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Topic of the Month
January 2009

How to lose your operator's licence without thinking

It is all too easy to lose your operator’s licence by making fatal errors long before you step through the inquiry room door. Every incident that could lead to a conviction should be treated as having a potentially damaging effect on the licence and treated with the seriousness that it deserves.

Don't be tempted to think that because a potential prosecution is not one relating to specific transport matters, that the operator's licence will be safe.  It may not be.  It is all too easy for a conviction for what may be thought of as an unrelated offence to turn into one which the Traffic Commissioner considers to be a serious offence and for which you will lose your licence. It only needs for there to be more than one serious offence and the Traffic Commissioner has no option but to revoke the licence.  Seeking help from someone familiar with the transport industry and transport law at this stage could help you protect the licence and fend off a public inquiry.   Advice as to what steps need to be taken after a prosecution can also be critical as to whether or not the Traffic Commissioner decides to call you in for an inquiry.

Operators' licences are hard enough to obtain and are one of a company's most valuable assets.  Losing the licence through failure to understand completely the legislation, is a risk that no business should take.  If you would like to discuss any issues concerning your operator's licence, on a no obligation basis, please 'phone me on 01756 790631.