Sabotage claimed by haulier
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• An Inverness haulier claimed sabotage was made when he appealed to the Scottish deputy LA to be allowed to keep his operator's licence for his one remaining lorry. This vehicle was found to be faulty in a police spot-check last month.
Mr Kenneth Ross, general contractor and haulier, said he could not mention names, but several people had tried to put him out of business in the past, and on one occasion police had kept a watch on his yard for three nights.
"Now I am the owner-driver it will be different," said Mr Ross. His agent, Mr John Aird, said he had been heavily fined at Dingwall when 19 defects were found in February on another vehicle.
• Mr James Paterson, vehicle examiner, listed seven defects following last month's check. "They indicate that prior to that time, maintenance was non-existent," he said. Mr J. Aylmer, deputy LA, said: "I am not concerned with the sabotage. I have to face facts on the evidence I have before me—which is not very reassuring. It is with great hesitation that I don't revoke your licence. However, I also hesitate to put a man out of business in this day and age. You have also arranged for monthly maintenance checks. I order the removal of your vehicle's licence for two months."