HGV firm loses licence following environmental convictions (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

HGV firm loses licence following environmental convictions

7:40am Tuesday 5th March 2013 in News

A FIRM has lost its licence to operate heavy goods vehicles (HGV) following convictions for environmental waste offences.

G R Shorthouse Limited, of Hopton Bank, Hopton wafers, was called before the Traffic Commissioner for the West Midlands, Nick Jones, after the company was fined £4,000.

Director Gary Shorthouse’s company was prosecuted by the Environment Agency relating to offences committed between January, 2009 and December, 2010.

The Traffic Commissioner heard at an inquiry in Birmingham that the company had been fined £3,000 for operating a regulated facility without an environmental permit and £1,000 for transferring controlled waste without completing the required transfer note.

The company pleaded guilty to the offences but failed to notify the Traffic Commissioner of the convictions.

At the inquiry, Mr Jones also noted the business had appeared at a previous public inquiry in May, 2008, when its vehicle maintenance was reported as unsatisfactory.

That hearing led to an order for the firm’s licence to be curtailed from May 30 to June, 2008. The company also made a number of commitments to the Traffic Commissioner in respect of vehicle maintenance procedures.

After considering all of the evidence, including representations from Mr Shorthouse, the Traffic Commissioner made an order to revoke the company’s licence.

Mr Jones told director Gary Shorthouse that he would be able to apply for a new licence and advised him to attend an operator licence awareness course.