Boat transport firm’s licence revoked on HGV operating standards 16 May 2013

Southampton-based Boatloads International, which transports boats in the UK and Europe, is set to lose its licence to run its commercial vehicle after the region's Traffic Commissioner found that safety standards had not been met.

Its authority to run one HGV will be revoked from 03 July 2013, following a ruling by Traffic Commissioner Sarah Bell, who concluded that the firm no longer satisfied the good repute and financial standing tests.

Following a roadside encounter with VOSA (the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency), during which the tread on one of its trailer's wheels was found to be worn beyond the legal limit, the agency moved to a formal investigation.

That revealed issues with the company's compliance procedures, with paperwork missing for routine safety inspections, and two of those inspections carried out late.

Additionally, there were concerns about visual checks carried out by drivers on the vehicle and trailer. The examiner noted the business did not have sufficient evidence to show it had taken action to repair defects picked up by employees.

The Traffic Commissioner was also told that the company's transport manager John Slater had admitted he was aware of the tyre defect.

Miss Bell said that the the transport manager's standards had fallen below the required level of competence.

She issued a formal warning to Slater after he agreed to attend a two-day refresher course by 30 July 2013. The order means that he can still work as a transport manager in the future.

Author
Brian Tinham

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