Traffic commissioner disqualifies directors of Twinkle Transport 10 July 2013

A Norwich haulier's transport manager, who left a note telling VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) examiners "the Gold Cup calls" on the day his company's vehicles were due to be given safety inspections, has been disqualified from operating HGVs.

During a public inquiry on 18 June 2013, the Traffic Commissioner for the East of England, Richard Turfitt, also heard that the company pleaded guilty to 14 offences at Norwich Magistrates' Court, including using a false licence disc. The company was fined £2300 for that offence.

VOSA inspectors began making enquiries with the company after another licence involving its directors, including Leslie Moon, was revoked in January 2012.

However transport manager and director Brian Moon and Leslie Moon failed to keep appointments with VOSA.

During the inquiry Mr Turffit also examined the company's history, including the issue of prohibitions to vehicles and trailers found with defects. Three of the defects indicated a significant failure in the firm's maintenance procedures. Several of the prohibitions related to brake, tyre and suspension defects.

The VOSA vehicle examiner told Mr Turfitt he believed drivers were not carrying out proper visual defect checks. The company directors claimed that drivers had been verbally warned but admitted they did not undertake spot checks.

The Commissioner also heard from a traffic examiner at the inquiry. Twinkle Transport had failed to produce tachographs. The offence of displaying a false operator's licence identity disc came to light after one of the company's vehicles was stopped on 25 February 2012.

The company's licence was revoked with immediate effect. The findings also led him to disqualify both directors for one year. Brian Moon was disqualified from acting as a transport manager for one year and will have to retake his professional qualification before he can work again in that role.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Department for Transport

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.