Change your attitude haulier warned
Page 25
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
UNLESS Cheshire plant hire contractors and hauliers, M. H. Bate Ltd, Kingsley, adopted a more positive attitude towards preventive maintenance, they would be facing the same situation in the future which had now led them to being called to public inquiry.
This was said by the North Western LA, Mr R. D. Hutchings, when the company appeared at disciplinary proceedings, last ,week. The LA was also considering an application by the company to renew its 0-licence, which specified 14 vehicles and two trailers, with six vehicles to be acquired.
Vehicle examiner, Mr Alan Harrison said that when he visited the company in November, 1975, 10 of the vehicles were off the road due to major breakdown. He examined the other four vehicles, imposing an immediate prohibition on one for 10 defects, and a defect notice on another for a serious engine oil leak.
The maintenance records were not consistent with the condition of the vehicles. He gathered the impression that only compulsory maintenance was being carried out. It appeared that the haulage side of the business had a low priority compared with the other side, which consisted of the hire of contractors' plant and road sweepers.
Mr M. D. Bate, managing director, said that •the general manager had been replaced and closer supervision was being exercised over the fitting staff. The maintenance side of the business had been reorganised, the haulage side being dealt with separately from the maintenance of the plant. Plans had been drawn up for a new garage and fitting shop, part of which should be in operation by the end of the year.
Only four vehicles were being operated at the time of the examiner's visit because of the recession in the building trade. Business was now pick ing up and nine vehicles and one trailer were presently being operated.
He accepted that he had not exercised sufficient managerial control in the past.
Mr L. J. B. Steed, works and transport manager, said he had started working for the company last week. He was introducing a system of planned maintenance and vehicles would be inspected at fortnightly intervals, when possible. He would have to consult with the hire manager over the maintenance programme.
He admitted that in the past vehicles had not been in spected when they should have been because they had been out on hire. He hoped to have a spare vehicle in the future for maintenance purposes.
Renewing the licence for 14 vehicles and two trailers only, Mr Hutchings said he was not very happy with the situation. Although •recognising that the company was making strong efforts to improve its facilities, it still had not fully understood -its obligations as an 0-licence holder.
His decision should be regarded by the company as a very serious warning about its future conduct.