Suffolk haulier suffers after ADR certificate is delayed

A Suffolk haulier has criticised the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) for the lengthy delay in it sending out a new ADR photo licence to one of his drivers.

Colin Frost, transport manager at Stanton-based Frost Transport, said the delay had caused him operational problems because the driver had been unable to carry hazardous loads since his ADR licence ran out on 24 January.

He said: "We have had to bring another driver in from further afield when a customer wants a reload done because the other driver can’t do it without the licence in hand."

SQA, which administers the course, said it was aware of a "small number" of photo cards that had gone missing in the post but had sent out replacements by special delivery. This amounted to "less than 10" of the 5,400 cards issued since the photo system was introduced last October, it added.

Operators are advised a year in advance to apply to renew their ADR licence at least six weeks before their existing one expires, but Frost said his driver still hasn’t received his card.