Tribunal backs LA on probation move
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• The Transport Tribunal has upheld the decision by South Eastern LA Brigadier Michael Turner to cut the duration of the licence held by London Haulage Contractors, effectively putting the company on six months' probation.
The company holds a licence for 40 vehicles. It was called before the LA following a series of prohibition notices, the use of a prohibited vehicle and because cheques totalling £80,154 for Vehicle Excise Duty had been dishonoured.
Evidence was given that the company was disposing of its ageing fleet and replacing it with vehicles on contract hire from a number of well known companies, who would be responsible for maintenance.
Before the Tribunal. Charles Baker, for the onmpany, argued that the LA had decided the matter on the basis of what had happened with the old fleet, instead of on the basis of what were the future arrangements. He complained that the LA's decision had left the company in a kind of limbo, in which it was impossible to plan for the future.
Dismissing the company's appeal, the Tribunal said that the LA could not be faulted. He was faced with a situation which was a threat to public safety. During the short time the new arrangements had been in place further prohibitions had been issued and there was therefore cause for continuing concern.