A Boston-based haulage operator has had an application for a licence increase to 16 HGVs granted by the traffic commissioner, despite him making formal findings in respect of historical shortcomings.
MAK Haulage, which operates out of a base on the Riverside industrial estate in the Lincolnshire town, wanted to increase its licence authorisation from 11 vehicles and 11 trailers, but the East of England TC requested a public inquiry first.
Evidence presented to the TC by a vehicle examiner showed that the operator had an annual test initial pass rate since a previous PI in 2018 of 62.5%.
In addition, MAK Haulage had been issued with 11 roadworthiness prohibitions; six were immediate, three delayed, two variations and one variation and refusal.
Nine fixed penalty notices had also been issued to its drivers.
However, TC Richard Turfitt noted the steps taken by the operator and sole director Mihhail Kuksov.
The DVSA traffic examiner said Kuksov had been willing to act on advice and he had embraced spot checks of drivers and had implemented driver penalties where defects were discovered.
Based on this evidence the TC said: “Whilst I warned the operator and transport manager that there can be no repeat of the historical deficiencies, I did not find it necessary to intervene and was content to grant the application to increase authority.”
