Residents heard drivers swearing
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inComplaints by neighbours about inconsiderate actions by drivers led to Jillian and Philip Blake, trading as Fast Freight, appearing at a public inquiry for their five-year licence review.
North Eastern Deputy Traffic Commissioner Brian Horner was considering what action to take against the firm's three-vehicle operating centre at Coach Gap Lane, Langar, Nottingham, after complaints from Myra and Raymond Staples.
Traffic examiner Stanley Wisden said the site was suitable for throe 7.5-tonne vehicles. However, he felt the restricted access caused road safety dangers at the junction of Coach Gap Lane and Harvey Road because of the number of large goods vehicles visiting other premises.
In reply to Jane George, for the firm, Wisden said he was unaware of any accident at the junction.
Myra Staples, of the adjacent Coach Gap Nurseries, said its complaint related to noise, particularly at night, and the fact that the lorries and vans appeared to be getting bigger. She said the drivers were shouting and swearing, and leaving their radios on during the early hours, adding that there was a stage when they became abusive. The lorries going in and out were not really the problem. She also agreed the
noise situation had improved and that the behaviour of the drivers was better.
Philip Blake said six light goods vehicles were also based at the site. He could not explain the Staples' perception that they were operating more vehicles than they were authorised for except to say the light vehicles were of a similar type to the 7,5-tanners. They were used for emergency spares for the John Deere tractor company and artics delivered the parts about three times a week.
It was wholly a night operation with deliveries to be made by 08:00hrs. He was constantly speaking to drivers about their conduct. He undertook to try to ensure the firm's and visiting drivers were courteous and as quiet as possible and he would monitor the situation.
In the light of those undertakings, the Deputy Commissioner decided hot to place any restrictions on the firm's operations.