'Vendetta' claim . . .
Page 9
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Al OPERATOR seeking to attack the integrity of vehicle examiners rust produce better evidence than his own unsupported word, the astern Deputy LA, Charles Arnold-Baker, told a Norwich public iquiry.
Edward Gill, a Norwich tipper perator called to a public inquiry )r the fourth time since 1971, aimed a vendetta was aimed at etting him off the road.
"I am nearly out of business, tat with the recession and the linistry," he said. "Already five f my men have been sacked. In le last few months I have been ounded by vehicle examiners. n't wish to say anything; just aal with me and let me go."
Mr Gill was seeking to add iree vehicles and to continue s existing licence for vehicles. Earlier, a vehicle examiner, Michael Vardigans, said that during visits to the firm's premises in June and July eight vehicles were inspected and three immediate and two delayed prohibitions and two defect notices issued.
On presentation for clearance, two were refused and further faults noticed. Inspections and repairs were not up to the standard required, said Mr Vardigans.
When questioned, Mr Gill claimed that many of the defects were trivial and his lorries were not dangerous. He had only five vehicles left and was relying on part-time drivers.
Mr Gill has complained that examiners had either picked on him or been excessivly vigorous; he had disagreed with some of their findings.
Quite a number of the serious defects could cause danger to the public said the Deputy LA. There had been neglect by repairers and a lack of supervision. The existing licence would be revoked and a new one granted for five vehicles for only 18 months. There would then be a full inspection and if Mr Gill again wished to attack the examiners' integrity he must produce proper evidence.