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TC dismisses operator's 'country bumpkin' ad
Page 12
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A Cheshire haulage firm is awaiting the outcome of a Public Inquiry which could determine its future. Mike Jewell reports.
A CHESHIRE HAULAGE boss has claimed that widespread abuse of drivers' hours and lacho rules went on without his knowledge because he had nothing to do with their enforcement.
Rueben Fielding. boss of Stockport firm RE Fielding (Cheshire), was giving evidence at a Public Inquiry before North-Western Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell. He told her he did not want to be working in the industry in 12 months' time and planned to sell his stake in the business.
Innovate Logistics is among four potential buyers (CM 9 February). But any sale may depend on the outcome of the inquiry as Bell is considering taking action against the company's licence for 105 vehicles and 128 trailers. This follows the conviction of 43 of the company's drivers for falsifying tachograph records.
Operations director David Lowe pointed the finger at his predecessor, Philip Howe, who left in February 2005. Lowe said Howe was responsible for compliance with the hours and tachograph regs when the offences were committed.
It was said that the drivers had been falsifying charts because of problems at supermarkets' regional distribution centres.
Asked if he had dismissed any driver for falsifying tachograph records. Lowe said a number had been suspended for four days and most of these had not come back. Fielding agreed that he had not devoted sufficient time to compliance or concentrated his efforts in the right areas. He now realised the company needed someone whose sole responsibility was compliance and who did not also have other duties. "I'm very embarrassed," he told Bell. The buck stops with me."
However, Bell rounded on Fielding and said that although he was the person behind a business turning overlil5rn,heappearedto be trying to portray himself as a naive country bumpkin which she found hard to accept.
The TC is to announce her decision in writing.