The case of Concept Scaffolding Services Ltd, recently heard by the Traffic Commissioner for the East of England and Senior Traffic Commissioner, Richard Turfitt, has highlighted issues from which other licence holders might learn.
Commissioner Turfitt commented: “The Directors were so ill-equipped that there was little prospect of them meeting the licence obligations and yet it is difficult to understand why any business, which all carry obligations under health and safety legislation, had failed to identify the risks and to at least employ basic measures or seek advice. The fitness of this operator has been severely tarnished by their failures…Applicants should read the published guidance and work out what is required before even attempting to complete the application form. Scaffolders and similar operators applying for restricted operator licences need to start giving the same attention to these basic requirements as they would the tax or health & safety regimes.”
While improvements had been noted, the Commissioner emphasised that compliance with licensing regulations is fundamental, and future breaches will result in harsher consequences.
Read Inquiry report:
https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-regulatory-decisions/decision-for-concept-scaffolding-services-ltd-of2035429