Coach Operator Hough’s of Lincolnshire Loses License Over Safety Breaches

A well-established coach operator, Hough’s of Lincolnshire, has lost its operating license due to significant breaches of safety regulations. The decision by the Deputy Traffic Commissioner, Catherine Moxon, follows an inquiry that revealed a persistent failure to maintain compliance and safety standards.

The inquiry was prompted by an unannounced maintenance investigation earlier this year, which highlighted serious deficiencies in the management of the company. Richard Hough and his wife, Rosina Hough, who have operated the business out of Cleethorpes with a fleet of four coaches, now face severe repercussions. Rosina Hough has been indefinitely disqualified from her role as transport manager, which is a regulated position requiring certification.

In her report, published on the Government’s website, Moxon described Mrs. Hough’s grasp of her responsibilities as “shockingly poor” and criticized her for her lack of continuous professional development since 2014. Moxon noted that Mrs. Hough’s evidence during the inquiry indicated a concerning unawareness of the company’s compliance issues.

The report detailed a range of maintenance problems, including inadequate record-keeping and poor management of wheel and tire safety. “The clear picture is that maintenance and compliance standards have been poor for a long time,” Moxon stated, adding that there was no evidence to suggest an improvement in these areas. As a result, Richard Hough’s license, which he held since 2006, was revoked based on insufficient financial standing and professional competence.

Customers of Hough’s now face uncertainty regarding their travel plans, as the company has not provided clear communication following the license revocation. Currently, an automated message remains on the company’s phone line, indicating that all trips are running as scheduled, despite the reality of the situation.

In a move to assist affected customers, PC Coaches, a Lincoln-based rival, announced it will take over Hough’s Cleethorpes booking office starting December 1, 2023. This takeover aims to provide continuity for customers and will include operating some of Hough’s day trips in December. Steve Bryce, the owner of PC Coaches, emphasized that this initiative is intended as a gesture of goodwill, even at a financial loss to his business.

Bryce clarified, “PC Coaches are not taking over Hough’s of Lincolnshire as a business,” and noted that they have no financial connection to Hough’s operations or customer bookings. The new booking office will be rebranded under the PC Coach Holidays umbrella and will focus on selling its own range of holidays and day trips.

While the takeover aims to alleviate some of the disappointment caused to customers, PC Coaches expressed limitations in extending assistance to Hough’s holiday program for 2025. The firm will provide updates to customers booked on December trips once they gain access to the office and booking information.

Efforts to contact Richard and Rosina Hough for comment have been unsuccessful. With the loss of their license, the future of Hough’s of Lincolnshire remains uncertain, leaving customers in a state of anxious anticipation regarding their travel arrangements.