More vehicles needed for contract work, LA told
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NEGOTIATIONS were proceeding for a substantial movement into contract hire by Road Services (TyneTees) Ltd and for this reason an 0-licence margin of 40 vehicles and 45 trailers was required.
The deputy Northern Licensing Authority, Mr Charles Kelly, heard this at Durham on Tuesday, when the company, a subsidiary of the Tayforth group of the National Freight Corporation, applied for renewal of a licence specifying 77 vehicles and 130 trailers. It had been called to public inquiry because of a long record of convictions and vehicle prohibitions which Mr Kelly described as "wholly unacceptable."
Mr L. J. Crouch, a director, said the company was formally Siddle C. Cook Ltd and the name was changed in October 1973, The licence originally authorized 125 vehicles and 250 trailers, but the number had been reduced following reorganization. Mr Kelly said it did not seem desirable for fleet expansion at the present time, particularly in view of a vehicle examiner's report that it was understaffed for maintenance.
Mr Crouch replied that the group executives were very concerned about the bad record and between January and July this year £61,000 was spent on vehicle maintenance and £14,000 on tyres. In the last 14 months £166,000 was spent on new vehicles for the three depots Consett where there were 38 vehicles and 85 trailers; Felling 24 vehicles and six trailers, and Darlington 18 vehicles and 32 trailers.
Questioned about overloading convictions, Mr Crouch said that one in July 1973 was the first for 12 months. This and the next two all concerned return loads of timber which the company was told weighed 20 tons but were found to be substantially more. Standing instructions were given to drivers to check weights when in doubt. It was not normal practice in the industry to weigh automatically, and to some extent hauliers were entitled to rely on the weights stated in consignment notes.
On the question of staffing, Mr Crouch said additional figures had been taken on since and this was a continuing process.
Evidence was given that a system of monthly inspections instead of three monthly had been introduced.
Referring to the prohibition, the deputy LA said some were not serious, but their frequency was a matter of concern. Nevertheless, he had been impressed by the evidence and was satisfied adequate steps had been taken to improve matters. The application would be granted as applied for with authority for 117 vehicles and 175 trailers.