Transport manager must be full-timer
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et COVENTRY operator had its standard national licence issued ast week on condition that its professionally competent trans3ort manager remains a full-time employee.
Harwick Transport (Covenry) Ltd appeared before South Wales Licensing Authority Zonald Jackson, who was siting as a deputy in 3irmingham. It was for four rehicles in possession, with wo to be acquired to take over he business of director David 4orrnan Hardwick.
Vehicle examiner Joseph ohnson said he had carried rut an investigation after two if Mr Harwick's vehicles were :iven delayed prohibitions in roadside checks. The premises consisted of an open area of mainly hardstanding, and there were no under-vehicle inspection facilities.
One skilled fitter was employed to look after the four-axled tipper vehicles operated, and although inspection records showed the vehicles were inspected every four to six weeks in view of the type of work undertaken Mr Johnson would have expected many more defects to be recorded than were shown.
He inspected two vehicles and issued an immediate prohibition for ten items and a delayed prohibition for four items. He felt the inspections were only superficial and the faults found indicated a degree of lack of maintenance.
In evidence, Mr Harwick said that he had employed a time-served mechanic and the maintenance had been left to him; but a new fitter had now been employed and he agreed that in the past the inspections had been inadequate. After hearing that Mr Hardwick was also involved in the management of two other companies, Mr Jackson said the former had been specified as "a competent transport manager" in the application and therefore he had to be in the full-time employment of the company.