Aggregates specialist Dudman Group has escaped with a warning at a public inquiry in Eastbourne after one of its trucks was found with a missing wheel and another close to losing a wheel.
At the hearing, South Eastern Deputy Traffic Commissioner John Baker said joint transport managers at the Brighton, Sussex-based company Steve Dudman and Alan Butterfield would keep their repute because of the firm's historically "good record" in respect of compliance.
Michael Hyde, VOSA vehicle examiner, told the inquiry the company - which runs multi-axle tippers - had picked up two "S" marked prohibitions for missing wheels.
In the first incident in November 2009, VOSA officers discovered that the driver had failed to follow procedures for tightening the wheel nuts.
The second case in February this year was caused by an "over-zealous" driver who had overtightened the wheel nuts causing them to become damaged.
The inquiry heard how Dudman Group - which runs 64 vehicles - had a first time annual MOT pass rate between September 2006 and April 2010 of 86%.
It also has an operator compliance risk score (OCRS) in the green category - the highest band.
Butterfield, who is a qualified CPC instructor, said the company took its health and safety responsibilities "very seriously" with new drivers having to spend at least a week with an experienced driver during their training programme.
The DTC said he had been "impressed" with Butterfield and Dudman, and the maintenance record of the firm generally.
However, he added that if a serious accident had occurred as a result of the lost wheels, the possible consequences could have been the loss of the firm's O-licence.
He added: "You had two wheels that came off, this was an obvious, serious risk to road safety.
"Apart from the incidents, the company has a good record in respect of compliance and you have shown substantial evidence that you have good systems in place."
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