The Deputy Traffic Commissioner for the North East of England has revoked the operator’s licence of BTW Transport Ltd and disqualified both the company and its director after what he described as “extensive and repeated” failings in vehicle maintenance, driver management, and regulatory compliance.
According to the Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain, the decision followed a public inquiry that uncovered a catalogue of errors and attempts to mislead.
The inquiry found that company director Byron Thomas Williams “consciously and deliberately” allowed the operator’s vehicles to continue in use for three weeks after being informed on 6 November 2024 that the licence had been revoked. The vehicles were also used without valid excise duty, giving the operator an unfair commercial advantage.
Maintenance and safety failures
Investigators identified a series of maintenance failings, including inaccurate PMI records referring to components not fitted to the vehicles and a lack of consistent brake testing in line with the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness.
Defects found during inspections were not reported by drivers, and some “nil” defect reports were submitted despite serious faults being present.
The inquiry also revealed serious tyre issues, with multiple “S”-marked prohibitions issued for defective tyres. In one roadside inspection, a vehicle and trailer were issued with eight immediate prohibitions.
Breach of licence conditions
Off the road, the operator failed to report a change of maintenance provider to the Traffic Commissioner and did not ensure vehicles were inspected at the agreed six-week intervals; both breaches of licence undertakings.
Deputy Traffic Commissioner Gerallt Evans commented that Mr Williams’s evidence “was at times disingenuous,” adding:
“When challenged with difficult facts, he has a propensity to say the first thing that enters his mind to excuse or minimise the conduct alleged. That does not inspire confidence.”
Revocation and disqualifications
As a result of the findings, the licence was revoked with effect from 22 October 2025 at 23:45.
The company is disqualified from holding or obtaining any operator’s licence for 12 months, until 22 October 2026.
Director Byron Williams is also disqualified for 12 months from holding or being involved in any operator’s licence.
Former transport manager Nichola Ogilvie was found to have lost her good repute and has been disqualified from acting as a transport manager until further order.
Lessons for operators
The case serves as a reminder that unauthorised vehicle use, inadequate maintenance records, and failure to follow Traffic Commissioner directions can result in the loss of an operator’s licence and good repute.
Operators are expected to ensure:
- regular, auditable brake and PMI records,
- driver defect reporting systems that reflect real conditions,
- notification of changes to maintenance arrangements, and
- compliance with all licence undertakings.
