VOSA blocks FOI appeal on Tinnelly

VOSA has refused to uphold Motor Transport's Freedom of Information (FOI) appeal against its decision to keep secret details of any prohibitions received by failed Northern Irish operator Tinnelly International Transport (TIT).

The original FOI request was turned down by VOSA citing the potential harm it might cause to Tinnelly Transport, the pre-pack successor to TIT, run by its former owner Kevin Tinnelly.

In rejecting our initial appeal - an internal review carried out by VOSA - the agency cites a similar reason. It says: "The balance of the public interest in witholding the information against the public interest in disclosing the information has been reassessed.

"VOSA is satisfied that the initial decision about where the balance of interest lies should be upheld.

"It is considered that the release of the information would affect a company's ability to participate competitively in commercial activity."

TIT ran vehicles on the UK mainland without an O-licence for at least six months. When it collapsed in February it owed trade creditors - including a large number of haulage firms - over £2m.

North Western TC Beverley Bell has described Kevin Tinnelly as "high non-compliant".

Motor Transport will now be appealing to the Information Commissioner, however, it may take a considerable period before a decision is reached.