Dealtop (Plymouth) Ltd, trading as Target Travel, has seen its O-licence revoked due to a lack of financial standing. The decision will take effect at 2359hrs on 27 October 2018.
The operator drew the attention of regulators following the resignation of its transport manager, which it failed to properly rectify. However, it was found that suitably qualified people were in place and FTA audits demonstrated ‘generally good compliance.’
Traffic Commissioner (TC) for the West of England, Kevin Rooney, expressed concern about use of untaxed vehicles. He said: “There is no excuse for this. The requirement for continuous licensing was introduced in January 2004. The matters brought to my attention by Plymouth City Council indicate a lack of effective control and this is something the new transport manager needs to address immediately.”
While the business failed to demonstrate financial standing, the TC noted that ‘this is not a business with no money,’ since its fleet is largely owned outright.
The TC said: “I make no order for disqualification and provide a period of time for this generally compliant operator to make a new application. Such an application is more likely to succeed if the finances are shown as being genuinely available from 14 days of [the decision] until the application is determined.
“Demonstration of a proper governance structure and attendance at public inquiry for the application by all statutory directors and the nominated transport manager will also assist, as will a schedule of vehicles showing usage and their taxation status.”
