Tough times lead to 'probation'
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II Corby ownerdriver John Whyte was "put on probation" by Eastern Traffic Commissioner Brigadier Compton Boyd when he appeared at a Cambridge disciplinary inquiry.
Renewing Whyte's licence for one vehicle, instead of the two previously authorised, and for one year only "as a probat ionary measure", Brigadier Boyd warned that he was unlikely to survive a second public inquiry.
DOT vehicle examiner David Ebbs said that in March Whyte's vehicle had been given an immediate prohibition for neglect when it was presented for its annual test. The vehicle was given a second immediate prohibition in June, even though Whyte had a week's warning of Ebbs' visit. Clearance was refused in July and a variation notice issued for five further defects. The vehicle was eventually cleared a week later.
When the vehicle was inspected again on 18 November, another immediate prohibition was issued for neglect. Whyte said that the past two years had been very difficult. He taxed his truck and waited for work that did not come.
Whyte has held a licence for 20 years. He told the Commissioner that he would be parking the vehicle up at the end of the month until next spring. Boyd said that when making his decision he took account of Whyte's previous good record. However, should "things go pear shaped again", he would expect Whyte to surrender the licence.