Haulage firm's licence returned

Some drivers were found to have kept false records

A haulage firm which had its licence revoked after it broke rules on tachographs and drivers' hours has won an appeal against the decision.

LE Jones Ltd, of Ruthin, Denbighshire, was banned from operating from 3 May following a public inquiry, and after 20 of its drivers were prosecuted.

Although the appeal was granted, the Transport Tribunal ordered that the company's fleet be slashed in number.

LE Jones, which employs 100 staff, said the decision would safeguard employees.

The decision safeguards the jobs of all employees in both companies LE Jones

LE Jones Ltd has held a national licence for 40 vehicles and 105 trailers, while LE Jones International Ltd is licensed for 30 vehicles and 50 trailers.

However, following investigations, deputy traffic commissioner Miles Dorrington said both companies had lost their good repute and their licences would be revoked under the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, with effect from 2359 BST on 3 May.

Mr Dorrington said the firms had "failed to comply with the undertakings to have proper arrangements in place to ensure compliance with the drivers' hours and tachograph rules and regulations".

'Horrified'

In addition, 20 drivers employed by the firms attended a separate driver conduct hearing at Flint Magistrates Court in February.

The firm had said it was "horrified" at the ruling and immediately launched an appeal earlier this year.

The appeal was granted by the Court of the Transport Tribunal, but was substituted with another order which imposed strict conditions.

Amongst other conditions, the tribunal ordered that "the operators licence of L E Jones Limited will be curtailed from 40 vehicles and 105 trailers to 16 vehicles and 48 trailers with effect from 2359 on 19 July 2009".

In addition, the licence of LE Jones International Limited will be "curtailed from 30 vehicles and 50 trailers to four vehicles and 12 trailers" from 19 July.

The companies have also been ordered to appoint a new transport manager by 27 July.

In a statement, the firm said: "LE Jones Ltd and LE Jones International Ltd are delighted to confirm that their appeal on the decision of the deputy traffic commissioner to revoke their operators licences has been allowed.

"The decision safeguards the jobs of all employees in both companies and allows the companies to continue to provide all of their customers with sustainable long term transport solutions as well as to develop its warehousing and associated activities."