Contract was 'a device' to obtain licence, admits haulier
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A HAULIER admitted in Glasgow last week that a contract between himself and a subsidiary of the giant Colville r-k Steel Co. was a device to obtain a licence.
W. S. Moir Ltd. of Motherwell, was appearing before the Scottish Deputy Licensing Authority, Mr. L. A. Wells, to support its application to switch five vehicles from Contract A licence to a full A licence.
The company had five vehicles on two Contract A licences, one licence for Dalzell Co-op Society Ltd., with three vehicles, the other for Etna Iron and Steel Co. Ltd., for two vehicles. Mr. Moir told Mr. Wells that he wanted more flexibility than the contract licences provided.
Mr. Moir explained that there were occasions when one contract customer required an additional vehicle which he had available but could not use. He denied that he wished to extend his field of activity.
Mr. R. MacKenzie, representing the objectors, suggested that the reason for the application was because the contract rate was uneconomic. On one of the contracts which had ended on August 31, 1967, the payment had been £1,000 below the contracted minimum figure of £6,000.
Mr. Wells asked the applicant what he had done to obtain the £1,000. "Do you intend to take legal action to secure the balance?" asked Mr. Wells. Mr. Moir explained that he had been promised more favourable work from Etna Iron and Steel Co. in the future. Mr. Wells repeated his question. "No, I do not intend to do so," answered Mr. Moir.
"What does this piece of paper mean?" asked Mr. Wells, holding aloft the contract. "Is it just a device to obtain a licence?" "Yes," said the applicant.
Mr. MacKenzie asked Mr. Moir why had had not applied for a B licence. "Because I would be restricted in mileage", was the reply. When it was explained that he could operate his existing service on a B licence, Mr. Moir agreed to withdraw his application.
Following the withdrawal of its application W. S. Moir was recalled in connection with offences under Section 178. The company had received 10 GV9s in four years and the defects listed included faulty brakes, steering and lights.
Mr. Wells suspended two of the Con. A vehicles for 12 months and one B licence vehicle for three months.