Two Hauliers' Licences Suspended
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LICENCE suspension was imposed on two haulage companies by the West Midland Licensing Authority on Tuesday. The Little Haywood Transport Co,, Ltd.. Burton, had their A licence in respect of one vehicle suspended for three months, and A. Fletcher and Co., Ltd., Ihstock, an associated concern, had their B licence in respect of a vehicle similarly dealt with. So that the companies could appeal, the Authority said that the suspensions would date from December 1.
Mr. David Karmel, Q.C., for the companies, said that they had been convicted at Burton magistrates' court on September 24 for breaches of licence conditions, and were fined £730 on 162 summonses. These were concerned with drivers' hours and failure to keep proper records, also speeding. Mr. Karmel submitted that the offences were not frequent, wilful or involved any danger to the public.
The businesses specialized in the transport of solid fuels, but they had been "somewhat weak" in administration and there had not been sufficient supervision of the office clerks. The companies now hoped to have rectified the position, There was a total of 79 vehicles, but the convictions in September were the first prosecutions in which the companies had been involved. The offences took place in the first quarter of this year, which was a busy period for hauliers of solid fuel. Three-quarters of the vehicles were working double shifts, 22 hours a day.
Mr: Karmel said that there was no evidence that the companies deliberately refused to keep records. The system had now been overhauled, and in the event of any failure in the future, disciplinary action would be taken against those concerned. Regarding the speeding cases, counsel stated that with modern vehicles there was a temptation to drivers to exceed 20 m.p.h., but there had been no accidents.
To avoid future offences, the companies had reduced the amount of shift working and two long-distance routes had ceased. Two clerks were employed to check records, and warning notices had been placed in the cabs, HEATER BLOCKS FOR WORKS
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