SW Transport
Page 21
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(Swindon) escaped *tii# with a warning
after being called before Western Traffic Commissioner Philip Brown following maintenance problems and convictions for hours and tachograph offences.
At a previous public inquiry the company, which holds a licence for 126 vehicles and 130 trailers, had undertaken to carry out roller brake testing on all its vehicles as part of a sixweekly maintenance inspection. This followed a number of prohibitions for brake defects.
Vehicle examiner Max Carr said a maintenance investigation in September 2000 indicated that this was not being done, but when he carried out a follow-up visit in April it was apparent that the tests were being made.
However, five prohibitions had been issued in the two years since the last public inquiry, including three this year.
Managing director Michael Durham said he personally investigated any prohibitions. The company had performed roller brake testing, he added, but teething problems with the printer on the rolling-road tester meant they were not always documented.
Appearing for the company, Ian Rothera said: "The percentage of infringements has now dropped to a remarkably low level. They recognised that they had a problem and have addressed it."
The TC said: "I take the convictions most seriously. However, on this occasion I am prepared to issue the company with an oral warning both in respect of maintenance and in respect of convictions."