A BANNED former boss of a disgraced Southampton travel firm says he will “seriously consider” making an appeal against his punishment.

Keith Trenchard was given an indefinite ban from being a transport manager after his former company, Airlynx Express, was found to have breached safety rules during his employment.

A public inquiry found Mr Trenchard, who was the company’s transport manager from 2014 to 2016, played a “significant role” in a number of breaches – related to the amount of time drivers spent at the wheel.

But Mr Trenchard, a former Eastleigh borough councillor, has described the judgement by the West of England's Traffic Commissioner as “unfair”.

Mr Trenchard, who has worked in the travel industry for 25 years, said he was unable to attend the meeting due to a family holiday.

The father-of-two said: “I didn’t get to the hearing because I was on holiday.

Daily Echo: Councillor Keith Trenchard - Liberal Democrat for Eastleigh Central..

“I really wish I had gone to the meeting with the Traffic Commissioner because I would be able to put my side of the story across.

“He can only make a decision on what is based in front of him.

“I am disappointed.”

Asked if he would appeal, Mr Trenchard, 50, said: “I will seriously consider it.”

It comes after Traffic Commissioner for the West of England Traffic Commission, Kevin Rooney, ruled that Airlynx Express had been involved in a series of “dangerous” safety breaches.

These involve drivers not taking their legally required breaks.

Yesterday, Mr Rooney announced that Airlynx Express, which was used by the likes of Hampshire Cricket Club, will have its operator’s licence revoked next month.

He issued the company, based on a site near St Mary’s Stadium, with a 10-year licence ban.

Mr Rooney described the company’s compliance as “rotten to the core”.

He added: “It is incurable. This business cannot be allowed to operate public service vehicles again.”

Mr Rooney also gave Mr Trenchard an indefinite Europe-wide ban from holding the role of transport manager, while fellow boss Tracey Ralph was given a one year ban.

A spokesperson for Airlynx Express said the company would be "seeking legal advice" before making a comment.

The ruling comes after eleven of the company’s former drivers were brought before Southampton Magistrates’ Court.

They were fined a total of £13,000 and ordered to pay a further £7,500 in costs after admitting breaking laws.

Airlynx Express were also fined £10,000 in total and told to pay court costs of more than £2,000.

In a written sentencing, Judge District Anthony Galloway said the company had a “casual attitude” to its legal obligations and its drivers.

Speaking after that hearing, Gareth Llewellyn the chief executive of the DVSA, who led the prosecution against Airlynx Express and its drivers, said: “DVSA’s priority is to protect you from unsafe drivers and vehicles.

“There’s no excuse for driving while tired.

“The results of falling asleep at the wheel can be devastating.

“Any driver or operator breaking these rules is putting other road users at risk.

“As this case shows, we will not hesitate in taking action against drivers and operators who flout the law.”