FTA applauds licence revocation for illegal fuel use28 November 2013

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has voiced its support for the Department of Environment (DoE) Northern Ireland's decision to revoke operator licences from three freight businesses for using laundered fuel.

The three licences in question were held by: Padraig Daly, who traded as PD Refrigerated, Dungannon, Co Tyrone; Kevin Johnston, Johnston Tipper Services, Ballyronan, Co Londonderry; and Wadsworth Bethel, of Banbridge, Co Down. All were revoked for the illegal use of fuel and other infringements under the Goods Vehicle (Licensing of Operators) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010.

"FTA is delighted at the DoE's decision as we believe operator licence revocation is the only appropriate response in these circumstances," says Seamus Leheny, FTA's policy manager for Northern Ireland. "This type of illegal activity is destroying lawful and fair competition in the transport sector."

Leheny adds: "The potential rewards for operators using laundered fuel are so substantial, that fines or imprisonment alone are not a sufficient deterrent – these operators must also be disqualified from trading as licensed transport operators. Members of the FTA welcome this action as illegal operators often undercut them on prices, thus depriving legitimate companies of revenue and subsequently jobs."

Author
Laura Cork

Related Companies
Freight Transport Association Ltd

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