SPS Logistics Limited: [2026] UKUT 153 (AAC)
Upper Tribunal Administrative Appeals Chamber decision by Judge Smith on 14 April 2026.
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Judicial Summary
The Upper Tribunal dismisses the appeal brought by SPS Logistics Limited against the Department for Infrastructure’s refusal of its application for a Standard International Operator’s Licence. The Tribunal concludes that although the Department erred in the particular reason given to refuse use of the proposed operating centre for the purposes of the licence under s.12C(6) of the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010, the decision to refuse the application was nonetheless lawful because the proposed operating centre was not “suitable”, by virtue of being oversubscribed, under s.12C(5). The tribunal expresses concern that the Department dealt with the application in a manner that was lacking in clarity and cooperation, particularly by failing to address the other statutory requirements for an operator’s licence, and leaving the operator unsure whether those conditions had been satisfied when considering whether to submit another application. Nonetheless, these observations do not affect the outcome of the appeal.