Bleach knows that burning sensation
Page 13
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
1‘111 OPERATOR whose vehicle exceeded the permitted gross Neight and the permitted second axle weight has submitted a Nritten plea of guilty to magistrates at Grays, Essex. He also 'leaded guilty to two other charges of failing to keep a dmplified record book and failing to have an Operators icence.
On April 18 the vehicle, beonging to William Joseph Bleach of Billericay, Essex, was stopped on the A128. The second axle was overloaded by about 15 per cent and the gross vveight of the vehicle was found to be 18 per cent over the permitted legal weight. A prohibi:ion was immediately placed on he vehicle's use due to the werloading .
When interviewed, Mr Bleach said that he was not aware that an 0-licence was needed for the vehicle which was used for his own use in connection with his smallholding.
A letter from his solicitor containing the guilty plea said that Mr Bleach was not in direct control of the vehicle when it was being loaded. There was no question of the vehicle being unsafe as the ballast being carried was well within the vehic les capacity, it was claimed.
The letter went on to say that although Mr Bleach accepted ultimate responsibility, it was not his intention to evade the necessary requirements. It was claimed that a record book was issued to the driver, Keith Joseph Chester.
Mr Bleach was fined £50 for each of the two excess weight charges, £25 for failing to keep simplified records, and £30 for operating without an 0-licence. He was also ordered to pay £10 costs.
On behalf of Mr Chester, who is currently in prison, the solicitor's letter to the court also submitted guilty pleas in respect of the excess weight charges. It was said that weight slips were issued to Mr Chester when the vehicle was loaded and that he relied upon the judgment of those loading the vehicle at the time.
Sentence on Mr Chester was adjourned until he can appear in court next month.