This case was heard at Market Harborough Magistrates court. In summing up Judge Meredith said that VOSA had not  proved their case that Keltruck had misused trade plates on either of the two submissions made by the prosecution. 

The judge ruled that Keltruck were not guilty & awarded costs.

Chris Kelly, Keltruck's Chairman, & John Biggin, Managing Director, both said that they were delighted with the common sense decision made by Judge Meredith.

VOSA said after the case that they would either consider an appeal or a change in their policy. 

Mr Biggin commented, "The important issue here is that trade plate legislation specifically prohibits the carriage of goods for hire & reward, it can therefore be taken that a tractor unit pulling an unloaded semi trailer, which is deemed to be one entity, is not carrying goods & therefore not subject to O Licence requirements."

Stephen Kirkbright of Ford & Warren Solicitors represented Keltruck.

Click here for the 2 March Motor Transport story, 'VOSA and Keltruck in test case'.