Wheel loss: 40% of cases discharged
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A STUDY into sudden wheel loss on heavy goods vehicles has revealed that close to 40% of all cases recorded received an absolute discharge.
The study, conducted by Penkridge-based transport consultant and expertwitness Stanley Thomas, analysed 283 reported wheel loss incidents. Out of the 243 which went to court, 39.9% where granted an absolute discharge.
Losing a wheel (like overloading) is treated as an absolute offence — but the High Courts have ruled that where an offender is held morally blameless, no prosecution should be proceeded with.
In his report, which was prepared for the Institute of Road Transport Engineers, Thomas notes: "Given that a proportion of offenders are found guilty because of neglience on their part, it is reasonable to assume that currently the chances of receiving an absolute discharge are about 50%. However, as 80% of wheel loss incidents are proceeded with, it is apparent that the Police and Crown Prosecution Service do not give such a high degree of consideration when assessing the facts for intended prosecution."
He also reports that most detachments happen on maximum-weight twoaxle rigida and top-weight tractive units.