RHA opposes island haulier
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OUTER HEBRIDES plant hire and civil engineering contractor Norman McCormick's bid to change his licence from a restricted one to a standard national was strongly opposed by the Road Haulage Association at a Glasgow public inquiry before Christmas.
Mr McCormick also sought authority for three additional vehicles and one trailer from a base on South Uist. The RHA had objected on the grounds that Mr McCormick was not a fit person to hold a licence.
Donald MacAulay, director of MacAulay Brothers, of South Uist, said his company's business had diminished since 1980, the fleet being reduced from 18 vehicles and three trailers to 11 vehicles and three trailers.
Mr McCormick operated two tippers, two flatbed lorries and an articulated vehicle. He had advertised in the Press for general haulage and had used the vehicles for hire or reward.
Mr MacAuley said he saw Mr McCormick as a competitor. He was aware that he could not oppose another operator on those grounds.
Colin MacAulay, Mr MacAulay's son, said that Mr McCormick's advert had stated "McCormick's the name, haulage is the game." His understanding was that Mr McCormick was "a sub-contractor and as such provided vehicles to main contractors for hire or reward."
Mr McCormick said he had held a restricted licence for two vehicles for at least five years. He had interim authority for two additional vehicles and a trailer. He had never been convicted of any offence or of operating for hire or reward with a restricted licence.
He denied he had used the vehicles for hire or reward before gaining interim authority to do so. He had advertised in a local newspaper on the assumption that the application would be granted.
Evidence was given by James Watt, the nominated transport manager, that once the licencc was granted he would work five days a week on Uist, although he lived in Glasgow.