A SCAFFOLDER from the North-East has become the first man in Britain to have his goods vehicle impounded under new legislation to crack down on unlicensed lorries.

Vehicle Inspectorate staff swooped on a County Durham road yesterday morning where Roy Middleton's C-registered Ford Cargo was parked.

Using legislation which came into force last month under the Goods Vehicle Enforcement Powers Regulations 2001, they impounded the vehicle and Mr Middleton must now lodge an appeal if he wants it back.

"This is the first one in Britain," said senior traffic examiner Mike French. As well as failing to have a goods vehicle operators' licence, Mr French said the lorry was also found to have defective brakes and a faulty tyre.

He said that new rules had come about following pressure from goods vehicle owners who were operating legally.

"Other action is being considered at this moment, with regard to the fact that the vehicle's brakes were defective."

If no appeal has been lodged in 21 days, the Vehicle Inspectorate can sell the lorry on.

Last night, Mr Middleton, who runs Roy Middleton Scaffolding, in Chester-le-Street, said: "I had the forms to be honest, I should have filled them in before Christmas."

He said the loss of the vehicle, which he has had for about three years, put his two part-time employees' jobs in jeopardy. Unless he buys a smaller vehicle, he will have to close his firm. He did not expect to lodge an appeal.