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Hayton Coulthard faces allegations of overwork

17th May 2001, Page 7
17th May 2001
Page 7
Page 7, 17th May 2001 — Hayton Coulthard faces allegations of overwork
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• by Mike Jewell Scottish-based Hayton Coulthard, owned by the family of Grand Prix driver David Coulthard, is facing allegations that it pressured its drivers and subcontractors into breaking the hours and tachograph rules.

The Kirkcudbright-based haulier, and associated firm Dunmhor Transport, were called before Scottish Traffic Commissioner Michael Betts after a joint investigation by the VI and police from Cumbria and Dumfries 8, Galloway revealed a large number of offences. A total of 39 drivers were prosecuted for 133 tachograph offences relating to November 1998 alone.

Several subcontracted drivers blamed their offences on Coulthard's traffic office. Former Coulthard transport manager Allan Thornton claimed that everyone in the firm was over worked, with too much work booked and too litt time to return the vehicles to base.

"I would give a chap work which I knew well WE not legal," he says. "There were occasions I kne perfectly well it could not be done." F claims that subcontractors who refuse loads were "shown the door.

Coulthard's defence alleged thi Thornton bore the company ill will, after failed to deliver on the promise of a con pany car. It also claimed that subconbtrar for Kenny Williamson, which accuse Coulthard in its own defence, was simp trying to shift the blame for its ow misdemeanours.

Hayton Coulthard holds a licence fc 20 vehicles and 22 trailers; Dunmhc Transport is licensed for 10 vehicles and 1 trailers. Duncan Coulthard Senior sai 70% of the company's work was cor tracted out to its 260 registered sut contractors.

The case continues.


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