M&M Kerr, recognized as Scotland’s leading haulier of hanging meat, faces the revocation of its license due to unauthorized modifications to HGV speed limiters, posing risks to road safety. The company, previously honored as the Scottish European haulier of the year, manipulated the speed limiters using diagnostic software, resulting in speeds exceeding 60mph for its fleet.
The illicit activities surfaced when one of the trucks was involved in an accident, revealing the tampered speed limiter. The investigation further exposed instances of driver misconduct, including Craig Kerr, the son of director Michael Kerr, operating without a card and utilizing another driver’s card.
During an Edinburgh public inquiry, traffic commissioner Claire Gilmore highlighted that M&M Kerr’s lorries consistently exceeded the standard 56mph limit. While acknowledging the challenges posed by Brexit and Covid, Kerr defended the actions, stating it provided a competitive edge.
In her decision, TC Gilmore acknowledged improvements in compliance and MOT pass rates but emphasized the gravity of dishonesty. Despite potential industry impacts and positive aspects, the revocation of the license was deemed necessary due to compromised road safety and the unfair advantage gained by altering speed limiters.
As a consequence, Craig Kerr faced a 12-month disqualification as a transport manager, while the company’s license was revoked. However, Gilmore opted not to disqualify Kerr as the operator, leaving the possibility of reapplication in the future. Decisions related to the company’s driver conduct hearings were set to be issued separately.
M&M Kerr’s License Revoked for Speed Limiter Tampering & Safety Compromises
