Firm that made false records “deserved” to be booted out of industry

Chris Tindall
July 17, 2024

A haulier that created multiple false tachograph records – the vast majority by its director – has had its licence revoked and the operator disqualified.

Ashford-based Logistics for Sure appeared before deputy traffic commissioner John Baker after a DVSA investigation found 91 offences involving false records, breaches of drivers’ hours regulations and evidence that the company was not using its authorised operating centre.

Of the 91 false records, 76 were committed by the director Foday Mansaray, with two of its drivers committing the rest.

Mansaray appeared at the Eastbourne PI along with former transport manager David Steele.

The DTC was told that fellow director and wife Nnannke Von Radloff was present in the building but she was looking after their children and she did not want to address any of the points raised at the PI.

Baker said that of “extreme concern” to him was that Mansaray committed by far the most infringements, which totally eclipsed those of its other drivers.

“The distances and times involved, more so while driving articulated HGVs across the country, are such that road safety would be seriously impinged,” he said.

“Road safety and compliance are clearly playing second fiddle to profit.”

Mansaray explained that the breaches were necessary because he could not afford not to break the law.

Steele said he had attempted to resolve the unlawful actions at the firm and he had written a report for the operator to address many of the issues.

However, he acknowledged that this report had only been compiled after the visit by a DVSA traffic examiner.

DTC Baker said: “I am firmly of the view that the operator deserves to be put out of business.

“The operator through Mr Mansaray showed a blatant disregard for the rules relating to drivers’ hours and thereby presented a risk to road safety. Significant action has to be taken to mark the seriousness of this behaviour and as a deterrent to others.

“I find that there is a need to keep the operator and directors away from the transport industry for a period of time and order a disqualification against the operator Logistics for Sure Limited and both directors Foday Mansaray and Nnannke Von Radloff from holding or obtaining an operator’s licence for a period of two years.”

Steele was disqualified for a year.

About the Author

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Chris Tindall

Chris Tindall started writing for the haulage and logistics industry in 2002 and has covered a broad range of significant issues, including GPS jamming by criminals, platooning and Brexit.

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