Police safety clampdown puts boat trailers off roads
BOAT movements across the island have come to a standstill after it emerged Environment had been issuing safety permits for years without properly investigating applications.
Police have clamped down on the department after discovering it had been giving out permits haphazardly to hauliers carrying more than 750kg unladen weight on trailers without brakes.
Since police highlighted the issue, not one haulier has satisfied criteria for a permit to render their activities legal and they have been told by their insurers not to operate until they have one.
Many in the industry have told the Guernsey Press that they did not want to comment until they heard back from Environment. But it is understood that some are considering giving up.
Some have also been told that they need articulated lorry licences to drive the tractors towing the trailers and so will not be able to carry on working until they have passed those tests.
Environment has issued a staunch defence, denying it had moved the goal posts. It also placed the blame squarely at the door of hauliers.
