Unsecured loads see O-licence curtailed

Northumberland haulier Dedicated Transport Solutions has had its O-licence curtailed from 34 to 27 vehicles for three months for failing to ensure loads were secured correctly.

North East traffic commissioner (TC) Kevin Rooney said that the “otherwise good and compliant operator” had been let down by its drivers, who had persistently failed to secure their loads.

The Cramlington-based operator received four prohibition notices for load security issues in a two-year period, a public inquiry was told in May.

The TC acknowledged that the operator was making efforts to address its load security problems, but its director and transport manager had taken no immediate action against drivers who did not comply with the requirements.

Director John Joisce was warned that the business could face more severe regulatory action should the TC receive any further reports of non-compliance with the load security rules.
No formal action was taken against the transport manager, Sean McAndrew.

The TC also warned the firm’s drivers that they will be called to a driver conduct hearing, and potentially have their vocational driving licence suspended or revoked, should he become aware of any further load security issues at the company.

“For the sake of clarity, the DVSA has not changed the rules on load security but there has been an enforcement campaign to check and improve it following serious road safety issues,” said Rooney.

• This article was published in the 23 June issue of Commercial Motor. Why not subscribe to get 12 issues for £12?