Shorter licence for Hancock
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/Morecambe haulier Stephen Hancock's licence has been revoked but North Western Deputy Licensing Authority Kenneth Birchall has granted him a fresh licence, for 12 month's only and with no increase in authorisation.
Hancock had applied to renew his licence for eight vehicles and six trailers; an incease of one vehicle.
Birchall said that the existing licence had been granted for 12 months only in the light of Hancock's maintenance record, following a previous public inquiry.
Department of Transport vehicle examiner Brian Heyhurst said that he had imposed prohibitions on three vehicles in August, one of which had been inspected by the operator the day before his visit, and another two days before.
Since September 1989 four immediate prohibitions, two delayed prohibitions and five defect notices had been issued. Several of the defects found were of a long-standing nature.
The records showed that the vehicles were receiving attention, but that was not reflected in their condition.
Hancock said he transported materials in and out of Ireland. He had realised that he needed to improve his premises and to change his fitter. A new fitter had been employed who had started work six weeks ago and a workshop had been built with a seven-metre inspection pit and full maintenance equipment. Drivers were now required to give a nil defect report on their vehicles. For Hancock, John Backhouse said the previous poor maintenance was a result of poor quality inspections and staff skill levels, rather than the lack of a proper system.
Birchall said that Hancock had been warned about maintenance before. If there were any further problems it would possibly be the end of the road.