Haulier escapes with a warning
Page 20
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
16P ist Longbones
transport special Haulage has got off with a warning after appearing at disciplinary proceedings following a string of convictions.
The Hull-based company's international licence was renewed for 19 vehicles and two trailers without restriction by North Eastern Deputy Licensing Authority John Hampton.
Managing director Garry Longbones said that dependant upon the size of the caravan being carried, movements had to be made under dispensation or under the provisions of the Special Types order. The majority of the convictions had arisen through drivers going off route or travelling outside the stipulated times and thus losing the protection of the dispensations, he said.
In 1987 the company had been convicted of an excess rear projection and since then marker boards had been attached to a set cable length, preventing any excessive overhang. Drivers had been warned that they would be suspended if they infringed the dispensation notices and a number of them had been sacked. A drivers' handbook was being prepared, which would include a copy of all the dispensation notices that might be needed. There had been no convictions in 1990 and no proceedings were pending.
For the company, Gary Hodgson said that it had an exceptional record until being convicted of nine offences between 1986 and 1989. But he stressed that the number of convictions had to be set against a background of about 150 movements a week. Although not wishing to minimise the convictions, they were an occupational hazard.
Hampton said that despite offences in relation to the width and length of loads, and the way that they were marked, the company now appeared to be getting it right.