LA rejects bid from Newman
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• A bid for a new international licence by Anthony Newman, trading as Tony Newman Transport of Girvan, has been turned down by the Scottish LA, Hugh McNamara.
Newman had applied for a licence for nine vehicles and trailers, on the understanding that he would surrender a licence which he had held in the South Wales Traffic Area and that former Girvan haulier Robert Robertson had no connection with the business. The LA consequently granted Newman an interim licence in February. In March 1987 the LA had revoked Robertson's licence and disqualified him for five years.
When Newman's application was considered by the LA at an Ayr public inquiry, evidence was given that the vehicles applied for were owned by Robertson; that they would be used from the same operating centre; that some of the same drivers were to be used; that Mrs Robertson was Newman's secretary; and that Robertson had signed cheques payable to the "self-employed" drivers.
In refusing the application, McNamara said that he found Newman's story that Robertson was paying the drivers because he owed him money unconvincing. The apparent ease with which vehicles could be removed from the hiring agreement, despite its terms, also gave rise to doubt. Though he could not definitely prove the connection between Newman and Robertson, he was less than satisfied.
Turning to maintenance, McNamara said immediate prohibitions endorsed "neglect"' had been imposed on a vehicle and trailer in March. Newman said that he had been assured by Robertson that the tractor was roadworthy, and that the driver had picked up the wrong trailer from Stranraer. An examination of the inspection records showed that on two occasions the "promised" periods between inspections had been exceeded, once by 100% and once by 40%. Newman said that this was probably due to the vehicles being busy and being turned straight round to the Continent. If that indeed was the explanation, said McNamara, it was inexcusable.
Finally, said McNamara, in the short time the interim licence had been in force, he had been told of three further prohibition notices for overloading. He could not, therefore, be satisfied that there would be proper arrangements for ensuring that the vehicles would not be overloaded.