Poor maintenance trims licence
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Kirkcaldy-based Thomas Muir (Metals), an associate of Thomas Muir (Haulage) which lost its licence due to a poor maintenance record, has had its 0-licence authorisation cut by two vehicles because of maintenance problems. The company, which held a licence for 20 vehicles and 10 trailers, appeared before Scottish Traffic Commissioner Michael Batts at an Edinburgh disciplinary inquiry.
Senior vehicle examiner Owen Effingham said that since the licence was
granted the company's vehicles and trailers had attracted 12 immediate prohibitions, including one showing a significant maintenance failure, and 12 delayed prohibitions.
A maintenance investigation was carried out in September and the two vehicles were satisfactory, said Owen. The maintenance facilities were satisfactory but the number of maintenance staff was a concern. In the past year there had been an initial pass rate at annual test of 91%.
"The frequency with which prohibitions are being issued is a cause for concern," said Effingham. "More disturbing is the type of defect found, with 17 of the prohibitions being issued for brake-related defects." three trailers on the transport of scrap metal, general haulage and skip hire.
The company's transport manager had been off sick since May which was something they needed to address, he added. A mechanic had also left in May and it had been difficult to recruit stilled staff.
However, after a seven-month advertising campaign they had employed a further mechanic. A former vehicle examiner was carrying out quality control checks and driver discipline had been tightened.
"The name of Thomas Muir has become almost synonymous with poor maintenance and prohibitions," said the TC. "It is under a new company name, but it is very much a case of here we go again."
Betts added that it was largely the same fleet as Thomas Muir (Haulage) with largely the same management.
Cutting the licence to 18 vehicles and 10 trailers, the TC said the company had not demonstrated that it could maintain its existing fleet. However, he was conscious this was a different entity to Thomas Muir (Haulage) and that the initial pass rate was four times better than the national average.
He felt that the firm had got to invest to survive. It was going to have to replace some of the old vehicles or reduce its fleet as it would not stay in the industry if its record went on like this. Director George Muir said the company was currently operating 20 vehicles and