SCHOOLS' OPERATOR DISCIPLINED
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A WARRINGTON coach and minibus operator, Barrie Hale, trading as Barrie Hale Mini Coaches, Sandringham Drive, Sankey, had licences for three coaches and two minibuses revoked by the North Western Traffic Commissioners.
The vehicles had been operating on school services under contract to the local authority and evidence was given by Mr E. Bober, a DoE vehicle examiner, concerning the firm's history.
The base was an open-faced compound in which a parked caravan was used as an office. In October, 1974 three vehicles were in possession, but there were no facilities for maintenance, which was said to be carried out by Ford agents. Undertakings were given to make improvements but by March 1976 when the firm had six vehicles, the only change was the installation of a pit suitable only for minibuses.
In late 1975 and early 1976 a maintenance investigation was carried out and the two coaches and two minibuses then in use all received suspension notices, there being many serious defects and a large number of minor ones.
Two of the vehicles had previously received suspension in 1974. A third, recently acquired, had defective brakes; when this was again inspected in February, 1976, there were seven minor defects.
Mr Bober added that the compound was inadequate. There were no undercover facilities and the pit became waterlogged in bad weather. Maintenance was being carried out by the operator and his wife who were only partially skilled. Both drove on contract work.
At the prsent time no inspection records were available but Mr Hale said he now employed a freelance fitter for maintenance. A vehicle sent for re-certification on July 21 was suspended having a total of 43 defects, seven of which were serious.
Questioned by the Commissioners, Mr Hale said he had tried with what money was available to make improvements but he could not afford a contract for regular inspection and maintenance. He was now using two 50-seater coaches on Warrington school contracts and had sold the minibuses.
The school contracts expired in July and he had re-tendered, he said.