TC lenient due to director death

A Derbyshire operator has escaped without any action being taken against its licences after the North Western Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell acknowledged that it been through a "turbulent time" following the death of one its directors. Darley Dale-based BJ Waters had appeared before Bell after maintenance inspections revealed a number of problems. Inspection periods for both trucks and trailers had slipped from the stated six weeks.

The company said that until 2005, Martin and Nicholas Waters were the principal directors. However, Nicholas had unexpectedly died in April that year and the consequence was a degree of turmoil. Martin Waters was now in the process of handing over to the younger generation in what was a family business. The company added that renovation work at the Darley Dale site in 2007 had also caused disruption.

The TC said it was clear the company had been through a difficult time and was going through a culture change. She said she had initially considered suspending or curtailing the North Western licence as the company had previously had a formal warning at public inquiry, but it was clear that the death of Nicholas Waters had made a huge impact.

The firm gave undertakings in relation to future maintenance arrangements, including having periodic audits by the RHA/FTA. It holds a 34-truck licence in the North West and a 12-vehicle licence in the West Midlands.