BRT Horse Transport International Limited is off the road after its director and transport manager was stripped of his operator’s licence.
Christopher Muir was interviewed by the Vehicle Operator Standards Agency (VOSA) in June last year for failing to use a tachograph on one of his vehicles. He replied “Bollocks to EU rules,” to the inspector.
Traffic commissioner Sarah Bell ruled his response “sums up his approach to compliance” and banned him from acting as a transport manager for any company on 7 June.
Ms Bell said: “Those passionate about their animals are entitled to have their horses transported safely and lawfully.
“Mr Muir and BRT have failed to meet the requirements — this licence must be revoked.”
Mr Muir has been hauled before the traffic commissioner before for unsatisfactory maintenance of his lorries.
No one at BRT was available to speak to H&H.
The decision also affects J&B Horse Transport, being set up by Jane I’Anson, with Mr Muir as transport manager. Ms Bell said Mrs I’Anson must find another person to take that role.
The BRT premises in Hungerford are also the registered UK offices of Ireland-based transport company Doran Equine International.
This article was first published in Horse & Hound (15 July, ’10)
