Company links broken • The North av Western Traffic Commissioner
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has decided to grant an 18month licence to Penrith haulier Acredean, even though the Road Haulage Association has lodged what is thought to be only its second licence objection in five years.
The licence will be granted by Martin Albu when he receives confirmation that an overdraft facility has been made available and he sees an employment contract for the company's nominated transport manager, with a signed agreement with an inde pendent firm of tachograph analysers.
The company's bid for a licence for 12 vehicles and 15 trailers was opposed by the RHA on the grounds of repute and finance. It claimed that the application was an attempt to avoid the consequences of further serious convictions involving Bulman Bulk & Haulage (CM 25 Feb-3 Mar). The trial of Bulman Bulk and Haulage, its associate Bulman (Penrith) and its directors David Brown and Peter Housby has been adjourned until May at Carlisle Crown Court. All four are accused of aiding and abetting drivers to falsify tachograph charts.
Granting Acredean's licence, Albu said the company freely admitted that it had been set up solely to take over the goods vehicle operation of Bulmans. There was no doubt, he said, about the close connection between the two companies, quite apart from the family relationships between the directors.
But Acredean is now to have separate directors, offices and transport manager. Neither Acredean director, nor the proposed transport manager, has any recorded offences, and Albu said he was convinced of the company's good repute.
The company's financial standing depends on whether directors' loans of £50,000 and an overdraft facility for the same amount could be properly considered as financial resources, said Albu. But, he said, the company's overdraft, once confirmed, would finance the company's operations in its early months.
It was argued at the hearing that some of the company's forecasts were optimistic, but the close assocation with Bulmanwhich would make vehicles available without an initial three months' loan charges, and would be providing steady work—was in Acredean's favour.