Unlicensed operator will stay on the road by Charles Young
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• An Essex owner-driver plans to keep his trucks running on the Continent despite being refused an 0-licence.
Takeley-based Paul Ellis says he cannot afford to take his three trucks off the road and will continue to operate by pretending he has a licence. "There's no way I'm stopping," says Ellis. "I've got a wife and kids to support. There are enough people out there doing it—you just take your chances."
Ellis's stance shows just how little power the authorities have over hauliers if they choose to work outside the system—particularly if they work abroad. He contacted CM to vent his anger at the state of the UK haulage industry and has written a blunt letter to Eastern Area Deputy Traffic Commissioner Brian Horner who refused the application (see letters, page 27).
Ellis admits to operating for three years without a licence but reapplied after buying a new truck in May 1997. "I just went on the off-chance," he says. But his bid was refused due to previous convictions (CM 14-20 May 1998). He had also reneged on a truck-hire agreement because of cashflow problems.
"The rates here are crap and you always have to worry about not getting paid," says Ellis. "All the small operators will be done away with soon. They shouldn't waste their time on Britain; they can't make a living here."
Michael Molyneaux, administrative director for the Eastern Traffic Area Office, says Ellis's comments have been noted, and he is still eligible for appeal. But he will leave himself open to action if he drives in the UK.
Other hauliers CM contacted say they can get a better deal abroad, even with 0licences. And with the planned changes in cabotage law taking effect on 1 July (see page 33) they will be under further pressure to seek better rates.