A Stagecoach group company received a stern warning over a series of bridge strike incidents just weeks before three similar accidents happened in mid-December
The written decision of Deputy Traffic Commissioner for the Eastern Area Paul Stookes was published on 27 November 2024 in the case of Lincolnshire Road Car, which trades as Stagecoach East Midlands. The decision relates to a conjoined public inquiry (PI), initially scheduled for 15 October, relating to two bridge strike incidents. The first occurred on 14 June 2024 at Marsh Lane, Doncaster. The bus was being driven by driver John Sewell.
The purpose of the originally-planned inquiry had been to consider allegations that the operator had acted contrary to the provisions of the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981; whether its Transport Manager, Zachary McAskill, met the requirements of good repute and professional competence; and to consider the vocational entitlement of John Sewell under the Road Transport Act 1988. The Operator and Transport Manager were to be represented at the inquiry by solicitors, Backhouse Jones.
However, on 3 October, Backhouse Jones emailed the Office of the Traffic Commissioner (OTC) with a report on a further bridge strike that had occurred on 19 September 2024 at Wharton Road, Blyton, Gainsborough. This incident had been reported to the OTC on 20 September 2024.
The planned PI was therefore adjourned until 11 November. The operator’s two other nominated transport managers, Samuel Smith and David Skepper were also called to the inquiry along with the driver involved, Ivo Matos.
Also appearing before the Deputy TC (DTC) at the PI along with the aforementioned transport managers was the operator’s Managing Director Matthew Cranwell. The operator was represented by James Backhouse of Backhouse Jones. Driver Ivo Matos attended in person, and John Sewell appeared by video link.
Case history
The operator was granted a Standard International licence (PF0007038) authorising 270 vehicles on 21 August 1991. It currently has 220 vehicles in its possession, alongside a further 460 on linked licence PB0001484.
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