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LA seeks 'invisible man'

23rd April 1992, Page 17
23rd April 1992
Page 17
Page 17, 23rd April 1992 — LA seeks 'invisible man'
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II North Western LA Martin Albu has adjourned hearing a licence renewal pending proof that the applicant exists.

Peter Forde, trading as Peter Porde Transport, of Preston, wants to renew his international Licence for five vehicles and trailers. For the company, John Backhouse said that Forde, who Ls a native of the Republic of Ireand works in the United Arab Emirates and rarely returned to the UK. The business is managed by Charles Smith, who also owns Peter Forde Storage & Distribution.

Backhouse maintained that the legislation did not require a licence holder to be a resident of, or even to visit the UK, as long as he has a qualified transport manager.

But Albu said he had reason to wonder if Forde existed at all. It was not clear why someone who lived overseas had his name on an operation here when he appeared to have little inte rest in it, Vehicle examiner Alan Singleton said he had attempted to contact Peter Forde several times without success.

Peter Forde Storage & Distribution used the same premises and the staff seemed confused about who they actually worked for, said Singleton. The transport manager nominated on the previous licence, a Mr Gallagher, had stated that he had not been involved with the firm for five years.

When asked why inspection records could not be produced for one vehicle, Smith had said the driver had them at home. The vehicle was owned by the driver, Alan Whittaker. It had been hired by Peter Forde Transport and put on the company's licence.

Smith said that though Whittaker did drive the vehicle occasionally, more often than not it was driven by Whittaker's son who was employed by Peter Forde Transport as a driver. Whittaker also drove other vehicles for the company.

Asked how he operated four vehicles with a total wage bill of £4,000, Smith said that some of the drivers were selfemployed. He maintained that Forde did exist, and was in this country three weeks ago. It was difficult to decide what was going on, said Albu He felt that Smith had not been entirely open over the years and the enforcement agency would be asked to investigate the position of Whittaker's vehicle, Albu said that he wanted to see a photocopy of Forde's passport or driving licence,


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