A KELTY livestock haulier is to be suspended from operating HGVs at the end of this month after sending out a vehicle in a "very dangerous" condition.

Scotland’s Traffic Commissioner said the business hadn’t paid enough attention to safety and licensing standards.

Andrew Adams and partners, trading as A&Y Adams and Sons, won’t be able to operate any of their four lorries for six weeks from April 30 following the decision by industry regulator Joan Aitken.

In a written decision issued after a public inquiry in Edinburgh, Miss Aitken said the operator sent out a vehicle onto the roads on August 18 last year in a "very dangerous" condition.

"But for the most fortunate checking of this vehicle by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) there would have been a significant wheel loss incident, of that I am in no doubt," she said.

“If ever a case showed the value of DVSA roadside checking, this is one. This decision gives me the opportunity to highlight the very serious practical contribution made by DVSA Vehicle Examiners to road safety in Scotland."

The Traffic Commissioner added that the partnership had been “dangerously ignorant” about what had to be done and what must not be done to ensure wheel security.

She also criticised the firm’s failure to make sure they had a professional competent transport manager – something which is a legal requirement. The individual appointed to that role, John Barr, hadn’t been performing the role but the business didn’t notify the Traffic Commissioner or find anyone to replace him.

The regulator said the blame for what had happened on the licence lay with Mr Barr, who did not attend the inquiry, although she noted that Andrew Adams knew the arrangement was casual and not thorough.

On the day of the inquiry, Mr Barr was disqualified from acting as a transport manager indefinitely.

Miss Aitken ordered the suspension of the licence held by Andrew Adams and partners for a minimum of six weeks. The suspension will be removed when the Commissioner is satisfied as to the requirements of professional competence, the identity of the partners and financial standing.

In her report, she said her decision was aimed at preventing future offences.

"That my decision is not harsher is because six weeks off the road will have an impact on this small business; that Mr Adams was candid and truthful unlike some who come before me; that he appears to be open to taking advice," stated Miss Aitken.

"He has been stupid and neglectful in the arrangement with Mr Barr and has “faced the music”. I have written this lengthy decision as a marker against any future failings. Any future failings could mean revocation and the disqualifications of Messrs Adams."

When contacted about the decision, Andrew Adams said they planned to appeal the decision and called into question that the accusation that they had been "dangerously ignorant" about wheel security.

"That is not what she said to me," he said. "They have suspended me for six weeks but we are going to appeal it. If it comes to the worst, we will be back on the road after the six weeks."