Operator Bought Forged Disc But Gets Licence
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AFTER hearing how an operator had purchased a forged licence and operated a vehicle under it, the Metropolitan Licensing Authority, Mr. 0.1. R. Muir, granted an A licence• to W. G. Jackman, Of Rainham, but imposed a penalty—the licence could not come into 'operation until January 1, 1963.
Mr. Ralph Cropper, for Jackman— who was applying for one vehicle—with facilities "mainly fruit and vegetables, mainly London and Home Counties," explained that Jackman had been the victim of a swindle. The forgers had eventually been. traced and convicted in the High Court. He called evidence from three fruit hauliers of substance,• whose main argument was that they needed help from small contractors, especially owner-drivers, to help to cater
for the fluctuations in the volume of traffic, and the sudden changes in traffic movement which occurred in the fruit trade.
Objecting, Mr. W. J. C. Lee, B.R.S. traffic superintendent at Covent Garden, stated that B.R.S. could cater for further work for the fruit trade. There was no shortage of transport. He agreed with Mr. Cropper, however, that B.R.S. made considerable use of small operators under sub-hire in busy periods.
Giving his decision, Mr. Muir said that the evidence of need for the services of Jackman as an owner-driver justified a grant. Nevertheless, Jackman had been guilty of grave offences in operating a vehicle without a proper licence, for which a punishment must be imposed.