Banned from running haulage firm after failing to give drivers rest breaks to comply with drivers’ hours requirements. Joan Aitken stripped the Operator Licence for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) for Micro Plant Ltd following an investigation by the Scottish Traffic Commissioner and disqualified the operation of vehicles for two and half years. DVSA examiners found that Micro Plant Ltd drivers had failed to take sufficient rest or the correct breaks whilst driving. The firm had no Transport Manager after April 2013 to oversee driver and vehicle compliance. Operator licence discs from two other licence holders were borrowed to cover work and it is illegal to lend licence discs. The operator’s desire to win business put pressure on drivers and resulted in insufficient breaks. Drivers’ hours and tachograph regulations exist to promote safety on the roads and ensure a level competitive playing field for road transport operators. The authorities will continue to take action against operators seeking to gain a commercial advantage from breaking the rules. Source www.heraldscotland.com