High Voltage wins appeal over 18t weight restriction

An appeal judge has scrapped an 18-tonne vehicle weight restriction imposed on High Voltage Maintenance Systems relating to a yard it uses in Surrey.

In September 2010, South Eastern and Metropolitan Deputy Traffic Commissioner (DTC) Mary Kane attached the weight restriction to the Dartford, Kent firm's O-licence for one vehicle at the DJ Haulage facility in Horley.

Residents and Surrey County Council told the DTC an extra vehicle at the site would create more noise, fumes and vibration.

On appeal, High Voltage said it needed the flexibility to use a 24- or 32-tonne vehicle.

It also argued that it needed to store a HIAB vehicle at the site as the driver lived much closer to Horley than Dartford.

Frances Burton, Upper Tribunal Judge, said: "We were unable to see the proposed benefit in restricting the vehicle to 18 tonnes.

"We allow the appeal on this point and remove the weight restriction on this one vehicle."