School minibus operator suspended and fleet cut after serious compliance failings
A North East school’s minibus operator licence was suspended and cut after a public inquiry found serious maintenance and compliance failures, including unqualified staff handling oversight.
A public inquiry in Leeds on 10 September 2026 led to the suspension and reduction of St Martins Preparatory School Limited’s public service vehicle operator’s licence. Deputy Traffic Commissioner Gerallt Evans imposed a 14-day suspension from 25 September to 9 October 2026 and reduced the fleet from two to one vehicle. The company must also complete an independent audit of transport safety systems and appoint a designated responsible person for the licence.
The inquiry revealed repeated failures by the operator, including vehicles not maintained to declared inspection schedules and non-compliance with drivers’ hours regulations. Investigations by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and an independent audit in 2024 and 2025 confirmed these shortcomings. Commissioners found directors had delegated compliance duties to unqualified staff, failing to meet operator licensing obligations.
Commissioner Evans highlighted an incident in March 2025 where a vehicle failed its MoT due to a tyre cut to the cord, raising serious road safety concerns for schoolchildren. The operator’s delayed corrective actions, such as temporary vehicle withdrawals, were deemed insufficient to address systemic issues. The commissioner noted the response prioritised avoiding further breaches rather than resolving underlying causes.
Traffic Commissioners emphasised that all operators, including schools, must maintain robust systems for vehicle roadworthiness, maintenance, and compliance with drivers’ hours and licensing rules. Passenger safety, particularly for children, depends on consistent adherence to these standards, which the operator failed to uphold.