Roadworks firm stripped of its licence

The Traffic Commissioner for Scotland has revoked the licence of a Loanhead road- surfacing firm.

J Hendry Road Surfacing Contractors of Straiton Road lost its licence for failing to provide updated contact details, changing to an unauthorised operating centre, and failing to meet undertakings regarding roadworthiness and record-keeping.

Operator James Hendry was called to a public inquiry on December 13, but did not attend and the Commissioner, Joan Aitken, revoked the firm's licence from January 21.

In a written summary of the case, Ms Aitken said the Vehicle Examiner had issued an adverse report after visiting Mr Hendry's business. She said she thought Mr Hendry's subsequent failure to keep in contact with her office and provide updated address details was probably "a ruse" to keep enforcement officers at bay.

She added: "Such operators duck and dive to avoid the paperwork, the formalities, the implementation of systems to ensure roadworthiness, and engagement with authorities."

No-one from the company was available for comment.