Brewers warn of trailer hazards
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• Shoddy and dangerous maintenance at trailer hire companies is putting drivers and road users at risk, according to a leading industry body.
The Brewery Transport Advisory Committee says it has received a catalogue of complaints from members detailing hazards including faulty wheels, tyres, brakes and brake adjusters. In one incident a wheel came off a hired trailer.
BTAC chairman Nigel Woodyatt says: "Potentially there is a serious accident waiting to happen." And BRS rental manager Phil Chapman says he is concerned that some companies are neglecting maintenance to cut costs. Companies which hire trailers and other equipment would be held responsible if they were found to be defective.
Sandy Anderson, managing director of TIP Rentals' UK trailer division, says he has received no complaints, and points out that operators should ensure that rented trailers are safe before signing rental agreements with any company. "We would support any moves to make the trailer rental business more accountable," he adds.