KPMG put licence and jobs at risk
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low...„ Accountancy firm KPMG has -zuf' been attacked by North Eastern Traffic Commissioner Tam Macartney for putting a West Yorkshire firm's 0-licence and 70 jobs at risk, Leeds-based Roadways Northern had been called before the IC because of concern over its connections with Roadways, whose licence had been revoked after it failed to attend a public inquiry or respond to correspondence. Roadways Northern holds a restricted licence for 25 vehicles and was seeking an additional 10. The case had previously been adjourned for the attendance of a representative from KPMG.
After the TC received a series of undertakings he decided to take no action and granted the additional vehicles, on condition that he receives a satisfactory maintenance report.
He remarked that it had not been particularly easy to get to the truth and said he was disappointed that KPMG had declined to attend the public inquiry to resolve the conflicting evidence, despite being requested to do so. "KPMG has put this licence and 70 jabs at risk," said Macartney. "Any operator in future who considers administration might wish to look for a firm who will respond appropriately to the TC."
When interviewed, acting transport manager Carl tharlesworth readily admitted that vehicles had been used between July and October, but was adamant that an interim direction had been granted.
Charlesworth admitted that he had seen a letter which stated the company had no authority to operate, but said he thought the company was not doing anything wrong in operating the vehl cles as it had paid the interim licence fee.
He had believed that the letter was only referring to the substantive licence application. Roadways Northern had not taken over Roadways as that company had gone into administration. Correspondence in relation to Roadways had been forwarded to the administrator, KPMG.