Concerns over a community transport firm have led to the suspension of its use of Cumberland Council-owned minibuses.
Councillor Denise Rollo, sustainable, resilient and connected places portfolio holder, told the authority that there were significant compliance concerns over Cumbria Community Transport.
The registered charity, in partnership with local authorities, has provided, affordable, accessible transport since 1999.
It operates a fleet of 16-seat vehicles across Cumbria.
Cllr Rollo said the move followed an officer meeting earlier this week where a number of significant compliance concerns were identified relating to the operation and management of council-owned vehicles.
She added: “These concerns relate to driver safety checks, permit use and the adherence to national regulatory expectations, including those of the DVSA and the Department for Transport.
“Given the seriousness of these matters and, in line with our duty as a vehicle owner and public authority, the council has taken the decision to temporarily suspend Cumbria Community Transport from using any council-owned minibuses with immediate effect.”
Cllr Rollo said the action was not taken lightly and it was not a reflection on the wider value of community transport.
She added: “However, vehicle safety, legal compliance and public accountability must come first. Where fundamental compliance standards not being met we are required to act.
“The suspension will remain in place until the identified issues have been fully resolved with appropriate evidence provided to the council and officers are satisfied that the required standards are being consistently met.
“We fully recognise that this decision may affect some service users. Officers are therefore actively working to put interim arrangements in place where this is possible, prioritise essential journeys and vulnerable users, while ensuring all alternative provision is fully compliant.”
She said that the Village Wheels Service, Anthorn to Newton Arlosh, and the Community Wheels Service operating from Caldbeck will be organised in the interim by the council.
Cllr Rollo assured members that the measure was designed to secure compliance and protect operators and the travelling public.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service approached Cumbria Community Transport for a statement but no one was available for comment.
