Unplated vehicle must not operate
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• The West Midland LA, Mr. J. Else, warned an operator in Birmingham last Friday: "Don't use this vehicle for another moment on the road." Price Bros. (Marston Green) Ltd., builders and holders of a C licence had been called to a Section 178 inquiry after immediate prohibitions had been placed on its two vehicles. Following the receipt of a letter saying one vehicle would be suspended for a month if no explanation was forthcoming, Price had requested the inquiry.
Mr. G. Sharp, Ministry vehicle examiner, said on December 31 he had been called by the police to examine one of the Price vehicles, He found that even though the footbrake had 65 per cent efficiency, the pedal travelled almost to the floor before the brake was applied and it tended to grab. There were 12 defects in all and he imposed an immediate GV9.
A similar prohibition was placed on a second vehicle when it was inspected in January because of defective steering, and because the body was loose and could be lifted clear of the longitudinal body bearings; there were 10 other defects, said Mr. L. W. Fullelove, another examiner. This vehicle had since been scrapped. There were no arrangements for regular preventative maintenance, he said, Mr. J. Price, director of the company, said the neglect had not been intentional and a system for inspections every 5,000 miles had now been instituted.
Mr. Else pointed out that as the vehicle was manufactured in 1961 it should have been plated by April 1 last. The managing director, Mr. D. R. Price, had been given a manual on this subject.
Having regard to the GV9s, the LA said he would impose the 28-day suspension but urged that the vehicle should not be used again until it had been plated and tested.