The Traffic Commissioner for the North West, David Mullan heard the cases of De-Luxe Coach Services Ltd and South Derbyshire Coaches Ltd in quick succession. These companies and public inquiries had one notable thing in common, a transport manager who had previously lost and regained his repute.
Both companies also had a similar range of failings; maintenance deficiencies, unsuitable inspection records and an absence of brake testing.
Mr. James readily accepted that he had failed in his Transport Manager responsibilities. His passion for buses led to a focus on that as a hobby, alongside a focus on the buying and selling of buses. The commissioner was told that his personality is such that he struggles to delegate. This resulted in him taking on too much responsibility and failing to focus on the important issues.
Mr Mullan said “Mr. James has failed in his lawful duty to ensure effective and continuous management of the Operator’s transport service. The failures are wide ranging and whilst I recognise that he has obtained certificates showing continuous professional development they actually give me some cause for concern. To be so absent of one’s duties, despite recent training, leaves me questioning how could Mr. James actually be rehabilitated.”
The transport manager lost his repute and was disqualified for seven years from both holding or obtaining an Operator’s licence and from acting in the capacity of transport manager for any road transport undertaking.
De-Luxe Coach Services Ltd had its licence revoked but South Derbyshire Coaches Ltd was suspended for 21 days to ensure minimal disruption to school services, and for alternative arrangements to be made for registered services, both of which are reliant upon this operator.
The full written decisions can be found here and here.
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