“Given the importance attached to operators complying with the regulatory regime and given that transport managers must “effectively and continuously manage the transport activities of an undertaking holding an operator’s licence”, it seems to us that whether or not an individual has the character, personality, ability and leadership qualities to ensure compliant operation as an operator or to effectively and continuously manage the transport activities as a transport manager is a factor which can properly be taken into account when assessing good repute.”
“I record that the operator has failed to satisfy me as to the following sections: 13A(2)(b) – good repute, 13A(2)(d) – professional competence, 13C(2) – satisfactory arrangements to comply with the law regarding drivers’ hours, 13C(4) – satisfactory facilities and arrangements for maintaining vehicles and trailers in a fit and serviceable conditions, so that the application must be refused under section 17. (45) For the reasons set out above, I cannot reach a positive conclusion in response to the Priority Freight question. In addition, the operator no longer has access to a Transport Manager who can rely on her Certificate of Professional Competence. Given the basis of that finding it is difficult to specify a rehabilitation measure, although Mrs Shipp is at liberty to apply to vary that direction, but I am obliged to disqualify her for the minimum period of 12 months…. I accept that the operator has had to make significant changes and has shown a commitment to getting things right. The fact that compliance has still not been achieved indicates why I must remove the operator from the industry.