PSV fleet cut back
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in A poor maintenance record, and convictions for drivers' hours and other offences, has led to the PSV licence of Westbourne Motors (St Austell) being cut from 17 vehicles to 10. The duration of the licence was also reduced, so that it now expires at the beginning of next February.
After a public inquiry at Truro, Western Traffic Commissioner Major General John Carpenter said that the convictions earlier this year had resulted in some fairly heavy fines. Director and transport manager Brian Clarke maintained that convictions incurred by drivers were their own responsibility. He said that the convictions had involved a coach sent to the Continent. The itinery had been drawn up by the travel agent to comply with the regulations. There had been no reason or excuse for the drivers to break the law.
His own convictions had arisen after he had been asked to move a coach after arriving in Scotland, said Clarke. The engine had only been running for three minutes, but the examiner would not accept that he had taken a proper rest.
A coach used on a school run without a test certificate had been a complete oversight, said Clarke.
Vehicle examiner David Treboar gave evidence of prohibition notices imposed on the company's vehicles, some of which had followed complaints from passengers. The facilities were excellent, but there were insufficient fitters to work on an ageing fleet.
Clarke said that he had con eluded that the company was facing a losing battle due to the age of the vehicles, the limitations on their use and the amount of revenue that they could earn. Since the company's appearance before the Commissioner last November, its turnover had dropped by 60% due to the bad publicity and competition. He had decided to sell the nine large coaches, mainly withdraw from school contract work, and concentrate on minibus operations.
Major General Carpenter said that he did not normally issue two warnings, but he felt it would be harsh to revoke the licence at this stage. The company had made an effort following the warning given last November, but perhaps not sufficient effort. This was the company's last opportunity to get it right. There would be a further technical inspection before next February. If that was satisfactory, the licence would continue. If not, it would be revoked.