Inquiries take precedence over holidays
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North Western Deputy Traffic Commissioner Mark Hinchliffe has reminded operators who receive letters calling them to public Inquiries that they should give them the highest priority. He was considering a Lancashire scaffolding firm's application to increase its licence authorisation from one vehicle to two.
Hinchliffe had previously suspended the licence held by Robert Lokhvorth and George Hudson, trading as Acorn Scaffolding, of Knott End, for seven days because of the firm's maintenance record. He had adjourned consideration of the variation application because he wanted to see Longworth, who was in charge of maintenance but was abroad on holiday ( CM26 A pri 1-2 May).
Hinchliffe said the fact that Longworth had gone to Tenerife instead of attending the disciplinary inquiry suggested he did not have the commitment to be expected of an 0-licence holder. Longworth said his holiday had been pre-booked and he would have lost his money if he had attended the inquiry.
Giving the firm seven days in which to file contracts with the two contractors now handling its maintenance, the Deputy T0 said he expected the test certificates to be faxed to the Traffic Area Office by close of business the following day. He was not prepared to Increase the licence until these certificates were received.