Traffic Commissioner Sarah Bell revoked the operator’s licence held by TAAS Transport with on 19 February 2026, citing serious and sustained non-compliance alongside a lack of cooperation with the public inquiry process.
The decision followed a public inquiry held on 17 February 2026, which neither the company’s director Victor Wood nor former director Karl Bicknell attended.
The commissioner proceeded in their absence, noting that both individuals had failed to engage with the process despite being given the opportunity to do so.
Issues going back to 2023
The inquiry heard that the operator and its drivers had been involved in numerous roadside encounters with enforcement agencies since 2023.
These included issues relating to vehicle roadworthiness, load security, drivers’ hours and tachograph compliance.
A number of prohibitions had been issued, including some categorised as serious, indicating “significant failures” in the company’s maintenance systems.
The commissioner concluded that these failings demonstrated a pattern of poor management and an inability to ensure safe operation.
‘Safety remains at a significant risk’
The inquiry also examined the role of the company’s directors, particularly the appointment of Karl Bicknell, who had previously been disqualified as a transport manager.
The commissioner found that insufficient due diligence had been carried out prior to his involvement in the business.
She also noted that, despite later removing him as a director, the company had failed to demonstrate how effective management and oversight of transport operations would be maintained.
In her written decision, the commissioner concluded: “When I asked myself if this an operator that I can trust moving forward, then the evidence (and lack thereof) leads me to conclude that I cannot.
“Safety remains at a significant risk which undermines the underpinning principles of operator licensing.”
While no formal disqualification order was made against the directors, the commissioner directed that any future application involving either individual must be referred to a Traffic Commissioner for consideration.
