Convictions cause refusal
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• Because a haulier had been convicted of illegal operation and hours offences he was refused a variation application in Hanley on December 20, but was given leave by the West Midland LA, Mr. J. Else, to apply for a three-monthly short-term licence.
H. V. Shenton of Werrington, Stoke-onTrent, was applying to add to the conditions of his four B-licensed vehicles to allow him to carry rock salt for ICI Ltd., Mond Division. For the applicant, Mr. G. C. Tinsdill explained that Shenton carried road and building materials for M. and M. Minerals Ltd. who had in July advised him that ICI required vehicles for the haulage of salt. A short-term licence was applied for and, because Shenton had had one such licence granted last February, he thought it would be in order, with what he felt was backing from ICI, to operate before the licence was received. However, the licence was refused and Shenton was convicted in regard to two loads of ICI salt carried for M. and M. on July 24 and 26.
On behalf of four objectors, Mr. N. Carless pointed out that there was no witness from ICI although he acknowledged that the letter of support was individually written as against the duplicated form sometimes submitted. He felt that since some hauliers carried rock salt all the year and Mr. Shenton only wished to do so when weather forbad his normal work, the short-term licence procedure should be used.
"I would have granted this application without more ado but for the fact that Mr. Shenton had carried salt withoUt authority earlier this year--not only did that, but also failed to ensure that his drivers were keeping proper records. I will refuse this but if an application for a short-term licence is made to carry rock salt for ICI only, not anyone else within 150 miles, it will be granted for the first three months of the year," decided Mr. Else.