A Traffic Commissioner decision involving Call a Cab (Carmarthenshire) Ltd and its Transport Manager highlights critical compliance failures and important lessons for the industry.
Core compliance failures
The decision identified persistent and serious issues that should have been addressed.
These included:
- Unsafe vehicles, including defective braking systems and structural corrosion
- Late or incomplete safety inspection – around 28 per cent were non-compliant
- Failure to carry out timely brake testing, despite prior undertakings
- Poor driver defect reporting and follow-up processes
- Evidence of illegal emissions modification (DPF removal), indicating weak control over maintenance
- Repeated failings despite previous Public Inquiries in 2019 and 2022
Why it matters
The Commissioner concluded that road safety was significantly compromised through the failings.
It was noted that the operator had lost trust and good repute and that previous warnings and opportunities to improve had not been sustained.
Notably, the business transported vulnerable passengers, school children with SEN, raising the seriousness of the case.
Transport Manager findings
The Transport Manager was found responsible for a range of failings.
In particular, they:
- Failed to exercise continuous and effective control
- Relied too heavily on others and did not challenge inadequate systems
The Transport Manager did accept that their actions were “not good enough”.
Outcome
Following a Public Inquiry, the Traffic Commissioner for Wales:
- Revoked the operator’s licence
- Disqualified the Transport Manager for 1 year due to loss of good repute
Analysis of decision
- Reactive compliance is not sufficient – it must be consistent
- Brake testing and safety inspections must be completed correctly and on time. The records then must be checked
- Past Public Inquiry findings must drive a lasting cultural change
- Transport Managers must actively challenge, verify and control systems
- Ultimately, operator licensing is built on trust and trust can be lost
This case is a stark reminder that systems alone don’t ensure compliance. The focus must be on quality leadership, rigid oversight and ongoing accountability.
Our specialist team can support you with compliance awareness so that you do not get caught out by changes. Contact Jared Dunbar today for help.