ASIF Vali the business manager of Amir Khan has been banned from running mini-buses after repeatedly flouting the law.
Mr Vali, who runs Rapid Travel in St George’s Road, Bolton, along with a sports and event management company, has had his licence revoked and is disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence to carry passengers in the UK for two years.
The ban, ordered by Simon Evans, the Deputy North West of England Traffic Commissioner, comes after the businessman appeared at second public inquiry following his illegal use of his minibus.
Mr Vali first came before the industry’s regulator following an investigation by Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA).
A vehicle was stopped by the watchdog in June last year in Deansgate, Manchester, and a licence disc issued to Mr Vali was on display.
But on inspection the driver identified himself as Mohammed Ali Hajee.
Investigations found Mr Hajee had failed to take required breaks on seven occasions while working — regulations say drivers must take 45 minute breaks after four-and-a-half hours driving.
Mr Hajee was prosecuted for four of the drivers’ hours offences.
Mr Vali claimed the man had betrayed his trust and taken the vehicle without his knowledge.
But at the hearing earlier this month, Mr Vali claimed he had learned valuable lessons.
He said he attended to the minibus operation daily, with his sports consultancy work now being part-time.
Mr Vali also said a ban would result in a three year school travel contract, secured in September last year, being lost. Mr Evans said: “It is self-evident the operator stands in a weaker position this time than he did on the last occasion.
“He should think very carefully about whether he should concentrate his future efforts on his other business interest rather than to contemplate a return to this one.”
His licence will be revoked from Sunday.
The order follows a hearing two years ago when Mr Vali was rapped for a defective minibus he loaned out.
Previously he was restricted to just operating one minibus and was ordered to attend a seminar for passenger vehicle operators.
Mr Vali declined to comment.
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