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Impounding hits home
Page 4
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The Vehicle Inspectorate used its new impounding powers for the first time last week, seizing two vehicles being run without 0-licences.
The two firms, Stratford. East London-based City Waste Management Group and Essex firm Mansoor Hussain, were both at the top of the VI's hit list. The vehicle checks were held on a route known to be used by both operators after intelligence gathering that began at the start of the year.
VI operations director Bob Tatchell says: "Although we would previously have been able to deal with these vehicles on the grounds at road safety there would have been no immediate effective sanction against [the operators].
"Impounding is good news for legitimate operators and a further warning to those who would flout the law."
The FTA has welcomed the news of the first VI swoop: "It's a major milestone on the road to catching the cowboys, improving enforcement and ensuring safe and legal truck operation. Impounding is a major change ...that will benefit both our members
and the general public."
The vehicles will now stay in a secure compound for 21 days, within which time the hauliers may appeal. But if the appeals are unsuccessful or late, the vehicles will be disposed of.
As well as being operated illegally, both vehicles were overloaded. Also, City Waste's vehicle had no current tax disc or test certificate, and it was issued with an immediate prohibition for defective brakes. Hussain's vehicle received a prohibition for loose wheelnuts.