Trade plates penal
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NBURY magistrates have been directed to convict trailer repairer I motor dealer Richard Wells of Inskip on charges involving the use of trade plates following a successful appeal to the divinel courts by the police.
:I February the magistrates missed charges against Mr Ils that he had falsely used trade plates, operated a vehicle without a licence, and failed to enter a driver's record (CM, Feb ruary 13).
Arguments that the carriage of jacks on the vehicle was sufficient to enable it to be regarded as a recovery vehicle which could properly be operated under trade plates were accepted by the magistrates. They awarded costs of £150 against the police.
Mr Wells was not represented before the divisional court and did not appear.
For the police, it was said that the vehicle concerned was a conventional articulated outfit with a platform trailer, and it was carrying a Morris Marina car, a Land-Rover, and a works truck. Mr Wells had claimed that there were two large jacks in the cab but he had refused to allow the police officer to enter the cab.
In the officer's opinion, there was insufficient room in the cab for two large jacks. At least two of the three vehicles being carried were capable of being driven and could not be regarded as "disabled".
The court held that the magistrates had misdirected themselves and sent the case back for a further hearing with a direction to convict. Mr Wells was ordered to pay the costs of the appeal.