Norbert Dentressangle faces action over hours problems
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• by CMreporters
Norbert Dentressangle (ND) UK could lose one of its Operator's Licences after a Vehicle Inspectorate investigation revealed serious problems with the drivers' hours regulations at its Aylesbury depot.
Last week the VI sent the preliminary findings of its investigation into ND's Aylesbury division, formerly known as Aston Clinton Haulage, to Eastern Traffic Commissioner Geoffrey Simms.
Ironically, the investigation began after the company applied to Simms to increase the number of vehicles on its 0licence. The TO, who is known to take a tough line, asked for the investigation as part of that application.
A VI spokeswoman confirmed that the investigation centres on hours offences but declined to reveal more details as VI staff have yet to interview 17 ND drivers.
A decision to take action against the French haulier rests in the hands of the IC, but it would be surprising if the company was not called to a public inquiry; this is not the first time ND has appeared before a TO for hours offences.
Last year Simms cut the company's Eastern Traffic Area 0licence to 35 trucks for three weeks after an examination of 3,019 tachograph charts revealed offences committed by 26 drivers on the Continent.
In 1995 NO was also given a formal warning and its licence reduced by 28 trucks and 46 trailers for six months by the then Eastern TO Brigadier Compton Boyd. The company had been asked to explain why it had pleaded guilty to 39 tachograph and drivers' hours offences at Aylesbury magistrates court in June 1994 where it was ordered to pay 114,950 in fines and costs.
At that inquiry, Boyd described the drivers' hours violations as a "serious dereliction of duty", and serious enough to consider revoking the 0-licence.
Peter Cvetkovic, ND's UK managing director, says: ''This is a very serious situation. It is particularly disappointing in light of the inquiry we had to go through last year relating to similar offences.
"However, we have installed a new management team and I am certain they will bring Aylesbury to the standard of the rest of Norbert Dentressangle UK and rid the operation of any further illegal activities."