Aberdeen haulage firm fined after driver died swerving to avoid buoy

An Aberdeen-based haulage company has been fined for failures that led to the death of a driver in Angus.

George Moran was travelling in a Kia Picanto on the A92 St Cyrus to Montrose road with his wife, Pamela, on August 22, 2020, when a mooring buoy being transported by Colin Lawson Transport Limited (CLT) came loose.

The 53-year-old was forced to take evasive action, but the buoy struck and damaged the car, killing Mr Moran and severely injuring his wife.

In a separate incident on December 18, 2020, on the A92 between Montrose and Stonehaven, 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 company 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 August 22, 2020 and December 18, 2020. 

An investigation by Police Scotland and COPFS found that CLT had failed to conduct a proper assessment of the risks connected with the transportation of loads.

Colin Lawson Transport Limited lorry following accident on 18 December 2020 Crown Office

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.

The company was fined £225,000 with a victim surcharge of £16,875.

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.”