The NQT 4x2 tractor units with a plated weight of 7,500kg were purchased by the council, but came under the scrutiny of the local police who insisted that only C+E licensed drivers could operate the novel rigs which, as this TN picture shows, were launched on the Isuzu stand at the 2002 CV Show.

The official police line was that 'Any vehicle where the authorised mass of the trailer exceeds the unladen weight of the towing vehicle does not meet the driving licence category C1+E criteria and as such category C+E entitlement is required to drive this vehicle combination.'.

Stirling Council legally contested this decision, but just before the case eventually came to court the police withdrew. Now the council can revert to their original transport plan for the 'mini-artics' but are questioning why such a costly expense has been incurred by two public bodies who could surely have resolved the situation with direct dialogue.