Pontypool death-crash driver’s licence at risk (From South Wales Argus)

Pontypool death-crash driver’s licence at risk

2:20pm Thursday 2nd February 2012 in News

A MINIBUS operator based in Pontypool may have his operator’s licence revoked after admitting falsifying operator discs and driving vehicles without a valid MOT.

Traffic commissioner Nick Jones may withdraw Goytre Minibus Services Ltd operator’s licence within the next 28 days after a disciplinary hearing at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court.

The firm’s managing director, Stephen Watkins, of Porthgwyn Cottages, Pontypool, was represented by Paul Carless, who said to Mr Jones: “I ask you to accept that Mr Watkins, a little late in the day perhaps, has told you the truth. The inspectors are happy with the condition of the vehicles and now with the maintenance records.”

Watkins said he had told a fewwhite lies along the way and admitted tampering with the operating discs on some vehicles by forging the expiry date, but now has a correct maintenance regime in place.

The firm was investigated after one of its vehicles was involved in a fatal collision at 3am on July 10 last year.

The vehicle, driven by Watkins, was found to have no valid MOT. The commissioner said there was no issue relating to the driver or condition of the vehicle in connection with the collision, but an investigation was carried out when the vehicle was shown not to have an MOT certificate.

Traffic and vehicle examiners believed that some operating discs had been tampered with and questioned their authenticity.

Mr Jones said he will produce a written report in which he will decide whether or not to revoke the operating licence.

He said: “These issues are more serious than white lies.

“They were sustained and not isolated. Mr Watkins should be aware I am minded to revoke the licence and will be considering the issue of personal disqualification.”