Fined for using truck in a dangerous state
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A VEHICLE stopped on suspicion of being overloaded was in such a dangerous condition it was likely to become uncontrollable at anytime.
Its owner,Newport,Shropshire-based AJ Edwards. was ordered to pay.£2. I 48 in fines and costs for using a dangerous vehicle with a seriously defective suspension. The company admitted the offence before the Wrexham magistrates.
Prosecuting for Vosa. Richard Johnson said the vehicle, partially loaded with fruit and vegetables, was checked on the A483 at Wrexham. It was leaning to the nearside because the nearside rear leaf spring had broken and the forward section was missing completely. One of the two remaining spring leaves was also broken.The one remaining leaf was supporting the weight of the vehicle and load. If it failed the means of support for the chassis,body and load would be lost and the axle would have a degree of fore and aft movement affecting directional control.
The inner pad of the nearside rear brake had worn out its metal backing plate was heavily scored from contact with the brake disc:The slightest application of the foot brake caused the nearside rear brakes to lock.
For the company, it was said they were unaware of the broken spring until the day of the checkand itwould have been picked up at the next safety inspection.The brake pad had been noted as serviceable at the last inspection with a note to be changed at the next inspection.
The magistrates fined the company a total of £2,000 with £148 costs; driver Anthony Payne was fined £200 with £115 costs.