Walsall transport manager faced with indefinite disqualification02 September 2013

A transport manager and skip operator has lost his licence to run HGVs, following a ruling by West Midlands traffic commissioner, Nick Jones.

The order, which follows a public inquiry held on 27 June 2013, means that James Walker's firm J W Skip Hire can no longer use vehicles in connection with its business.

In a separate direction, Walker was also disqualified indefinitely from working as a transport manager in the UK and Europe after the traffic commissioner ruled that he had lost his repute and professional competence.

Jones said the Walsall-based businessman's "ignorance as to his responsibilities" was "far reaching", adding that Mr Walker had falsified documents in an attempt to deceive a traffic examiner from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), the government enforcement body.

During the inquiry, which also looked into three other Walsall-based firms which used the services of Mr Walker, the traffic commissioner heard that his company was using licence discs from another operator, Lynn Barber trading as Barber International Transport & Skip to run three extra vehicles. Licence discs are not transferable.

The VOSA examiner also reported offences committed by drivers working for Mr Walker and that he had not carried out his transport manager duties for Ark Environmental Services Ltd.

In a written decision issued after the hearing, Mr Jones said he was satisfied that James Walker's failings, in large part, resulted from his "wholesale incompetence".

Author
John Challen

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.