TC finds firm misused operator licence

Chris Tindall
January 24, 2025

 

 

A Dorset operator that requested a public inquiry after being told the traffic commissioner proposed to take away its licence and then failed to attend has now had it revoked.

An investigation by the DVSA into SBJ Bournemouth Pallet Co, headed up by partnership Steve Warren and Barry Weller, found there were few compliance systems in place.

It also emerged that Weller played no significant role in the business, which relied on a licence for three HGVs, and he never had done.

TC Kevin Rooney said he proposed to revoke the licence on the basis that there had been a change of entity, but the operator had requested a PI.

However, no-one attended the subsequent Bristol hearing.

In his written decision, Rooney quoted a DVSA traffic examiner who had spoken to Warren: “Barry Weller is an accountant, he has never been involved with the transport operation of the business except in name only for the operator’s licence.

“Mr Steve Warren said that in recent years due to ill health, Mr Barry Weller had had little to no involvement with the business.”

The TC added: “I find on the balance of probabilities that there has been a change of entity to a sole trader and misuse of the licence as a result.

“The adverse findings of the DVSA traffic examiner report will lie on file should any new application be made.

“Pursuant to adverse findings; change of entity and lack of access to financial resources, the licence is revoked with immediate effect.”

About the Author

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Chris Tindall

Chris Tindall started writing for the haulage and logistics industry in 2002 and has covered a broad range of significant issues, including GPS jamming by criminals, platooning and Brexit.

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