VOSA: Tractor used to transport houseboat is impounded

An unlicensed driver was convicted of a total of 14 offences at Central Devon Magistrates Court on 19th September, one of which related to an incident in which a low loader he was driving became stuck in the road while being used to transport a large house boat.

Arriving at the scene in October last year, police officers found a Scania three axle tractor unit driven by Gerrard Hillman, of Lympstone near Exmouth, that had become stuck while towing a two axle low loader semi-trailer and its unlikely load.

A VOSA Senior Vehicle Examiner declared the trailer to be unroadworthy even when unladen and Mr Hillman was charged with: Using the trailer in dangerous condition (the brakes on axle one of the semi trailer were totally ineffective and brake performance would have been sub-standard) Eight tachograph offences including failure to take the required rest breaks or use a tachograph record sheet Using a vehicle without a goods vehicle test certificate or operator licence Having no operator licence for a separate journey made to France earlier in the month

The vehicle was subsequently impounded and Mr Hillman was ordered to carry out 150 hours of community service, received three points on his licence and was ordered to pay £1,200 costs. VOSA's South West Area Manager Andrew Sauerzapf said: "Mr Hillman has been a persistent offender and thanks to the dedication and tenacity of VOSA's local staff and the police, we have been able to target his activities and obtain a successful impounding which we believe will make the roads a safer place.