5 minute read
Court Report
Overweight, Tachograph & HGV Levy Offences
It is after DVA Enforcement Officers stopped a 2 x 3 axle Volvo articulated goods vehicle in the Omagh area and directed the driver to take the vehicle to the DVA Test Centre in Omagh. The vehicle was weighed and found to be overloaded on the 2nd axle by 680kgs (5.9%), overloaded on axles 3, 4, and 5 by 1,180kgs (4.9%) and an overload on the gross train weight by 3,760kgs (9.4%). The vehicle was overloaded to such an extent that it posed a danger or risk of injury to other road users requiring a Prohibition Notice to be issued, instructing the driver to take the vehicle directly to the operator’s premises to reduce the load. An analysis of the driver’s tachograph records identified several infringements including failing to take the required daily rest on 4 occasions, exceeding the daily driving period on 1 occasion, and use or attempted use of a driver card on which the driver was not identified as the holder on 3 occasions. Further checks revealed that there was no HGV Road User Levy in place for the vehicle to operate in Northern Ireland. As the driver was unable to provide a UK address, three court deposits totalling £900 were taken at the roadside and held pending the outcome of the prosecution case. The driver was cautioned and interviewed.
£1000 Fine for Being Overweight
A haulage driver from Belfast has been convicted and fined a total of £1,000 plus a £15 levy at Belfast Magistrates’ Court. In addition 3 penalty points was added to his driving licence.
The conviction arose when DVA Enforcement Officers stopped a 2 axle light goods vehicle in the Belfast area and directed the driver to take the vehicle to the DVA weighbridge at Garmoyle Street, Belfast. The vehicle was weighed and found to be overweight on the 2nd axle by 1,229kgs (51%) and overweight on the gross vehicle weight by 1,902kgs (54%). The vehicle was overloaded to such an extent that it posed a danger or risk of injury to other road users requiring a Prohibition Notice to be issued, instructing the driver to adjust the weight of the vehicle on site by off-loading before the vehicle would be allowed onto the public highway. The driver was cautioned and interviewed.
Driver Failed to Provide CPC
A Republic of Ireland haulage driver was convicted at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court and fined a total of £500 plus a £15 levy after DVA Enforcement Officers examined a 2 axle Scania articulated goods vehicle in the Belfast area. The driver subsequently failed to provide evidence of a Certificate of Professional Competence qualification. Further checks revealed that there was no HGV Road User Levy in place for the vehicle to operate in Northern Ireland. As the driver was unable to provide a UK address, two court deposits totalling £600 were taken at the roadside and held pending the outcome of the prosecution case. The driver was cautioned and interviewed.
Fined for Tachograph Offences
A County Londonderry haulage driver was convicted at Ballymena Magistrates’ court and fined a total of £750 plus a £15 offender levy. The conviction arose when DVA Enforcement Officers examined a 3 axle Volvo articulated lorry in the Larne area. During an examination of the driver’s digital tachograph card it was noted that the driver failed to take the required daily rest on 3 occasions. The driver was cautioned and interviewed.
Irish Driver Convicted at Omagh Court
A Republic of Ireland haulage driver was convicted at Omagh Magistrates’ Court and fined a total of £885 plus a £15 levy on a number of offences. He was charged after DVA Enforcement Officers examined a 2 axle articulated goods vehicle in the Ballygawley area. An analysis of the driver’s tachograph records identified two infringements pertaining to failing to take the required daily rest and exceeding the daily driving period. Further checks revealed that there was no HGV Road User Levy in place for the vehicle to operate in Northern Ireland. As the driver was unable to provide a UK address, three court deposits totalling £900 were taken at the roadside and held pending the outcome of the prosecution case. The driver was cautioned and interviewed.
Volvo FH helps Launch New Business at Bewlake Lift and Haul Limited
County Antrim based, Bewlake Lift and Haul Ltd is a newstart business, recently founded by its Managing Director, Mike Blake. A crane-equipped Volvo FH tractor unit coupled to an SDC trailer has launched the company’s operations.
Managing Director, Mike Blake right, and his Dad, Roy at the launch.
Bewlake Lift and Haul Ltd purchased the Volvo FH with a three year Volvo Service Contract, which will be carried out by Dennison Commercial’s Coleraine dealerpoint. The 6x4 tractor unit features Volvo’s Tandem Axle lift and is plated for STGO operations up to 65 tonnes. Powered by a Volvo D13K engine with a power output of 540hp, the FH was ordered with a Globetrotter Cab and a high specification interior that includes full leather trim. The FH has been fitted with a Hiab 858 Hi-Pro EP6 truck mounted crane that can lift 22 tonnes at 3 metres and 4.1 tonnes at 16.3 metres. “At present this Hiab is possibly the largest in Northern Ireland and I decided on the FH chassis as I think Volvo builds the best truck on the road,” reports Mike Blake. The FH hauls a brand new SDC extendable platform trailer that can stretch from 33 to 54 feet. The outfit permits Bewlake Lift and Haul to offer a combined crane and heavy transport solution, with both high safety standards and maximum operational flexibility to customers, through a single vehicle solution. Mike also rates Volvo’s Dynafleet fleet management system highly. “The Dynafleet app is a phenomenal telematics tool for a small business. I can measure so much data. This will help with managing costs and identifying potential savings,” he adds. Mike is the Blake family’s third generation to be involved in the road transport industry; as his Dad, Roy drove and then owned trucks over a period of 50 years, whilst his Grandfather operated commercial vehicles prior to the Second World War. The Volvo / SDC combination impressed several existing and potential customers during its first few weeks in operation. The FH cab is also liveried with eye-catching graphics from Ecosse Signs. “The Globetrotter Cab has already proved comfortable for multiple nights out and generally the FH is second to none, I’m extremely happy with it. I’m starting out in business on a very strong footing. The time spent researching such a comprehensive vehicle was well worth it,” says Mike.
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