Haulage operator loses licence following extensive failures

The inquiry came as a result of a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) assessment that was marked ‘unsatisfactory’ in many areas.

Evidence presented by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) revealed significant shortcomings in the operator’s compliance. Specific issues included:

• Failure to analyse tachograph data, with many driver cards not downloaded
• Thousands of kilometres of unaccounted mileage
• Vehicles not receiving regular safety inspections at the required eight-week intervals
• No evidence that driver entitlement had been checked
• Extensive use of “self-employed” or “limited company” drivers, undermining fair competition
• Operating a vehicle (FN68 LGY) that was not specified on the licence
• Parking two vehicles at an operating centre authorised for only one vehicle
• Insufficient financial standing to support the number of vehicles authorised

The Deputy Commissioner also heard evidence from former transport manager Raymond Rowland, who resigned shortly before the inquiry. Mr Rowland stated that director Anmol Chawla had become increasingly lax with maintenance and had insisted on using limited company drivers despite advice that this was not appropriate. Mr Rowland also revealed that Mr Chawla had asked him to remove maintenance records that might show vehicles had been in use on days they were supposedly undergoing inspection.

The Deputy Commissioner found that the operator lacked professional competence, financial standing, and good repute. He also removed the good repute of transport manager Raymond Rowland, concluding that he had been a largely absentee transport manager who failed to exercise the most basic responsibilities of his position.

Deputy Traffic Commissioner Denton said: “Mr Chawla did not at all convince me that he has the necessary knowledge, drive and determination to run a compliant operation. Moreover, the creation of false maintenance records which he passed to his transport manager does not reflect well on him.”

Decisions:

• The operator licence OF2037001 held by RMK Haulage Ltd was revoked with effect from 10 November 2025
• RMK Haulage Ltd and director Anmol Chawla were disqualified from holding or obtaining any operator licence for 12 months until 10 November 2026
• Raymond Rowland was disqualified from acting as a transport manager for 12 months until 4 November 2026

The Deputy Commissioner noted that both the company and Mr Chawla can only re-enter the industry after educating themselves about the responsibilities and duties of a road haulage operator.

For full details of the decision, visit the Traffic Commissioner Regulatory Decisions page

For any further details or enquiries, please contact:

Email: pressoffice@otc.gov.uk