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Sanday boss commits 'gross error of judgement'
Page 9
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By Roger Brown TRAFFIC COMMISSIONER (TC) for Scotland Joan Aitken has told the boss of Sanday Haulage he committed a "gross error of judgement" and "undercut and disadvantaged lawful operators" by transporting goods for his local council without an 0-licence.
In a written decision following a May public inquiry (PI) in Kirkwall, the TC turned down a fresh 0-licence application from sole trader Andrew Muir to operate four vehicles and trailers, belonging to Kettletoft Stores, based in Sanday, on the grounds the business had lost its repute.
VOSA began an investigation into the haulier after officers received a tip-off that Muir was operating one vehicle for hire and reward, without a licence. They discovered Muir had been awarded a casual contract from Orkney Islands Council to carry stone and salt bulk materials.
According to council paperwork — which included ticket numbers, tonnage and material hauled — the Sanday truck had carried goods from the council's quarry between April 2010 and March 2011. The PI heard how Sanday had picked up the work following a fire at the council's depot, which meant it had to sub-contract some work to hauliers.
Aitken said: "Muir made a gross error of judgement in tendering for a contract when he did not have the lawful authority to undertake the haulage required by that contract."