Driver CPC Offence Leads to Operator Licence Disqualification

An international haulage operator in Leicestershire has had its operator’s license revoked and its director disqualified following serious breaches related to driver CPC compliance. This case highlights teh importance of maintaining valid Driver CPC qualifications and effective management within transport operations.

Investigation and Findings

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) initiated an investigation after a roadside stop involving a lorry registered to J K Fresh Produce, a company whose licence had already been revoked. The driver was found to be using an expired driver CPC qualification card. Further enquiries revealed links between this driver and Uppal Euro Transport, prompting a wider investigation into the latter’s compliance.

During the investigation, Uppal Euro Transport’s director and nominated transport manager, Ajmeer Singh Uppal, was asked to provide tachograph data and financial information. The data supplied was incomplete, and analysis identified tachograph offences. It was also discovered that one driver had completed only 28 of the mandatory 35 hours of Driver CPC training, while another driver, Uppal’s wife Sukhpreet Uppal, had driven for nearly 20 hours after completing just eight hours of CPC training.

Regulatory Decision

Traffic Commissioner Richard Turfitt concluded that Ajmeer Singh Uppal lacked the necessary knowledge and competence to manage the operator effectively. He failed to conduct regular driver licence checks, resulting in drivers posing a road safety risk. The commissioner stated that Uppal’s management fell “so far below the standard expected of a competent transport manager” that he had lost his repute. Given the severity of the breaches and the failure to address shortcomings despite repeated opportunities, the Traffic Commissioner revoked Uppal Euro Transport’s operator’s licence and disqualified Ajmeer Singh Uppal as a transport manager for an indeterminate period. Sukhpreet Uppal received a six-week suspension of her driving entitlement.

Implications for Transport Operators

this case serves as a reminder of the critical importance of ensuring all drivers hold valid Driver CPC qualifications and that transport managers maintain effective oversight of compliance requirements. Failure to do so can result in licence revocation, disqualification, and significant disruption to business operations.

Mi Compliance Advice

Transport operators and compliance professionals should regularly verify driver CPC qualifications and ensure that all training requirements are met. Maintaining accurate and complete tachograph records and conducting routine licence checks are essential to demonstrate compliance. Operators should also ensure that transport managers possess the necessary knowledge and skills to manage their responsibilities effectively.

For further guidance or support on transport compliance, please contact Mi Compliance.

Source: https://www.commercialmotor.com/compliance-news/article/driver-cpc-offences-results-in-firms-disqualification?CMID=CA80E0340-CMP1391CON1420-RCP2I93451O32