Haulier gets last chance
Page 19
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
A Manchester haulier was given a final warning when he appeared at his second disciplinary inquiry within 12 months.
Barry Howard, trading as Stretford Haulage, of Chariton-cum-Hardy, Greater Manchester, was first called before North Western Deputy Traffic Commissioner Patrick Mulvenna in August because of concern over his maintenance record, but was unfit to attend.
Evidence was given by a vehicle examiner that in December 1998 the licence was cut from two vehicles to one. Since then a delayed prohibition had been imposed on Howard's one vehicle for excessive play in a steering ball joint.
There was no forward planner and the inspection records were not properly completed, the TO was told. Maintenance was being carried out by two contractors but there was no contract in existence ( 25 Aug-1 Sept).
When the hearing resumed, the Deputy IC said the fact that Howard had been away from the business for some time had concerned him at the previous hearing.
Ben MacKenzie, for Howard, said that since that hearing Howard's daughter-inlaw, Julia, had taken over as the nominated transport manager.
Howard said he had been taken ill with diabetes but felt that he was now well enough to have full control of the business. The vehicle was being driven by his son. Contracts had been signed with two new maintenance contractors—he had changed contractors after criticism of record keeping, and a wall planner had been set up.
There had been no prohibitions issued since August, although the vehicle had been stopped in four roadside checks.
An overloading conviction had arisen when loading waste at a council yard, he added, The council's own weighbridge was out of commission and staff at the yard had put on what they thought was right. The next nearest weighbridge was where the vehicle had been going to tip.
In reply to the Deputy TO, Howard said one reason for the extended inspection periods was his poor health. He promised that his daughter-in-law or another CPC holder would stand in his place if he became ill again, and that the Traffic Area would be kept informed.
The Deputy TO accepted that there had been a considerable improvement since the previous public inquiry.
As Howard had only one vehicle the only disciplinary action he could take would be to suspend the licence, and he felt that would be too severe. But he warned that there would be a further, unannounced maintenance investigation within 12 months.