'I work for nothing' says MG tipper man
Page 33
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
ABIRMINGHAM tipper operator refused to accept a B licence when he was granted it by the West Midland LA on Monday, and went on to complain of the way in which his tipper loads on M6 extension work were being handled.
Mr. E. Brown told the' LA, Mr. J. Else, of how his 10 eu.yd. capacity tipper could not carry a full load without exceeding the legal weight limits. When his vehicle was fully loaded he was credited with only 74 cu.yds and he refused to work under such conditions. He contended he was doing a certain amount of work for nothing.
Mr. Else said that although he had an interest in matters of illegal operations, Mr. Brown's earnings were a matter for himself and those who employed him, in this case the road builders, Taylor Woodrow Ltd. If he was dissatisfied with his contract he could withdraw from it, said Mr. Else.
Additional evidence was given by Mr. D. Hammond, of Mayle and Sons, a company on contract to provide about 40 tippers a day for the motorway works. He told of overweight operation owing to loading discrepancies. He had approached the transport manager of the contractor concerned but had little satisfaction. Mr. Else said the matter would be looked into.
Mr. Brown appeared again later when he applied for a B licence for his three other vehicles to carry general goods. There were three objectors. He produced several letters of support but he said that none of the companies which had promised him work was able to be represented in court.
Mr. Else said: "I think you are a sensible and responsible individual and I am sure you would make a good haulier, but this is an opposed application and I cannot make a grant on the evidence of letters only."
Mr. Brown told the court of his difficult financial position and said his vehicles were on hire-purchase. He appealed to the objectors to be reasonable. Mr. Else said that if the objectors were to reconsider, he would act accordingly. Mr. Skelding consulted the objectors' representatives, but he said their position was unchanged.
Expressing sympathy for Mr. Brown, Mr. Else adjourned the hearing until December 15, when a special sitting would be arranged to hear the case in view of his financial situation. Mr. Else told him that witnesses would be needed to prove his case.