Possible danger— vehicle suspended
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• Thomas Mitchell (Hauliers) Ltd., Ettrickbridge, had one vehicle suspended by the Scottish LA, Mr. A. B. Birnie, for three months at a Section 178 inquiry in Edinburgh On Tuesday because of three immediate and seven delayed prohibitions placed on the vehicles by MoT examiners.
For the firm, it was said the vehicles were used for timber handling which was very heavy work. Maintenance had originally been handled by an outside garage but since the prohibitions it had established its own fitting staff and service facilities. A considerable amount of money had been spent on this aspect and detailed routines set out.
The firm also admitted a conviction for overloading and said it was extremely difficult to assess timber weights. They had no intention of flouting the law and had taken steps to ensure that drivers and mechanics complied with the regulations.
The LA accepted that the firm was genuinely attempting to put matters right. But the fact remained that the latest prohibitions had resulted after the new machinery was in operation. He asked how he could be sure matters would be improved. He felt the condition of the vehicles involved represented a possible danger and would have the fleet checked again by his staff.