News

A Swinton, Greater Manchester-based haulier had his licence revoked when he refused to attend a disciplinary inquiry before the North Western Deputy Traffic Commissioner Patrick Mulvenna. Brian Breeze, who held a national licence authorising the operation of one vehicle, had been called before the DTC because of concerns over vehicle maintenance, repute, finance and professional competence.

At the outset the DTC said Breeze had been contacted and had said he did not want to attend the hearing  and that his vehicle had been stolen with the O-licence identity disc still in the windscreen.

Vehicle examiner Paul Snelson said the licence had been granted in January 2006. He carried out a new operator's maintenance investigation in December. Breeze told him that his nominated transport manager was no longer acting and that he was looking for a replacement. The stated inspection period of eight weeks had been extended to 10 weeks. When the vehicle was presented for annual test it failed on several items, including brakes, lights and tyres.

The DTC said the Traffic Area Office wrote to Breeze in March, saying it was understood that there was no transport manager and that it was proposed to revoke the licence. Breeze had replied saying a new transport manager would be appointed as soon as possible. No information had since been received about the appointment of another transport manager. In addition, requested financial information had not been forthcoming.

In the absence of the operator the DTC could not be satisfied that he met the requirements in relation to repute, finance and professional competence to enable him to continue to hold an O-licence.