Traffic commissioner lifts suspension for scaffolding firm 12 February 2013

A Rothwell scaffolding firm has been given permission to run vehicles again after the region's traffic commissioner lifted a suspension on its operating licence.

The order, which was made by Kevin Rooney following a public inquiry on 31 January 2013, had prevented LA Scaffolding from running any vehicles to transport materials for its business.

The traffic commissioner took action after investigators reported that the firm's vehicle maintenance standards were unsatisfactory, with one vehicle showing "significant safety failings".

A VOSA officer had stopped the vehicle and found defects which pointed to a significant failure in the firm's maintenance systems. One of the vehicle's tyres was worn almost smooth while another had a deep cut, with the cords were exposed – both of which should have been picked up by the driver's walk around check.

The vehicle was also found to be overloaded and, during a subsequent inspection, paperwork and records for vehicle safety checks revealed shortcomings, including routine inspections not occurring and some vehicle defects not repaired, despite being identified to the company.

The examiner also reported that the business had failed to attend a free VOSA seminar on vehicle maintenance when invited.

But at a second hearing on 05 February, Rooney was satisfied that the company had made major improvements, so removed the licence suspension. He also recorded a formal warning for concerns identified by VOSA (the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency).

"The operator has made significant improvements in management systems since the original hearing, recruited a qualified transport manager and joined the Road Haulage Association to ensure improvements are sustained," commented Rooney.

"All the vehicles have been inspected and given a clean bill of health. An undertaking has been given for a health check audit in six months. On that basis, I am content to lift the suspension."

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)

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