Fleet modified after load offences
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ALPINE Soft Drinks Ltd, Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham, soft drinks manufacturer, which had been involved in disciplinary proceedings before the West Midland and South Wales Licensing Authorities after convictions of insecure loads, was called called before the East Midland LA at Nottingham, April 23.
The company was seeking renewal of its operator's licence for 23 vehicles in the East Midlands based at Attenborough, Notts, and Kettering, Northants.
Mr L. Mead, for the company, agreed there had been five convictions during the past three years concerning unsafe loads. They were caused by design faults in the vehicles used and by carelessness among the crews.
He told the LA, Mr C. M. Sheridan, that every vehicle in the countrywide fleet was undergoing a modification costing E100 in an effort to solve the problem. The cases used for carrying soft drinks were made to interlock and the sides of the vehicle were fitted with retaining bars. In addition, all new staff were sent an a two-week study course on the correct way to load. Since the conversions began in August 1974 there had been no further convictions for load shedding.
The LA said that in a situation of this sort the co-operation of the drivers counted fqr a great deal. He was satisfied the company was making praiseworthy a n d genuine efforts to put matters right and had no hesitation in granting renewal.