Transport managers told not to lose sight of CPC role 25 October 2012

Nicholas Denton, the traffic commissioner for London and the South East, has issued a reminder to transport managers about the need to focus on their core duties – and urged operators to give them greater support.

The reminders come after Denton concluded a public inquiry earlier this month into issues at North London Courier and Logistics, following an investigation by VOSA back in July.

That had revealed shortcomings in its vehicle maintenance standards and raised concerns that the operator's CPC holder, transport manager Steven Savage, had too many commitments.

Denton told Savage he had not been devoting enough time to his role as the CPC holder – as evidenced by the fact that, during VOSA's investigation, he was taken up with other aspects of the business, leaving a company director to host the visit.

VOSA's inspection of maintenance records also revealed that safety records were not returned with vehicles, driver walk-around checks were not effective and there was no forward planning system. The examiner also found a vehicle available for use with an expired test certificate.

After considering all the evidence, the traffic commissioner recorded an undertaking on the operator's licence, committing it to undertake a maintenance audit through an independent trade body.

He also warned the firm that any deterioration in standards would result in a further public inquiry, but told Savage that his reputation would remain intact on this occasion.

"It is important that transport managers understand [that] their good repute is on the line, if maintenance standards are below requirements," said Denton. "They are the ones called to account at public inquiry and who stand to lose their livelihood, not the maintenance providers."

And he continued: "Transport managers need to check the quality of the systems in place, and ensure that they are carrying out the duties of a CPC holder effectively and continuously.

"Operators must also support their transport managers in this role. It's a key appointment in the industry and one that is a mandatory part of holding a standard licence."

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)

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