Towing troubles: 2 With reference to the letter from John
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Dixon headed Towing Troubles (CM 4-10 June), we have encountered similar problems towing a trailer behind a 4x4.
We have motor dealerships in the North-West and use a Daihatsu Fourtrak to pull a trailer for the collection and delivery of vehicles.
Two years ago the Greater Manchester Constabulary stopped my driver and I was informed that because the Fourtrak was a commercial vehicle and was towing a trailer we would need to install a tachograph. Alternatively, I could fit rear seats and windows to the tow vehicle and use the combination within the law.
After checking with various authorities on the subject, it was decided to convert the Fourtrak—which, of course, necessitated paying VAT as it was no longer a commercial vehicle.
This seemed satisfactory until April this year when my driver was stopped in Leicestershire and taken to a weighbridge. Although neither the vehicle nor the trailer was technically overloaded, I have been cautioned for operating without a tachograph.
I spoke to the prosecuting officer and his sergeant— who, I must say, seemed none-too-certain of the law—and was simply told ■ that Leicestershire Constabulary had successfully prosecuted other companies for the same offence.
When I explained that I had already been assured of the legality of the combination of vehicle and trailer by the North West Traffic Area Office, the Vehicle Inspectorate, the Greater Manchester Constabulary Lincolnshire Constabulary, Daihatsu UK and two wellknown trailer manufacturers, I was promised a phone call once Leicestershire Constabulary had looked further into the matter. I am still waiting.
As a company we now run two similar 4x4-trailer combinations, which seen to have no trouble whatsoever outside Leicestershire. Maybe the police should go to the same lengths to check their information as the operator is quite rightly expected to: then maybe we could agree on a common policy.
I have since given my dri vers a copy of a document printed by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders detailing a court ruling in favour of the operator in a similar case in Hampshire, and this is to be produced should we encounter further problems. AC Gorner, Managing director, HL Gorner, Wigan, Greater Manchester