• I refer to the article concerning councillor David Buckle's
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proposals for endorsements on Operator's Licences for overloading offences (CM 12-18 November).
Earlier this year the company I work for had the misfortune to be prosecuted for using an overloaded vehicle. I say misfortune because the offence was caused solely by the driver and a moment of rashness.
Having considered the facts the magistrates fined the company what Mr Buckle would probably consider was a modest amount. However, that was not the end of the story. Since then every operating centre within the Traffic Area in which the offence occurred has been visited by vehicle inspectors who have examined vehicle records and a large proportion of the vehicle fleet. This exercise was obviously intended to uncover any other misdemeanours. and punish them.
I have been involved in road haulage for more than 25 years and for all that time, and beyond, it has always been the dream of responsible operators that a piece of legislation would be introduced which would rid the industry of the cowboys. Laws have been introduced which have attempted to deliver this dream, but in the main they have only served to increase the costs of the legitimate operator and add to the administrative burden of the enforcing authorities The habitual offender has little or no conscience when it comes to law-breaking, but knows that significant cost savings could often be made by paying no regard to the law. Because his costs are low he is able to undercut the responsible operator's prices and still make considerable gains.
It seems to me that the only way of putting him out of business is to increase his costs This means apprehending him and prosecuting him more often and levying the highest possible fines on conviction.
Rather than introducing another system which would increase the administration costs of the enforcing authorities at a time when the Government is trimming public spending,it would be better to campaign for additional means to equip the enforcing authorities and enable them to bring offenders to court more often.
In summary, I believe that the law is adequate and the prospective penalties a sufficient deterrent, but the policing needs to be strengthened.
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