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Firm 'too busy' to meet VOSA hit by suspension
Page 38
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A BUILDING maintenance firm's four-vehicle restricted licence has been cut to one vehicle and suspended for seven days after a TC heard that its managing director had been -too busy" to meet a vehicle examiner during a maintenance investigation. North-Western Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell heard that its vehicles had attracted 15 prohibitions in five years —VOSA said the business had jeopardised road safety for commercial reasons.
When Widnes-based specialist Eddarbridge appeared her before at a disciplinary inquiry in Golhorne,vehicle examiner Colin Hasleden said that over the past five years 12 immediate and three delayed prohibitions had been issued to the company's vehicles. During a maintenance investigation in June, MD Patrick Doran had said he was too busy to see him.
Thesafety inspection recordsshowed gaps of up to 20 weeks; the company's litter had said he couldn't always get access to vehicles that were due for inspection. InApril, an inspection record noted front brake discs and pads worn to excess and there was no evidence they had been replaced. No forward-planning system or written drivers' defect reporting system was in place. Hasleden was told the one vehicle in possession was often parked overnight at Liverpool Docks, which wasn't listed as an operating centre.The initial failure rate at annual test was 67%, and he had concerns about the company's ability to maintain its vehicles in a safe and roadworthy condition. Records produced at the hearing showed inspection gaps of nine and 11 weeks. There were two records for the same vehicle, with the same date but different information.
Doran said Eddarbridge was one of three contractors working for the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board and it was fighting for survival.The vehicle was essential for running the business. He promised to replace the existing truck with a newer model, and to put his son in charge of transport.