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Semi-detached fuel tank was a 'clear danger' to others
Page 31
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Roadside check revealed vehicle had faulty brakes and a swinging fuel tank which was held on by just one strap, magistrates are told.
A FUEL TANK in danger of falling off and faulty brakes have landed a London operator with fines of £3,800 for running a vehicle in a condition that could have "dire" consequences. The tank was swinging imd.according toVOSA, was a "clear danger to other road users".
When Walthamstow-based L Lynch Plant Hire appeared before Marylebone Magistrates it denied using the vehicle in a dangerous condition and failing to maintain brake components. But the court found the firm guilty and imposed lines of £2,000 for using a dangerous vehicle and £1,000 for the brake offence with £800 costs.
Prosecuting for VOSA, Anthony Ostrin told the court the offences were found during a roadside check.
Traffic examiner David King said that while examining the vehicle he noticed two securing straps fitted to the fuel tank on the nearside of the vehicle had broken away at the lower point. The threaded rod which fitted through the mounting bracket at the lower point had snapped off. He conlirmed the presence of corrosion on the broken end of the threaded rod.
Vehicle Examiner Peter Lankmans said he had noted the fuel tank had only one strap instead of two and the additional pressure on the remaining strap could cause the fuel tank to drop. Under questioning he denied that a shelf beneath the fuel tank would have stopped the tank falling to the ground.
Lankmans added that the trailer braking system relied on a cable connected to it from the tractor unit.That cable was missing, which would cause the system to revert to an emergency mode. If full pressure was then applied the system would not recognise whether the vehicle was laden or unladen, and that could cause a serious accident. Ostrin said the fuel tank had been see swinging. As it was only on one strap, it was clear danger to other road users.
The examiners had spoken to the driver wh said that the fuel tank had a capacity of sorr 200 gallons and at the time of the check it im approximately half full.
Ostrin concluded: "The consequences of th fuel tank falling off would be dire." •