Aberdeen haulage company fined after failings led to death of passing motorist

An Aberdeen haulage company has been fined a six-figure sum for failings that led to the death of a driver on the A92.

George Moran, 53, was killed when he was forced to swerve after a mooring buoy came loose off the back of one of Colin Lawson Transport Limited's (CLT) lorries and fell, striking his car.

Mr Moran's wife was also seriously injured in the incident, which happened on the A92 at Kinnaber in August 2020.

Colin Lawson Transport Limited (CLT) pled guilty to failing to ensure that the loads they were transporting were properly secured and did not pose a risk to the public between 22 August 2020 and 18 December 2020. 

In a separate incident on 18 December 2020, on the A92 near to Johnshaven, an inadequately secured load shifted when the lorry transporting it clipped a kerb causing the vehicle to become unstable and turn onto its nearside, causing damage to a wall.

The Police Scotland and COPFS investigation, which had specialist support from the Health and Safety Executive, found that CLT had failed to conduct a proper assessment of the risks connected with the transportation of loads.

They also failed to create and put into effect suitable arrangements or provide adequate information, instruction and training to employees in relation to the proper securing of loads being transported on their vehicles.

CLT was fined a total of £241,875 for its failings.

Speaking after the sentencing, Debbie Carroll, who leads on health and safety investigations for the COPFS, said: 

“George Moran lost his life, and his wife was severely injured in circumstances which could have been avoided had the risks been recognised and simple plans put in place.  

“By failing to do so Colin Lawson Transport Limited put the public’s health and safety at risk.

“The prosecution and the sentence serve to highlight that a failure to ensure the proper securing of loads for transport can have tragic consequences and those responsible will be held to account for their failings.

"Our thoughts are with the Moran family at this difficult time."

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