THE owner of a taxi and minibus company has been banned from operating public service vehicles (PSV) after putting passengers at risk with badly maintained vehicles and using the credentials of another operator.

Tracy Noddings, of Stockton-based Noddies Cars - which had a school-run contract - was banned indefinitely after the Traffic Commissioner for the North East launched an investigation after discovering she was using someone else's identification disc and that one of her vehicles had a serious defects.

Government inspectors reported worn rear brake pads, an emergency exit that could not be opened from the outside and a missing passenger seatbelt cover exposing sharp edges that could have caused injury.

She was also operating a third vehicle unlawfully - illegally using another firm’s licence disc. Her own licence only allowed her to operate a maximum of two vehicles.

The company had a contract with Stockton Borough Council to transport children to and from three schools in the area.

Kevin Rooney, traffic commissioner for the North East of England, said: “Mrs Noddings borrowed a licence disc from another operator to extend her business. As the holder of a restricted PSV licence for nine years, I have no doubt that Mrs Noddings knew this act was unlawful.

“Not only has Mrs Noddings enjoyed a commercial advantage, it is clear she has also put the safety of her passengers and other road users in jeopardy.”

Mrs Noddings didn't attend the hearing in Leeds but had previously submitted evidence stating: "I was operating two vehicles on my licence, Gary Rutherford was the operator and licence holder of the vehicle in question. I was unaware I was committing any offences by Gary Rutherford operating my bus."

Mrs Noddings' ban comes into effect on October 14. She did not respond to a request for a comment last night when the firm was contacted by The Northern Echo.

A spokesman for Stockton Borough Council said: “We have suspended the company with immediate effect and arranged alternative provision for the routes affected.”

Gary Rutherford was also stripped of his PSV licence after admitting he allowed Noddies Cars to use his licence which was against the rules.