Case Studies

Cleanline

Wirral-based Cleanline UK was founded in 2003 to specialise in drainage maintenance and surveying, and has now become one of the biggest drainage contractors in the North West of England.

Six months ago, the company applied to double the number of vehicles it was permitted to run on its operator’s licence – from 12 vehicles up to 24. The response from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) shocked Gary McDermott, Cleanline’s managing director. As the company’s records were not up to date, they would have to appear at a Public Inquiry in front of the Traffic Commissioner.

Faced with the prospect of not getting an operator’s licence, which could have closed the business down, Mr McDermott realised Cleanline would need legal representation at the hearing. After reading the case studies on Dyne Solicitors’ website, he decided the firm provided exactly what he needed.

With the Public Inquiry imminent, James Mannouch of Dyne Solicitors had just 7-10 days to put the case together. “He pulled out all the stops for me, so I am very, very pleased,” says Mr McDermott. “James put forward a solid case, and we were very successful. The Traffic Commissioner granted us 20 vehicles on the operator’s license.

“Dyne gave us credibility in front of the Traffic Commissioner, I couldn’t have done such a good job myself. I am very pleased with the outcome and the way James handled the case.”

In addition to representing Cleanline at the inquiry, James also sorted out all the paperwork and talked to the maintenance department, telling them what was required in the future. This gave the company an insight into the legal implications of running a large fleet.

“In a larger company, you can’t keep control of everything. For the maintenance department it is especially important that everything is done properly. Dyne came in and looked at our operations, then pointed out our weaknesses. I have requested they come in every six months for an audit of our business.”