Haulage company banned ‘to save lives’
JOBS are under threat after an Inverness haulier had its licence withdrawn following a series of major safety failings.
The move means Highland Car Crushers will no longer be able to operate its fleet of eight vehicles and two trailers to haul scrap, agricultural goods, timber and waste.
Announcing her decision, traffic commissioner Joan Aitken acknowledged jobs might be lost but said it would be a “gross dereliction of duty” if she did not impose the penalty.
“Do I need to await a death or serious injury?” she asked.
“My resounding answer is that the whole purpose of goods vehicle operator licensing is to protect the public from the harms that arise when vehicles are not maintained properly; when loads are not safely secured and when drivers are not properly rested and fit for the job.”
The company was called to its third public inquiry last month following an accident on the A96 when vehicle batteries fell off a lorry at Smithton Roundabout.
Further investigations identified issues with the company’s vehicle maintenance, compliance with dangerous goods regulations, a failure to identify drivers’ hours offences and carry out appropriate driver licence checks, the arrest and subsequent conviction of a driver stopped in a company vehicle for drink-driving and the failure of the company to declare director Hunter Fraser’s conviction for drink- driving.
Last night Mr Fraser — who runs the company with his father Sinclair from centres in Carsegate Road North and at Poyntzfield Mains on the Black Isle — said the company would not be closing down, despite its directors being barred from holding a licence for five years, but refused to comment further.
Firefighters had to wear protective clothing to deal with the A96 accident on 28th June last year.
The load was found to be a danger to other road users as the batteries — which were filled with acid — spilled on to the road.
“It is appropriate and proportionate that I put this operator out of business in so far as that business involves the use of heavy goods vehicles,” said Miss Aitken.
Two years ago the commissioner suspended the firm’s operating licence for three weeks and urged it to improve safety after police stopped one of its timber lorries on the A9 in December 2009 because traffic officers feared “catastrophic consequences” if it continued pulling its unsecured load. This followed a warning to directors about maintenance issues in 2007.
Miss Aitken added: “I gave this operator and its directors an excellent second chance in 2010.
“I took at face value the expressions made of commitment to getting it right. I am entitled to trust such expressions of intention. However, their words have proved empty.”
At last month’s inquiry at Inverness Town House Highland Car Crushers’ directors said the company was now carrying out additional training but recognised shortfalls. They also revealed plans for Mr Fraser junior’s wife Victoria to play a bigger role in the business.
It is understood Mr Fraser senior wants to resign from his roles as director and transport manager.