Owner-driver to sue FTA
Page 7
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Basildon-based owner-driver George Hector plans to sue the Freight Transport Association after buying a defect-ridden Scania 143 tractor unit following an FTA pre-purchase inspection.
He bought the truck — advertised as in "VGC" — in June 1991, only to find that 51 repairs had to be made. These included replacing badly worn front brake linings.
Hector says that constant problems with the truck have halved his income, and that he has so far spent £16,000 on re
pairs and maintenance. As a result of his complaints, the FTA has paid £4,000 towards this, which Hector says is "not good enough". He says he intends to sue for around £4,000.
The FTA inspector who carried out the pre-purchase check had described the vehicle as "generally good" for its age. Hector says that he bought the vehicle on the strength of this inspection.
The FTA says in response: "If he does still have a complaint, it will be fully investigated."