Public inquiry no-show ends in disqualification

A Yorkshire operator has had its licence revoked after failing to provide any documentation to support its licence for 15 HGVs and then not turning up to a public inquiry (PI).

Simon Evans, deputy traffic commissioner (TC) for the North East, said it was “entirely unacceptable” that Arrow Mixed Concrete and its sole director Stacey Jackson should choose to ignore a call to a PI and that revocation was immediate.

Since the licence was granted in 2020, only one vehicle running out of its Batley operating centre was ever specified on the licence.

An investigation into the firm uncovered concerns about the links between the company and two other operators that have had their licences revoked.

A calling-in letter prompted no response from the operator and so the PI went ahead in its absence.

Disqualifying the director for an indeterminate period, Evans said: “There has been an unnotified change to the maintenance arrangements, no evidence that the vehicle is in fit and serviceable condition, or that the company has the finance to keep the vehicle in that condition, nor that a suitable operating centre is available when it is not in use.

“The director appears to have limited understanding of the responsibilities of a licence holder to its regulator, it does not recognise the priority of the licence undertakings, or that when requested, it should evidence the compliant operation of the single vehicle recently added.”