News

An operator with more than 30 prohibitions in the past five years and a poor pass rate at annual test has had its licence authority reduced. The O-licence of Biggar-based Quothquan Farms was curtailed from 25 vehicles and six trailers to 23 vehicles and six trailers for six months by the Scottish Traffic Commissioner Joan Aitken.

Evidence was given that in the past five years the company's vehicles and trailers had attracted 16 immediate and 16 delayed prohibitions, one of which was 'S'  marked, together with 16 variation notices. In the same period, only 11 vehicles passed first time out of 89 presented for annual test. Director Mark Hewitt said the business was milk collection and distribution and the vehicles were essential for the continuation of the business. Revocation or suspension of the licence would be fatal.

Following the receipt of the call-up letter advice had been taken from the Freight Transport Association, and it had carried out an audit and detailed what needed to be put right. The company's mechanics had been booked on a one-day Vosa course and the company planned to recruit a full-time transport manager. Hewitt believed the annual test pass rate was improving.

The TC said that the 2007/08 annual test figures revealed 10 occasions of presented vehicles not achieving a pass. On a fleet of approximately 25 that was a high failure ratio. This was a serious case. It should not take a public inquiry to make an operator compliant. The licence  undertakings were there to ensure road safety and fair competition and Aitken had to ensure they were met.

TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT

The TC took account of the fact that this was the company's first public inquiry and that help had been sought from the FTA.