Decision Summary: Littlechild Aggregates & Ace Aggregates

Case: Littlechild Aggregates Ltd (Licence OF2080840) & Ace Aggregates Ltd (Licence OF2078398)
Region: Eastern Traffic Area
Decision: Applications granted with conditions
Date Published: 12 September 2025 (Decision made 28 August 2025) (GOV.UK)

Background

Littlechild Aggregates Ltd applied for a Standard National Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence, authorising 3 vehicles. The director is Sean Littlechild Jnr, who also nominated himself as the Transport Manager. Proposed operating centre: The Hanger, Potton Road, Tempsford Everton, Sandy, SG19 2JW. Preventative maintenance inspections were to be carried out by Ace Fleet Maintenance Ltd at six-weekly intervals. (GOV.UK)

Ace Aggregates Ltd sought a similar licence, originally for 6 vehicles / 3 trailers, though this was later varied to 1 vehicle / 2 trailers. Director: Suzanne Littlechild. The proposed Transport Manager is Harnik Midder, already involved as TM for another operator. Operating centre: Newton Grove Farm, Sutton Road, Dunton, Biggleswade SG18 8RA. Maintenance was to be done by R D Woodcraft Ltd and Renault Chiltern ― later changed. (GOV.UK)

Key Issues at the Hearing

1. Good repute/fitness of directors and transport manager
   There were concerns about the links between the two companies and the personal involvement of Mr Sean Littlechild Jnr. For example, Littlechild Aggregates Ltd had just been incorporated and had yet to start trading. Mr Littlechild’s role in both companies raised questions of control and oversight. (GOV.UK)
2. Transport Manager duties and independence
   For Ace Aggregates Ltd, with Mr Midder nominated as TM, it was important that his role was genuine, including sufficient oversight, and not just nominal because of family or financial connections. Also, that he was sufficiently available and active in compliance matters. (GOV.UK)
3. Financial standing and documentation
   Applicants needed to show adequate financial evidence in respect of the statutory criteria, including details of investments, loans, and any residual liabilities (e.g. from previous company LTS Haulage Ltd). (GOV.UK)
4. Operating centre, maintenance and safety arrangements
   Ensuring that the operating centres, maintenance arrangements, preventive inspections, driver compliance, overloading prevention, facility adequacy, etc., met legal/regulatory standards. (GOV.UK)

Determination & Outcome

Both licence applications were granted, but with strict condi­tions and expectations. (GOV.UK)

Key conditions/undertakings included:

• Mr Littlechild Jnr stepping down from involvement with Ace Aggregates Ltd (he resigned as TM and director where required) so that conflict/control concerns were reduced. (GOV.UK)

• For Ace Aggregates, the appointment of Harnik Midder as Transport Manager with clearly defined duties, including minimum weekly on-site visits and effective oversight of transport operations. (GOV.UK)

• Limits on the number of vehicles/trailers authorised (Ace Aggregates’ licence was reduced) to ensure manageable scale in line with the company’s capacity. (GOV.UK)

• Detailed policies and procedures submitted by both applicants: driver compliance, hours, defects, overloading, recruitment, disciplinary, safety etc. (GOV.UK)

• Clear expectations of full compliance moving forward; the Traffic Commissioner emphasised that while discretion had been exercised favourably, ongoing oversight would be expected. (GOV.UK)

Analysis & Implications

• This decision shows how the Traffic Commissioner scrutinises not only the written application but the practical reality: who actually controls the company, who fulfils the Transport Manager role in a hands-on way, whether the financial backing is robust, and whether safety/compliance systems are properly in place.

• Family-run or connected operators are under particular scrutiny: the lines between control, independence, and oversight must be clear. Nominal separations are not enough if the actual decision-making or influence remains ambiguous.

• Undertakings and policy documentation can make or break an application, but must be realistic and followed in practice. The Commissioner accepted a number of policies from the applicants, but made clear that compliance going forward will be monitored.

• The reduction of operating authorisation (vehicles/trailers), or variation of application to more modest levels, may enable a licence grant where full original proposals raise concerns. A more modest start, with scope to expand subject to compliance, may be more acceptable.

• Transport Manager roles must involve actual time, oversight, and presence, not token or passive roles. Remote or minimal oversight is less acceptable unless clearly justified.

Lessons / Advice for Operators

If you are applying for, renewing or varying a goods vehicle operator’s licence, consider:

1. Clarity of control & ownership
   Be transparent about who owns shares, who makes decisions, who loans money, and how risks are shared. Where there are family ties or prior entities, explain the structure and manage conflicts of interest or overlap.
2. Transport Manager
   Choose a TM with the necessary experience, availability, and capacity. Be ready to show contractual arrangements, oversight, and time commitment.
3. Financial evidence
   Ensure up-to-date bank statements, proof of loan or investment, and clarification of any liabilities or ongoing obligations. If part of or successor to another operator, clarify how you differ and that you are not carrying over non-compliance.
4. Maintenance & safety systems
   Have contracts, facilities, inspection regimes documented; include policies for overloading, driver hours, defect reporting, etc. Operating centre adequacy (e.g., workshop, pits, equipment) must meet expectations.
5. Start modestly if necessary
   If scale or finances are questioned, consider applying for fewer vehicles/trailers and scaling up once a track record is established.