Fined for fault on scrap truck
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A Derbyshire haulier faces a fine of £200 after a police spot-check found a steering defect on one of its trucks that was due to be scrapped. The 13-year-old Leyland was scrapped by plant hire firm JC Balls and Sons of Ambergate immediately after the 24 January spotcheck at Darley Dale, Matlock magistrates heard. The court was told that one of six bolts on the truck's steering box had sheared off. The vehicle was checked every month but the fault had not been apparent during a check on 13 December.
Driver Steven Lawton, of Alfreton, who left the firm in February, said the fault had not affected the vehicle's steering. He admitted using a vehicle with steering gear not in good working order, and was fined £40.
The firm pleaded guilty by letter to operating a vehicle with a steering gear defect. Partner Christopher Ball stated that the lorry was due to be replaced in March as part of the firm's established vehicle renewal programme. The letter added that this was an isolated incident and the firm had an enviable safety record. The magistrates decided to impose a £200 fine, with £30 costs, at a hearing in August, when they will also decide whether to endorse the firm's licence.