Breakdown margin not acceptable
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Maurice W. Beadle Haulage
• Hull-based Maurice W. Beadle Haulage has had its international licence renewed for four vehicles but for only 18 months because of its maintainance record, by North Eastern Deputy Licensing Authority Norman Moody.
The Deputy LA was considering disciplinary action against the firm together with an application to renew the licence in respect of six vehicles and eight trailers.
Vehicle examiner Clive Allison said he had carried out a fleet inspection on the four vehicles operated, issuing one immediate prohibition, one delayed prohibition and two defect notices.
The inspection records were incomplete and of poor quality, said Allison. The maintainance facilities were very basic and there was no underside of vehicle inspection facility available.
Beadle said that many defects amounted to a difference of opinion as to the extent of wear on certain parts. He would not have picked up the low braking efficiencies as he did not have a rolling-road brake-tester. He was acquiring new garage premises and had obtained permission to install an inspection pit or ramp.
Questioned by the DLA, Beadle said that the present licence was for four vehicles and he wanted a margin of two because there was always the possibility that two vehicles would be broken down. The DLA commented that if maintenance was neglected there was that chance. He added that when negotiations for the new premises were completed, the LA must be notified. A vehicle examiner would inspect the new operating centre.