· Industry regulator says company deserves to go out of business after other placing other road users in danger
· Vehicle used without MOT and in a seriously unroadworthy condition
· Director’s response to safety concerns deemed inadequate
A Mitcham scaffolding firm which allowed a seriously unroadworthy vehicle to be used – putting other road users in danger – has been told it deserves to go out of business by the industry regulator.
Nick Denton, the London and South East Traffic Commissioner, has revoked the vehicle operating licence held by Knight Scaffolding Ltd, of Unit 20, Bunting Close, Mitcham, after finding that its director, Thomas Knight, had comprehensively failed to comply with vehicle and driver safety standards.
His decision, which takes effect on 28 October, means the scaffolding firm will not be able to use commercial vehicles in connection with its business.
The commissioner said: “Actions speak louder than words and Mr Knight’s actions have been inadequate.”
During a public inquiry in Eastbourne last month, Mr Denton heard about various failings by the company, including:
· the operation of a vehicle without an MOT;
· the issue of a safety critical prohibition to a vehicle due to mechanical issues, including three underinflated tyres and an insecure load;
· director Thomas Knight driving a vehicle without the required driving licence entitlement;
· the use of a second vehicle illegally – the company is only authorised to run one vehicle on its licence;
· the issue a 4000 pound fine by the City of London Magistrates’ Court on 17 August for various traffic offences
· vehicles not being given routine safety inspections – in a period of 12 months, only one inspection had taken place, despite a commitment to do so every eight weeks
During the inquiry, Mr Knight accepted that he had not kept up to date with paperwork or compliance matters and had instead focused on getting business and carrying out scaffolding work.
The Traffic Commissioner noted that Mr Knight had failed to attend new operator seminars organised by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
“Had he attended any of them, he might have understood what his compliance responsibilities were and taken the necessary corrective action,” the regulator remarked.
Mr Knight said he realised he needed additional support to look after the transport side of the business. But Mr Denton criticised his lack of action in getting that assistance and continued non compliance on drivers’ hours and maintenance record keeping.
“More than three months on from the stop and a month on from the company’s conviction, he has done nothing concrete to acquire such help.
“Because Mr Knight has taken so little effective action to improve compliance [since 17 June], I can have little confidence that he will comply in the future.”
