End of danger fleet
Page 26
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THE RESULTS of a fleet check following a fatal accident involving a vehicle operated by E. J. Middleton (Rugeley) Ltd, led to the West Midland Traffic Commissioners revoking all the remaining public service vehicle licences held by the company.
On August 21 the Commissioners revoked all but six of the company's licences after an adverse report on their maintenance. The accident happened some four days later.
Department of Transport vehicle examiner Frederick Proctor said he found the vehicle so dangerous he could only conclude that no preventive maintenance whatsoever was being carried out. Of seven vehicles examined, five were given immediate suspension notices —a total of 17 serious and 42 minor defects being found. He agreed that two of the vehicles inspected were those whose licences had been suspended by the Commissioners in August. Vehicle examiner Roy Carline had inspected the vehicle involved in the accident and had found a total of 22 faults, including brakes and a defective tyre.
Managing director Eric Middleton said the company had been in business for 23 years and in August he had been given time to "put his house in order" — the fleet inspection was only ten days later.
Middletons had found difficulty in operating a large number of hired vehicles and it had now been decided to reduce the fleet to six new vehicles, felt to be a managable amount. The company's stage-carriage services were being taken over by Stevensons of Uttoxeter.
Commissioners' chairman Ar thur Crabtree said he could not understand why an operator with a good record for 22 years should suddenly find himself in trouble. That was why they had been lenient in August, but the accident occurred straight after the hearing.
In reply, Mr Middleton said he felt he had been let down by those to whom he had delegated work. The stage-carriage manager had proved unsatisfactory and had been dismissed along with the maintenance staff who had been employed prior to August.
He believed that his son, a foreman fitter who was to join the company shortly, and himself should be able to maintain six vehicles. Drastic steps had been taken since August with 13 school contracts, amongst others, being relinquished.
Revoking the licences with effect from November 8, Mr Crabtree said the Commissioners had no other course open to them. The company had been overtaken by events and the public had to be protected.