Pearce lost his good repute at a public inquiry in Bristol earlier this month, following evidence submitted by DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) that the operator had done nothing to investigate a safety critical immediate prohibition issued to a vehicle displaying a red EBS warning light.
“I accept the evidence of the vehicle examiner in full: it paints a shocking picture of noncompliance and a transport manager who appears to care nothing of the condition of his fleet,” said Rooney.
The DVSA officer said that when questioned about the issue of an ‘S’ marked prohibition for the red EBS warning lamp, Pearce had merely shrugged his shoulders.
“An ‘S’ marked PG9I is a prohibition for a defect that renders the vehicle immediately dangerous and which indicates a significant failure in the operator’s maintenance systems,” warned Rooney.
On the day before the hearing, the operator emailed the Traffic Commissioner’s office to indicate that the business would cease trading as of midnight on the day of the inquiry.
Rooney revoked the partnership’s licence (Graham Pearce and Reginald Watkins trading as P&W Transport) on the grounds of professional competence and financial standing.