Takeover led to hearin
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• Maintenance problems which were blamed on the takeover of Nationwide Coaches by Carnwath-based Wilsons Coaches have led to both companies appearing at disciplinary proceedings before Scottish Traffic Commissioner Keith Waterworth.
The two companies were also seeking to renew their licences: Wilsons Coaches for 50 vehicles, and Nationwide for 39. Waterworth, who was sitting with a financial assessor appointed by the DTp, reserved his decision.
Vehicle Inspector William Brown said that in the past six years 29 immediate prohibitions, 11 delayed prohibitions and seven variation notices had been issued against Wilson Vehicles, including 15 for neglect. Nationwide vehicles had attracted 18 immediate prohibitions (nine for neglect) and seven delayed prohibitions. There were also a number of variation notices, three of which were for neglect.
Records showed that inspection periods were being exceeded — in one case to almost 12 months.
Most of the prohibitions are between May 1988, when Wil sons took over Nationwide, and June 1989. Brown said that there was no criticism of the maintenance facilities at the three garages, Carnwath, Larkhall and Lesmahagow, and the ratio of maintenance staff to vehicles appeared reasonable.
Ile agreed that the situation had improved since June 1989. For the two companies, Michael Whiteford said it had been realised that there were problems. The maintenance system was restructured in June 1989 and.a fleet engineer appointed. A considerable number of the older double-deckers had been scrapped. The Freight Transport Association
would be carrying out inspections on random vehicles.
Many of the defects found related to passenger comfort rather than to road safety items, and this was the first time that either company had appeared at public inquiry.
Director Drew Wilson said that various staff changes had been made in an effort to get the system right.
Financial evidence was heard in private at the request of the two companies. Waterworth said that because on financial issues at stake, on which he was awaiting advice from the assessor, he would put his decision in writing.