Unauthorised operating centre use was “easier”

An operator who appeared at two public inquiries within 12 months has been disqualified indefinitely after using an unauthorised operating centre.

John Raymond Fance, who held a standard international licence for one vehicle and two trailers out of a Benfleet, Essex address, also failed to demonstrate financial standing or show that it had the correct compliance and maintenance systems in place.

Fance also failed to appear at a Cambridge public inquiry before the senior traffic commissioner Richard Turfitt.

Fance, who was also the transport manager, told a DVSA vehicle examiner that it parked on an industrial estate and not at the registered operating centre because it was closer to his home address and easier.

He had already had his licence curtailed to one truck at a PI before the deputy traffic commissioner less than a year before and Turfitt said he had abused his trust:

“The lack of basic compliance and a stable and effective establishment are not reflective of a reputable transport manager,” he said in his written decision.

“The operator must be removed from the industry and accordingly I recorded a loss of repute.

“The failure to act placed the case in the severe category, with nothing to mitigate.

“This was the second public inquiry within a year. There is no requirement to identify additional features to consider disqualification, but in this case, the conduct is such that a period of disqualification is required to emphasise the seriousness and to provide a wider deterrent.”