Grittenham Haulage, the company that operated the tipper that killed four people in Bath last year, showed a “complete disregard of safety and maintenance”, a senior investigating officer has said.
A statement released by Avon and Somerset Police following a four-week trial at Bristol Crown Court said the condition of the truck’s brakes at the time of the collision was “totally inadequate”, with an overall efficiency of just 28%.
The court was told how the Chippenham-based company flouted regulations and vehicles were signed off as roadworthy despite having longstanding faults.
Company owner Matthew Gordon and mechanic Peter Wood were today found guilty of four counts of manslaughter. Driver Phillip Potter was cleared of all charges.
Detective chief inspector Rich Ocone said: “Our investigation revealed a shocking picture of a company culture with complete disregard of safety and maintenance. This was a company with a very casual attitude towards safety.
“If there is a message which needs to come from this tragic incident, it is that company owners must adhere to a duty of care to the public. The public have an expectation to trust that businesses ensure that they are operating safely. Regular maintenance and servicing of all vehicles - but especially heavy goods vehicles - is vital.”
The RHA has also called for an increase in enforcement staff to ensure that safety standards continue to be met.
Image: Press Association
