Cleethorpes Coach Operator Loses Licence Over Safety Breaches

A well-established coach holiday operator, Hough’s of Lincolnshire, has lost its operating licence following significant breaches of safety regulations. This decision, made by the Deputy Traffic Commissioner, Catherine Moxon, highlights serious concerns regarding the company’s maintenance practices and compliance management.

The inquiry into Hough’s operations was initiated after an unannounced maintenance investigation earlier this year revealed alarming deficiencies. The regulator determined that the company posed a potential danger to both its passengers and other road users. Moxon characterized the understanding of transport management responsibilities by Rosina Hough, who served as the transport manager, as “shockingly poor” and noted instances of dishonesty during the proceedings.

In her official report, Moxon detailed numerous maintenance and management failures, including the unsatisfactory condition of the coaches, inadequate record-keeping, and poor management of wheels and tyres. She expressed deep concern over the ongoing lack of compliance, stating, “The clear picture is that maintenance and compliance standards have been poor for a long time.”

In a decisive ruling, Moxon revoked Richard Hough’s licence, which he had held since 2006, citing issues related to “financial standing, good repute, and lack of professional competence.” Concurrently, Rosina Hough received an indefinite disqualification from her role as a transport manager, which is strictly regulated and requires certification.

The ruling has left many of Hough’s customers anxious about their travel plans, as the company continues to provide an automated message on its phone line stating that all trips are running as scheduled. This lack of communication has raised concerns among passengers who are unsure about the status of their bookings.

In response to the situation, Lincoln-based competitor PC Coaches has announced plans to step in. From December 1, 2023, they will take over Hough’s Cleethorpes booking office, although they clarified that they are not acquiring Hough’s as a business. Steve Bryce, the managing director of PC Coaches, indicated that they will operate some of Hough’s scheduled December day trips as a goodwill gesture, despite this initiative resulting in financial losses for his company.

PC Coaches emphasized that their involvement is limited to managing bookings and promoting their own range of holidays and day trips. They have stated, “We have no connection – financial or otherwise – to the business,” and encouraged customers to refrain from seeking assistance regarding refunds or existing bookings with Hough’s.

As this situation unfolds, customers will be updated on their booking statuses once PC Coaches can access the necessary information. Meanwhile, attempts to reach Richard and Rosina Hough for comment have been unsuccessful.

The implications of this decision extend beyond the immediate impact on Hough’s operations, raising broader questions about safety compliance within the transport sector and the need for rigorous oversight to protect public safety.