REPAIRS PENALTY FROM 'LENIENT' LA
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NORTH Western Licensing Authority R. D. Hutchings decided to be lenient with a Manchester haulier who lost interest in maintaining his vehicles, by suspending his 0 licence for one month, and not revoking it.
The LA said the suspension would only be lifted if there was a satisfactory report from the vehicle examiner at the end of the period.
Vehicle examiner, Denni Smith, said he had been askel to carry out a full maintenanc investigation following th issue of a delayed prohibitia in July, 1976.
Despite extensive efforts, h was unable to contact th principal director, E. J. Ker nedy. He finally spoke t another director who refuse to see him.
He was eventually able t examine one vehicle, and h issued an immediate prohib tion for three defects.
He later saw a broken dow vehicle undergoing repair am from what he was able to se, he formed the conclusion th it had been extremely poorl maintained.
Margaret Kennedy, con pany secretary, said her hu: band had been on the verge ( a nervous breakdown for th past 18 months, and had take little interest in the business.
During that time th vehicles were often ,just le in the street.
Asked who had bee responsible for their maintei ance, Mrs Kennedy said the was a fitter.
Questioned further, M Kennedy said the compar was running only two veyicli at present. Her husband no seemed to be taking a grip , himself and was becomir more interested in the bin ness.
Mr Hutchings said th although he had every syr pathy, he was not satisfi, that the vehicles were beii maintained in a fit and prop condition. He really ought revoke the licence.
However, in the circur stances he would suspend ti licence and during the peril of suspension he would expe tne company to set up a prop system of preventive mainte ance.
A further full maintenan investigation would be carri out by the vehicle examin during the period.