
A Ludlow operator that demonstrated serious and persistent maintenance failings has had its licence revoked and the transport manager disqualified.
Partnership Malcolm and Anne Wragg, trading as MJ Wragg, appeared before the deputy traffic commissioner Laura Thomas after a desk-based assessment was conducted by the DVSA into the haulier.
Of the 16 areas covered in the assessment, 10 were found to be unsatisfactory.
An unannounced maintenance investigation was then triggered, which found use of an unauthorised operating centre, no evidence of brake testing, PMI sheets incorrectly completed and inadequate maintenance facilities.
A vehicle examiner submitted a statement to the subsequent Birmingham public inquiry saying documents had been provided showing some improvements at the business, which operated four HGVs and eight trailers, but that there was still evidence of shortcomings.
In her written decision, the DTC said Malcolm Wragg’s evidence “demonstrated to me that he simply did not have the knowledge required of a transport manager; he was quite unclear about several matters.
“He relied too heavily on contractors and was unable to assure me that he was managing this transport operation either as an operator or transport manager.
“I heard from Mrs Wragg who very honestly accepted she knows nothing about transport, although she has just learnt to use TruTac. She confirmed that it was a partnership in name only.”
The couple’s solicitor told DTC Thomas that Wragg had taken his eyes off the ball, but she argued that there had been no intention to avoid compliance; it was reckless rather than dishonest.
The DTC agreed but added that the breadth, seriousness and persistence of the failings, as well as a “lamentably slow response to DVSA intervention, resulting in serious road safety concerns”, meant the case fell into the serious bracket.
“I find that there has been ineffective management control and insufficient or, in some areas, no systems and procedures in place to prevent operator licence compliance failings,” she said.
“This is compounded by the fact that Mr Wragg is also the transport manager on the licence.
“Balancing this as I must, with the positive features found; I find that there has been some improvement in maintenance, albeit insufficient; Mr Wragg has fully cooperated with the DVSA and this public inquiry.”
However, she added: “I consider that the failings are so serious that this licence must come to an end.”