Heavy goods firm licence revoked and boss disqualified following concerns about road-worthiness of vehicles

The West Midlands Traffic Commissioner has revoked the licence of M J Hire & Sales Ltd based on Purdy Road after the probe by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. It found there were concerns about the road-worthiness of vehicles the company was running, routine safety inspections were not being carried out on time and journeys were not being recorded.

The firm's director and transport manager, Rebecca Large, has now been disqualified for two years.

Nick Jones, the region's Traffic Commissioner, said the decision to revoke the company's licence to run heavy goods vehicles followed a public inquiry in October 2015.

Evidence presented during the inquiry by examiners from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) revealed a number of concerns about the company's vehicle operation.

Concerns were also raised about the use of an extra vehicle without authority and drivers' hours offences committed by employees, including failing to record some journeys.

In addition, the Traffic Commissioner heard that two individuals, Paul Green and Jennifer Green, were active in the business despite an undertaking on the licence saying they would not be involved in any capacity other than as a driver.

Mr Jones noted that the examiners had found business cards in the name of Paul Green in a vehicle which described his role as transport manager. He was also present during many of the visits made to the premises by DVSA in the absence of Rebecca Large.

In a written decision issued after the hearing, the Traffic Commissioner concluded: "I accept that Rebecca Large does occasionally visit the business, however the controlling mind has always been Paul Green since Rebecca Large became involved."

Revoking the company's licence from November 16, Mr Jones made orders to disqualify Rebecca Large from holding an operator's licence or acting as a transport manager for two years. He also refused an application from the company to operate an extra vehicle and made an order to revoke the vocational driving licence of Paul Green until his 70th birthday.