warns own -account firm
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THERE IS no excuse for neglecting the law regarding transport when it is an essential part of a business, an Eccles, Lanes, operator was told by the North Western LA.
C. K. M. (Civil Engineering Contractors) Ltd appeared before him following a maintenance investigation and was also applying for renewal of its 0-licence for five vehicles and one trailer with the addition of a further vehicle and trailer.
A vehicle examiner said he visited the Eccles depot in January and inspected four vehicles, imposing one immediate and two delayed prohibi tions and a defect notice. No inspection records were available.
James Callaghan, a director, said the company was engaged in civil engineering and was extending as builders' merchants.
Over the last two years, because of the economic situation, the business had been unprofitable and needed bank support to keep going. After a long and difficult period more work was now available.
Originally, there was a basically acceptable maintenance system but staff changes and lack of attention by manage ment had led to a failure t keep inspection records.
The condition of the veh cles receiving prohibitions wa due to maintenance wonl being held up over the Christ mas holidays.
The company's fitter. carried out monthly ngainten ance and drivers were paid fo four hours weekly for inspect ing their vehicles. Plannirq permission had been obtainec and work started for a new garage and workshop.
After being told that tran. sport was essential to thE business and loss of the licencE would mean closure, the LA R. D. Hutchings, pointed ow that it was the operator': responsibility to ensure thE regulations were compliec with.
The paperwork had no been up to standard and this was reflected in the conditior of the vehicles.
Steps were being taken tc remedy a completely unsatis, factory position, but the pasi omissions could not be over looked.
The proposed variation t add vehicles would be refuse and the licence renewed for probationary period of si months; if a maintenanc investigation then showed n improvement there would b no alternative but revocation.