Traffic Commissioner Decisions
South Eastern and Metropolitan Traffic Area
Decision of the Deputy Traffic Commissioner
Public Inquiry: Ivy House, Ivy Terrace, Eastbourne
Date: 22 July 2025
Case: OK2064073 – KJB Scaffolding Limited
Director: Kane Towers
Decision
- Breach of Section 26(1)(a)(b)(e)(f) of the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995 found.
- Licence revoked with effect from 00:15 hours on 01 September 2025 (Section 26).
- Disqualification: Kane Towers is disqualified (as sole trader, partner, or director) from holding or obtaining an operator licence for one year from 01 September 2025 (Section 28).
Background
- KJB Scaffolding Ltd held a restricted licence for 2 vehicles (granted 12 April 2023).
- Sole director: Kane Towers.
- A DVSA Vehicle Examiner’s inspection on 11 March 2025 found multiple compliance failings:
- Poor inspection/maintenance records
- Inadequate defect reporting
- Failures in tyre/wheel management, emissions control, and load security
- Weak operating centre arrangements
- An unsatisfactory response led to a Public Inquiry being called.
Key Issues at Inquiry
- Documentation not submitted in advance as directed.
- PMI records incomplete or missing; long inspection gaps noted.
- Evidence of MOT failures:
- One vehicle required 4 MOT attempts before a pass.
- Another had a long list of defects not reflected in daily defect reports.
- No walkaround check records produced.
- Director admitted to a driving disqualification (not reported to the TC).
- Evidence of unauthorised operating centre use for over a year.
- No tachograph or drivers’ hours management evidence provided.
Findings
- Serious to severe category of non-compliance under Statutory Document 10.
- Failings included:
- Using an unauthorised operating centre
- Operating vehicles not on licence
- Long PMI gaps, no brake testing, and poor walkaround checks
- Failure to notify TC of convictions
- No driver management systems in place
The Deputy Traffic Commissioner concluded that Mr Towers:
- Showed disregard for compliance requirements.
- Took a “too little, too late” approach to improvements.
- Could not be trusted to operate compliantly in the future.
Final Outcome
- Licence revoked (effective 1 September 2025).
- A one-year disqualification has been imposed on Kane Towers from operator licensing.
Key Learning Points for Operators
- Always use authorised operating centres and update your licence promptly.
- Ensure PMI inspections are regular, documented, and include brake testing.
- Driver defect reports must reflect faults found at inspections.
- All compliance documents must be submitted in advance of a Public Inquiry.
- Convictions and disqualifications must be notified to the TC immediately.
- Non-compliance risks revocation and disqualification, not just warnings.
👉 Member Reminder:
This case highlights why proactive compliance management is essential. Hauliers Hub members should utilise the provided monthly checklists, audit-ready templates, and expert support to ensure they never find themselves in this position.
