• IN THE 4th edition of Focus (May 1990) 1
Page 10
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was briskly attacked for my "alarmist" views about the attitude of the courts to hau tiers.
I am conscious that I run the risk of being identified as a crier of "wolf" but, despite appearances to the contrary I do try to reflect what seems to me to be reality. Therefore I might not be expected to react to criticism. However...
Peter Green, described as a leading transport administrator and JP, required clear evidence of bias. He has, and I quote Focus, worked closely with the transport industry for the past five years. I have worked closely with the transport industry since the 1950s and, while that experience might have coloured my view, I hope that Mr Green might concede that I have some authority.
On the morning that Focus was published I was with a haulier who, without any prompting from me, took some time to explain how concerned he was about the clear hostility to the industry. That is not a unique voice surely. Am I really mistaken in thinking that the great "British Public" would be delighted If all HGVs disappeared overnight. Dealing with Mr Green's defence of the courts I can only say that I must assume that he has never been to
other courts to hear his colleagues disposing of cases dealing with hauliers.
it was Inevitable that Mr Green's article coincided with a case In which the haulier, charged with overloading was clearly not responsible for the offence whatever test you applied other than that of strict responsibility. The chairwoman observed that "at the end of the day the haulier must be responsible". Does that accord with Mr Green's view?
Mr Green also feels that foreign drivers are treated fairly. I assume that, were he In France, stopped for some traffic offence, carrying a passport and proof of his address, he would not mind being locked in a French Jail, offered the services of an interpreter who might not be familiar with the technical language needed to deal with his case, represented by a duty solicitor who might also not be familiar with the particular area of law, and then fined three times the amount that would be imposed on a French driver.
I do not seek special treatment; I seek equal treatment. Is that too much?
Perhaps Mr Green should come with me to cases in courts other than his own.