Trailer slip-up prompts warning

He and his employer and their insurer all thought he was covered to haul a trailer full of bark chippings, using a company truck. He had been towing a caravan behind his car quite legally for 16 years.

But when stopped by inspectors from the government agency VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) it turned out Matthew, 36, had taken his driving test six months too late, back in 1997.

Up to January 1, 1997, an ordinary driving licence included the right to drive a vehicle of up to 7,500 kgs (seven tonnes), pulling a trailer of up to 750 kgs. After that date, an additional test was required for vehicles larger than 3,500 kgs and any combination of commercial vehicle and trailer.

Because his licence was invalid for the combination he was driving, the insurance was invalid too, and Matthew and his employers, Hills Landscapes of Penistone, South Yorkshire, ended up having to plead guilty to a range of offences which cost them 1,000 each.

And it could have been a lot worse, according to his boss, James Thompson.

He said: "The magistrates were very sympathetic, hence our fine was far less than it could have been.We are a law-abiding, legitimate company, and try to do everything properly. We were able to show the magistrates we had sent our driving licences to our insurers to make sure we were covered for all we needed. But this one slipped past everyone."

The broker who fixes the company's insurance, Harold Woolgar of Epworth, is a member of FarmWeb, a network of agricultural specialists. He reported the case and FarmWeb circulated the details with a warning of similar pitfalls to be watched for.

Chief executive Elaine Simons said: "Making assumptions, or simply not checking driving licences, can cost dearly, both in potential fines and in business down-time.

"Farmers and business owners generally need to be aware that if they renew a driving licence for any reason, the new documents should be checked to ensure that all the relevant categories and details are included and are correct. This is also important where employees drive on behalf of their company, as both the employer and member of staff can be prosecuted and fined."