Operator at Risk of Revocation – Restricted Licence Surrendered and Standard National Licence Granted

Helen Newbold, barrister, represented this coach company at Public Inquiry after they were called in for failing to meet the undertakings and standard requirements on a restricted licence.

The operator had been unable to demonstrate the main occupation requirements for a significant period of time and failed to notify the Traffic Commissioner of the fact. This is normally sufficient to revoke the licence and affect the reputation of the operator, however, representations put forward by Helen Newbold persuaded the Traffic Commissioner that the licence should be allowed to be surrendered rather than revoked.

When considering the application for a Standard National Licence there were a number of areas where the Traffic Commissioner felt the operator needed to improve his knowledge and systems. Helen Newbold put forward a set of proposals as to how he could be trusted moving forward. The proposals were accepted, and the Standard National Licence was granted with immediate effect.