Legal Argument Over Trade Plates
Page 46
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
THE occasions when trade plates could or could not be used on a lorry caused a good deal of legal argument at Chepstow magistrates' court last week, but after hearing the case against a Caldicot haulage contractor, the magistrates deferred theirdecision for three weeks.
Before the court was Clifford Randolph Powell. of Hazledene, Churchfield Avenue. Caldicot; who denied using a lorry without an excise licence, without third-party insurance, and, thirdly, the misuse of a licence by using it on a lorry "otherwise than in the course of his business."
The driver of the lorry, John Albert MaSkell. charged with two similar offences, and of aiding and abetting Powell on the third offence, also denied all three charges.
Inspector Roger Griffiths alleged that the trade plates were used by Powell on a lorry travelling to and from the Llanwern site. The lorry did not need to be taxed and insured on the site, or if used under a trade plate licence.
The prosecution allege that this is an illegal use of trade plates, under the conditions attached to them, and the other offences stand or fall on this use."
Mr. H. A. P. Lloyd, defending, said that the lorry was being taken from Llanwern to Powell's premises for repairs, and Powell was therefore legally using the plate in his capacity -as a repairer, and not as a haulage contractor.
EXCESSIVE HOURS FINES
LINES totalling £205 were imposed by 1 magistrates at Caerleon. near Newport, recently, against National Star Group Sales. Ltd., who admitted permitting drivers . to drive excessive hours, for which they faced 35 summonses. They also admitted six offences of failing to cause current records to be kept. Another company, Star Brick and Tile. Ltd., admitted seven offences of failing to .cause records to be kept. They were fined £35.