A haulage operator that appeared at three public inquiries in three years has now been disqualified after presiding over a culture where serious drivers’ hours offences were being committed.
Deputy traffic commissioner John Baker said he could find no positive features in relation to MDC Logistics and the fact that it had deliberately contravened a suspension order meant it was a case of “severe seriousness”.
The operator, which held an international licence for six HGV and three trailers, appeared at its third hearing after failing to comply with previous undertakings, continuing to operate without an authorised operating centre and a conviction by director Constantin Croitoru for excess speed in his HGV, leaving the lorry with the engine running, leaving it in a dangerous position and failing to wear a seatbelt.
A DVSA investigation into the business, which had depots in Hayes and Ashford, found 127 drivers’ hours offences committed by 16 drivers over a five-month period.
Another driver, George-Catalin Ambrosa, was stopped at the roadside while the haulier’s licence was suspended and he was found to be disqualified and relying on two driver cards in his name.
In his decision, the deputy TC said: “The operator failed to make proper checks on the driving licence record of driver Ambrosa, which would have shown that he was disqualified and therefore insurance cover was invalid.”
“There is no doubt in my mind that the operator deserves to be put out of business and to be kept away from transport operations for a significant period of time.
“I also find that a disqualification is necessary in relation to Constantin Croitoru who was a director throughout the period in question.”
Baker ordered a revocation of the licence with immediate effect and disqualified MDC Logistics for five years: “I make this order taking into account the fact that the company is still active and needs to be prevented from re-entering the transport business for a significant period.
“I also order a period of disqualification for five years in relation to Constantin Croitoru because I find that he needs to be kept away from the transport industry.”
However, the DTC took no action against transport manager Flavin-Vlad Voivod, who he said had started to make progress in the four months he was employed to ensure compliance.