Traffic Commissioner (TC) for Scotland, Joan Aitken, has refused to return an impounded minibus after decided the vehicle was being used for hire and reward without a valid O-licence.
Two vehicles had previously been impounded in 2016 when action was taken against the business, which has the trading name of McKendry Coaches and is owned by Douglas McKendry.
Only one of the vehicles was returned.
On 6 June 2018, a vehicle was impounded by DVSA after it was observed carrying passengers without displaying an O-licence disc.
The DVSA spoke to the hirer of the vehicle, who revealed she had arranged to pay £230 to hire the vehicle after finding the company website online.
In evidence, Ann McKendry from the operator claimed to have intended to outsource the booking to another coach operator, but had forgotten due to personal circumstances.
She claimed no payment was going to be taken for the service, and it would therefore not be for hire or reward.
The TC said the account did not stand scrutiny, commenting: “This was a commercial arrangement made by the customer to transport her bowls group.
“The driver was arranged by Mrs McKendry and expected some reward for his time. I do not have the slightest doubt that (the vehicle) was being used for hire and reward.”
