The Traffic Commissioner for the West of England, Sarah Bell, has made an order to temporarily reduce the O-licence authorisation of Bakers Dolphin Coach Travel by 10 vehicles.
Her decision, which will take effect on May 23 and end on July 11, follows a Public Inquiry into convictions for tachograph offences.
Directors from J N Baker Ltd appeared before the TC to examine a prosecution by VOSA, which concluded in 2012.
The company had pleaded guilty to 11 counts of tachograph offences, as a ‘user’, with a further 33 convictions recorded against their drivers.
Bell also heard evidence from the agency on the operator’s vehicle maintenance standards, including a wheel loss incident, which she noted the firm had conducted a detailed and professional investigation into.
After hearing evidence from the directors, the TC concluded improvements outlined by the company were likely to be implemented.
Making the order to limit the number of vehicles which could be operated to 75 from 85, Bell said she intended to prevent expansion by the business in the short term.
She also dealt with the firm’s Transport Manager, Max Fletcher, the professionally qualified and competent person employed to oversee vehicle, licence and driver standards.
Noting he had undertaken refresher Transport Manager training in December 2012, the Commissioner said no further action was required.
However, she reminded Mr Fletcher there should be no further falling of standards.
The company also agreed to nominate two additional Transport Managers by May 30.
