News

A bid for a new international licence for 40 vehicles and 40 trailers by Leyland-based Intramast (UK), a company controlled by Dutch firm De Rooy, has been adjourned by the North Western Traffic Commissioner (TC) Beverley Bell to give the firm time to deal with a number of the TC's concerns. The licence application was a result of De Rooy receiving a letter from VOSA indicating that its current operation fell outside cabotage rules and that if it wanted to continue operating vehicles in the North  West, it would need a licence.

The TC's main concerns were vehicle maintenance, drivers' hours and overloading. She said she would not allow any vehicles to be specified on the licence unless evidence was produced that they complied with the Construction and Use Regulations for length requirement. She was also not satisfied with the suggestion that the regular safety inspections would be conducted in Holland and that repairs to defects that arose in the intervening period would be carried out by the main agent in the Preston area.

Another issue was that a number of the drivers were from Eastern Europe and would be residing in their vehicle for the three-week period when they were working out of the North West, then returning home for a week off. Bell said she could not condone arrangements where drivers were expected to live in their vehicles and was sure there were ways around that difficulty.

Finally, she required an undertaking that a second transport manager,  responsible only for the 40 vehicles and trailers in the North West, be specified on the licence for the express purpose of assisting, advising, supporting and educating Yvo Geusens, the nominated transport manager. If these matters were dealt with, then she would grant the application. De Rooy transports Daf chassis from the firm's Leyland plant.