A2Z bus firm off road in crisis

A bus firm which operates services around the Black Country was forced off the roads today, leaving dozens of drivers out of work.

A2Z Travel, based in Marlow Street, Walsall, had its licence revoked by the West Midlands Traffic Commissioner at the end of last year.

The decision was made by the West Midland Traffic Commissioner Nick Jones, who fined the company £19,800 after inspectors discovered major defects with its vehicles.

It had been trying to get a stay of execution while it battled to get a hearing at the Court of Appeal.

But time ran out for the firm last night. Other bus companies, including Wednesfield-based Choice Travel, are taking over its routes in the region to maintain a service for passengers.