Danger load carrier cleared
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CHARGES of using a lorry with a dangerous load -brought against the operator of a box van loaded with chemicals, were drsmissed by Mansion House magistrates' court, London.
The van, belonging to Wormerisey Boo me Chemicals Ltd, had been stopped by City of London police in May on a routine check. At the check it was noticed that a drum was wet at the bottom.
Greater London Council scientific officer attached to the London Fire Brigade, B. Mould said the drum had obviously been stored overnight and had got damp but was not leaking. The load contained potassium hydroxide flake, and carboys of chloros and ammonia.
A petroleum officer was also called out but could find no breaches of regulations. Mr Mould said that he had not carried out experiments with the chemicals involved but accepted that there was no danger involved.
Counsel for the defence, Oliver Popplewell QC, told the court that the matter was important because if found to be proved, grave damage would be done to the Wormersley Boome Chemicals business if it could not carry mixed loads.