C&D Express Transport used an unauthorised operating centre after the
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application for its new site, made some four months before the lease expired on its former premises, was not dealt with in time. The company sought a licence for 30 vehicles and six trailers to be based in Sheffield following a move from the North Western Traffic Area.
Vehicle examiner Peter Vardy accused the company of operating from an unauthorised centre. North Eastern Traffic Commissioner Tom Macartney also heard that one of the company's vehicles was given an immediate prohibition for a significant maintenance failure when it was examined at the request of the police following a road traffic accident.
The vehicle concerned was displaying an 0licence disc in the name of A&E Transport. Maurice Ducker, director of both A&E Transport and C&D Express, said he had decided to invest in C&D Express and a number of vehicles were transferred.
The driver at the time had not found any problems, said Ducker. A second driver was later instructed to take the vehicle to collect a load. He reported that the brakes were "spongy" and was told to take it to a commercial garage. On his way to the garage the brakes failed to stop the vehicle as it descended a hill. It appeared that all t brakes were seriously out of adjustment.
Granting the licence after receiving a numb of undertakings about maintenance, the TC sa that he had some sympathy if the chronology w correct as it seemed there had been a considE able administrative delay.
But he added: "That doesn't condone the fa that the company has operated vehicles witho authority since the lease expired on the previo premises. The operation of vehicles that a unauthorised is something that is always serid and the repute of the company and its directors severely tarnished."