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Only two for McCarthy

2nd November 1989
Page 32
Page 32, 2nd November 1989 — Only two for McCarthy
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

• Lancashire haulier Robert McCarthy, trading as McCarthy Haulage, was granted two additional vehicles and five trailers, instead of the four extra vehicles he had asked for, when maintenance problems brought him before North Western Licensing Authority Martin Albu.

Coppull-based McCarthy had held a licence for eight vehicles. Vehicle examiner Alan Singleton said that a maintenance investigation in September 1988, just after McCarthy had moved into new premises, resulted in two delayed prohibitions. Singleton gained the impression that the vehicles were repaired rather than inspected.

A further inspection in April this year led to three of the six vehicles examined being issued with immediate prohibitions, and a fourth being given a de layed prohibition. The tachograph seals were either missing or not genuine on three of the vehicles.

The maintenance wall chart showed that 10 vehicles were operated, and McCarthy admitted that two additional vehicles had been put into service in anticipation of a grant.

In reply to John Backhouse, acting for McCarthy, Singleton agreed that those two vehicles had since been given interim authority.

McCarthy said that his original fleet were tippers; the additional vehicles were artics brought in to service a contract for the carriage of bricks and tiles. The tachograph seals were continually breaking, as the vehicles went on to tips, and he had resealed them himself. An ex-DTp vehicle. exminer had been brought in to undertake checks on the quality of the maintenance work every three months.

Taking no disciplinary action, but only granting two additional vehicles and five trailers, Albu said his initial reaction had been to refuse the application. However, he had to take account of the changing nature of the operation. He was mindful that 10 drivers were employed and was reluctant to imperil their livelihood.