The decision followed a hearing on 3 July 2025, concluded that the applicant, Mr Shaun Charles, failed to demonstrate legal ownership of the vehicle and did not satisfy any of the statutory grounds for its release under the Goods Vehicles (Enforcement Powers) Regulations 2001.
Mr Charles, a director of S&K Car Transportation Ltd, had previously been disqualified from holding an operator’s licence following the revocation of the company’s licence in November 2024. Despite being warned by DVSA officials and receiving a pre-impounding notice, the vehicle was found operating commercially without a valid operator’s licence, towing a trailer and transporting goods.
The Commissioner found that
- The vehicle was plated at 5200kg, towing a trailer with a maximum permitted weight of 3000kg, and was used for commercial purposes.
- The vehicle was insured to S&K Car Transportation Ltd, which was also the registered keeper.
- Mr Charles provided no tangible evidence of ownership or any valid operator’s licence.
In his decision, Mr Dorrington said “There was no question at all in my mind that the DVSA had proven a lawful basis to impound the vehicle… Mr Charles could not persuade me, as director of a company that had recently held an operator’s licence, that he thought the vehicle and trailer combination loaded with two cars and used for commercial purposes would not require an operator’s licence.”
The DVSA is now at liberty to dispose of the vehicle as it sees fit.
The full written decision can be found here.
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