Driver predicted ban
Page 19
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A Lancashire owner-driver who forecast that the North Western Traffic Commissioner would ban him from holding an 0-licence "for ever" has seen his prediction come true.
Steven Mann, trading as S&S Mann of Farnworth, had been called before TC Beverley Bell at a Leeds disciplinary inquiry. But he failed to appear, sending a letter instead.
"I realise that IC Beverley Bell will take my licence away and ban me from ever holding an 0-licence," he said. "I am not bothered, as I have obtained an 0-licence abroad where they do not use the same tactics as the Vehicle Inspectorate to drive small hauliers out of business. The VI have always been on my back, causing large fines for pathetic minor offences.'
Traffic examiner Karen Farr listed the hours and tachograph offences committed by Mann in 1999 and 2000, many of which happened abroad. These included falsification of tachograph records, when Mann had pulled the fuse from his tacho. Subsequent prosecutions led to a fine of 21,290 from Manchester City magistrates.
Mann was facing prosecution at Rochdale for alleged failure to produce tachograph records and falsification. Farr also reported occasions where Mann had not taken the required rest breaks.
Although Mann's vehicle was plated and taxed at 32.5 tonnes, Farr said shipping manifests showed Mann had loaded to 35,36 and even 39 tonnes.
Bell revoked Mann's 0-licence and HGV driving licence. She disqualified him indefinitely from holding an 0-licence, and from holding an HGV licence for five years.