DTC overlooks failings
Page 17
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
A Bridgend haulier has won an increased licence authority despite failing to carry out undertakings given at a public inquiry last October.
Gwyn Latcham, trading as GP Latcham Haulage Contractors, had applied to increase his licence from eight vehicles and two trailers to 15 vehicles and seven trailers. Last October, when the licence was curtailed on maintenance grounds, Latcham gave undertakings to Welsh Deputy Traffic Commissioner Roger Seymour that all his vehicles would be put through fresh annual tests; that roller brake tests would be carried out every six months; and that he would attend a new operators' seminar.
The DIG was told that a recent maintenance investigation had revealed a substantial improvement.
Asked why the undertakings given In October had not been complied with, Latcham said some of the vehicles had only recently been tested and he had been told by the person who represented him at the previous hearing that It would not be necessary to retest those vehicles. He had not attended the new operators' seminar because he had been busy altering the business and putting things right. He had not put the vehicles through roller brake tests at the local test station because he had believed that the annual tests would cover the brakes. He conceded that not all the vehicles had been tested.
Financial evidence was heard in private at Latcham's request.
Increasing the licence authorisation to 10 vehicles and three trailers, the OTC said he was disappointed that Latcham had not complied with his previous directions but was prepared to overlook that.
He required the production of accounts for the year ending 30 April, and bank statements for July when they became available. He ordered a further maintenance investigation before October.