CONCERNS have been raised over the viability of livestock haulage from the Scottish islands following the disqualification of an Oban-based haulier for falsifying his driver's hours

While moving stock for United Auctions, Donald Mackay used another driver’s digital card to allow himself extra hours on the road, but was caught out at roadside inspection. He will now be disqualified with effect from June 30 for four years, and his licence to operate HGVs will be revoked on the same date.

Problems with the rules around livestock transportation are to be the focus of a meeting this Saturday at the Road Haulage Association headquarters in Livingston. The association's regional operations manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland, Brian Kenny, said: “We have requested that members attend in order to discuss what issues they may have concerning the movement of livestock around the country.

“This is in response to request from members across Scotland who have raised several issues that particularly effect the livestock sector. For the avoidance of any doubt, the RHA is not starting a campaign in Scotland aimed at markets, the NFUS, slaughter houses or farmers," stressed Mr Kenny.

One haulier who is seeking action is Andrew MacTaggart, head of Dumfries-based Taggart Bros, who told The Scottish Farmer: “The whole livestock haulage business is in a real mess and out of control.

“The RHA has to come up with a working formula that suits all the personnel working in the livestock industry. Things can’t go on the way they are.”

In her written judgement on Mr Mackay's case, Scotland’s traffic commissioner Joan Aitken concluded that it had suited Mr Mackay financially and commercially to make false records and extend his hours.

When stopped by DVSA examiners on routine road checks on the M74 at Beattock on August 9 last year, it was found that two driver cards were in use – that of Mr Mackay himself and a card issued to his neighbour which Mr Mackay claimed he had found on the pavement outside his home.

Asked why he did not return the second card to his neighbour, who was not aware it had been used, Mr Mackay told examiners: “It might get me out of a hole some time”, claiming he was under pressure to get the work done.

Mr Mackay told the regulator that it was difficult to get drivers for double-manning, where duties are shared to ensure drivers’ hours rules are met. He added that livestock haulage was a competitive industry and that is why he took advantage of the other driver’s card.

Miss Aitken rejected those arguments, adding: “Islands haulage and livestock haulage do not require dishonesty. They require proper organisation and being unafraid to say no to customers from time to time. Patently Mr Mackay wanted to keep the United Auctions work and to see off his competitors. Thus he undermined safe and fair haulage.”

United Auctions managing director George Purvis said said: “I cannot comment on this particular case. We don’t envisage any problems of livestock transportation from the islands or any other areas of Scotland as long as the haulage regulations are applied."