News

A licence application inquiry involving a father and son has been adjourned because one of the applicants is involved in the salvage operation of a ferry that ran aground off Blackpool during high winds. Morecambe, Lancs-based Hancock Contractors, whose sole director was Jamie Hancock, was seeking to increase its licence authority from 10 to 12 vehicles. His father Stephen, whose previous licence was revoked in March 2001, was seeking a new three-vehicle restricted licence.

For the company  and Stephen Hancock, Jonathan Backhouse told a Golborne public inquiry that Hancock Contractors was working day and night on the salvage operation. In addition a key witness was on holiday abroad. After Backhouse had wondered whether it was fair to call operators to public inquiry just because they were father and son, the North-Western Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell said the burden of proof was on licence applicants and that operators could be a "wily bunch". She needed to know that the company's variation application was a genuine application and not designed to circumvent any refusal of Stephen Hancock's application she might make.

In March 2001 she had held that Stephen Hancock had lost his repute for five years. In view of his history Stephen Hancock had "a number of hurdles" to get over before she could grant him a licence. In adjourning the hearing, the TC said there were no road safety issues as far as she was aware.

The TC was concerned that if the father's application was refused, his vehicles would be put on his son's licence if the increased authorisation was granted.