Two general questions have been floating around at the back of my mind since this inquiry - they could just as easily refer to any other inquiry called. They are probably "stupid questions", but they just won't "un-ask" themselves!
- The Traffic Commissioner (TC) has the power to bar individuals from directorships or Transport Managerships (TM) on operating licenses, and thus, I assume, by extension, of a transport-related business. Does this ban for "lack of good repute" carry any weight in any other sector? E.g. could an individual banned from TM-ship set up a consulting company without issue, and remain in the industry that way? (i.e. the letter, but not quite the spirit, of the punishment? Obviously assuming anyone would take their work...) Alternatively, could a negative note from the TC lead Companies house to consider ill-repute in a completely different sector? Would I want someone banned from directing a company in the transport industry setting up in an equally safety-led sector, for example.
- Much was made in his particular instance of the unpaid fees to the Welsh Government, from another traffic area, and the failure to pay seems to have provided another nail in the coffin of good repute here. Is there any reason why this wouldn't have been picked up on before the new license was granted/TM-ship accepted? It seems a little odd to have (rightly) made a big deal out of it now, yet also to have granted the license with previous poor repute fees outstanding. Shouldn't they be cleared in the same was as any time-limited ban?