DVSA has won a significant case against a coach operator with multiple licencing offences.
DVSA enforcement examiners impounded a coach run by Callinan Coaches Ltd for carrying passengers without the relevant operator licence.
The operator originally came to DVSA’s notice in May 2025, after the coach was originally checked and found to be carrying American tourists in the UK for a UK-only tour in Canterbury – a clear breach of the regulations.
The driver couldn’t provide a waybill, believing it was not required for this type of journey. It was suspected Callinan had also been carrying out similar tours in the UK.
Over the following year, their vehicles were linked to ski resort trips travelling from Dover. During stop checks, historic drivers’ hours offences were noted and Graduated Fixed Penalty Notices were issued.
On Wednesday 6 May 2026, a vehicle was detected on the M2 heading East towards Canterbury. Following checks on the vehicle, its journey and the passengers, DVSA confirmed that a breach of the regulations had occurred and the vehicle was impounded.
Since then, the company continued to flout the rules, leading DVSA enforcement teams to impound five high-value luxury coaches worth roughly £250,000 each.
The company attempted to continue operating by subcontracting the tour to another operator while retaining the driver under their instructions and pay, which led to a hearing with the Traffic Commissioner.
On Thursday 3 September 2026, it was announced that they had found in DVSA’s favour.
This was a complex case which highlights the damage this crime can do.
Offences such as this takes work away from legitimate GB coach operators. Thanks to the hard work of our enforcement teams, this ruling sends a clear message – these rules cannot be sidestepped.
If you suspect a coach or bus company of acting illegally, you can report them to DVSA here:
Report a bus or coach driver or company – GOV.UK
If you think a driver or a vehicle operator is breaking safety rules or conditions of their driving or operator licence, you can report them to us.
This includes if they are:
- breaking drivers’ hours rules
- overloading vehicles
- using vehicles that are not safe to drive (not roadworthy)
- using emission cheat devices
- carrying dangerous or hazardous goods without permission
We will review the information you have provided and decide what to do next.Report a lorry or HGV driver or company on GOV.UK.
