Councils slammed by LA
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• Local councils must accept responsibility themselves for the running of their transport fleets, the South Wales Licensing Authority, Mr. R. R. Jackson, said in Cardiff on Monday.
Suspending for three months four vehicles belonging to Pontypridd Urban District Council who appeared under Section 178, Mr. Jackson said: "The licence was issued in the name of the council and I feel that, if a local authority in order to perform its responsibilities to the public it is elected to serve sees fit to operate goods vehicles authorized under the Road Traffic Act, it must also see fit to maintain those vehicles in a fit, serviceable and roadworthy condition at all times.
"This fleet inspection reveals one of the worst states of affairs I have listened to in my time in the South Wales area and also reveals a picture of complete and utter neglect."
Mr. J. H. Chard told the LA that of 16 vehicles examined 10 received notices of prohibition, eight having both immediate and delayed notices. A total of 180 defects were specified, 27 relating to brakes, 15 to steering, 28 to chassis and 38 to body and cab.
At the same hearing, two vehicles belonging to Gelligagr UDC were suspended for three months. The LA remarked that he was surprised that the condition of the fleet was not very much worse in view of the fact that two fitters and an apprentice were expected to maintain 32 commercial vehicles as well as three tractors, a truck excavator, a number of concrete mixers, mowers, compressors and pumps, and four road rollers.