In a recent decision by the Deputy Traffic Commissioner, H&S Builders Merchants Ltd had their restricted operator licence, which authorised 10 vehicles and 4 trailers, revoked following a public inquiry on 2nd July 2024. The inquiry revealed a catalogue of failings that could have easily been avoided with the right compliance expertise in place.
What Went Wrong
The failings of H&S Builders Merchants Ltd were numerous and serious, directly impacting road safety. Key issues included:
- Neglecting Tachograph Duties: Vehicles were found to have gone extended periods without necessary tachograph downloads. One vehicle had gone an astonishing 958 days without a download.
- Load Security Failures: A vehicle received a prohibition due to dangerous load security.
- Insufficient Driver Training: Driver infringements were frequent, and there was no evidence of adequate driver training, with some drivers relying on internet videos and no formal training on critical safety areas like load security and drivers’ hours compliance.
- Maintenance Lapses: Serious mechanical issues and insufficient maintenance intervals were uncovered, including a 71.43% mechanical prohibition rate, pointing to poor vehicle upkeep and safety checks.
- These failures led to the revocation of the operator licence and a disqualification of all four directors from holding an operator licence for 18 months.
How Could This Have Been Avoided?
The Directors of H&S Builders Merchants Ltd admitted they were “too busy” to comply with their legal obligations. Their approach of handling compliance with minimal effort, reliance on informal training, and delayed corrective actions proved costly. Had they engaged a transport compliance consultant from the start, many of these issues could have been identified and rectified before they reached such critical levels.
At LDP Transport Consultancy, we specialise in providing Continuous Compliance Support to operators, ensuring that they stay on top of their legal obligations through regular audits, driver training, and systematic maintenance oversight. With our support, H&S Builders Merchants Ltd could have avoided costly penalties, prohibitions, and ultimately, the loss of their operator licence.
Conclusion
This case highlights how vital compliance expertise is for the long-term success of any operator. At LDP Transport Consultancy, we offer tailored compliance services that help operators stay ahead of regulatory requirements and avoid the dire consequences that come from neglecting them. Don’t wait for enforcement action—take control of your compliance today.
Contact us to find out how we can keep your fleet compliant and on the road.
