GSD O-licence revoked for having no transport manager

West Midland Traffic Commissioner (TC) Nick Jones has revoked the O-licence of Walsall-based haulier GSD Vehicle Services after it operated for eight months without a transport manager.

At a public inquiry into maintenance matters in March this year, the TC curtailed the authorisation of the business - run by sole trader Iain Gardiner - from 10 vehicles and 12 trailers to seven vehicles and eight trailers.

Gardiner lost his repute as a transport manager and was given three months grace to appoint a new one.

However, a report from a VOSA vehicle examiner said that since the March inquiry, Gardiner had failed to appoint a new transport manager.

Following that hearing, the firm had recorded a 100% prohibition rate for fleet inspections, and picked up two roadworthiness prohibitions, one of these being "S" marked.

From eight roadside checks carried out, there was a 75% prohibition rate with four immediate roadworthiness prohibitions.

Gardiner had also been operating in excess of his authorisation due to his lack of competence.

At the latest PI earlier this month, Jones described Gardiner as a man of integrity but who "sadly lacks skills to be a transport manager".

The TC added: "The ratio of prohibitions illustrates why it is that a transport manager with continuous and effective responsibility is so important.

"There has been no transport manager since March and it has resulted in real problems including road safety concerns."