Allwood all clear
Page 22
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
II Halifax magistrates dismissed charges against Cheltenham abnormal load carrier Aflwood Transport that it had used 10 vehicles of excessive length on the same day when the prosecution offered no eveidence.
The magistrates directed that the defence costs be paid out of public funds.
The magistrates were told that the charges of using a vehicle when the length of the projection of the load exceeded 18.3m involved the carriage of long-length concrete beams by 10 different vehicles on May 7. It had been pointed out that the allegations ought to have referred to the length of the trailers.
They were now beyond the date when fresh informations could be laid and even if the company was convicted there were strong mitigating circumstances.
In the circumstances the only proper course for the prosecution was to invite the magistrates to dismiss the charges — it was a highly technical matter and a mistake had been made.
Seeking costs from public funds, Stephen Kirkbright, defending, said the company would have denied that the trailers were of excessive length. Evidence would have been brought to that effect, and of the fact that the police officer had never measured the trailers.