood concluded: "The condition of vehicles suggested daily checks were not being carried out and there were no staff available who would carry out safety inspections." Lockwood also said there was no driver defect reporting system and little evidence of regular maintenance inspections.
Barty was originally contracting out maintenance work but failed to inform the Traffic Area Office when the company transferred its maintenance in-house. He also failed to report an overloading conviction.
Barty's annual test failure rate was 75%—the national average is 33%; a number of vehicles failed twice.
Manager Phillip Barty admitted he let his transport manager use his 0-licence but said he didn't realise this was illegal.
Barty accepted most of the VI findings but added: "It hasn't been a very good track record but I would like to try again and do everything which is required to keep things right and safe."
Compton Boyd said ignorance was no excuse and he had blown his chance. He revoked the licence because most of the problems were Barty's responsibility.