Tipperman to tighten up
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The two-vehicle licence held by Smethwick tipper operator, Dipraj Brie has been suspended for a fort4ht by the West Midland Deputy Traffic Commissioner Alan Bourlet following a series of prohibition notices.
Brie, who was granted a licence in November 1987, had a warning letter about maintenance in June 1999. Between April 1996 and March of this year four immediate and two delayed prohibitions were imposed on his vehicles, one of which was for a significant maintenance failure.
Vehicle examiner Christopher Ross said he examined the two vehicles operated in March, imposing one delayed prohibition. The inspection records were not properly completed, there was no forward planning system and no driver defect reporting system.
Though there was a large yard with adequate tools, there was no covered area, inspection pit or ramps. He felt that the yard could be Brie's downfall as it was not a proper workshop.
Brie said he had been aware of the two defects that had been listed on the delayed prohibition and the parts had been on order. He promised to set up a wallchart and a driver's daily nil defect reporting system and to write a letter to the driver of the second vehicle pointing out his responsibilities.
He explained that he had reduced the inspection period from six to four weeks and went round the vehicles himself each morning and evening. He agreed that both vehicles were fairly elderly, saying that he hoped to replace them sometime this year if the work allowed. He agreed that he had not brought the f nancial information with him that had been requested.
Suspending the licence, the Deputy TC said that during that time he wanted both vehicles to be tested. It would also give Brie the chance to produce the required financial information as he was concerned that the lack of maintenance might come from a poor financial situation. He was very concerned about the present situation. Prohibitions had been issued since the warning letter and he had to show One that he meant business.