No return for scaffolding vehicle operated without an 0-licence
Page 33

If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
A READING scaffolder has lost his bid for the return of a vehicle impounded by VOSA in May.
South Eastern and Metropolitan Traffic Commissioner Christopher Heaps, was told that the vehicle was impounded after being stopped in a check at Greenford, Middlesex. The driver had said he was carrying scaffolding on behalf of his employer Anthony Deacon. Deacon, who was also in the vehicle, declined to say anything.
In his application for the return of the vehicle, Deacon said that in the past he had only been using small vehicles for his scaffolding work. He had just obtained the larger vehicle and was in the process of submitting an application for an 0-licence.
The TC said no application for a licence had been received. Deacon was reported for the unauthorised use of a vehicle in November 2002. In April 2003 he was convicted by Reading magistrates of operating without an 0-licence and having no test certificate; he was fined a total of £2,000.
Those convictions were inconsistent with Deacon's statement that he had only been using small vehicles. Deacon was travelling in the vehicle when it was detained.
The TC concluded that he could not deny that he was aware of the requirement to have an 0-licence, not only because of his conviction but also because he had claimed he was in the process of submitting a licence application.